For Immediate Release: Jan 29, 2008
Contact: Amy Davis
219.874.4900 or adavis@lubeznikcenter.org
The Lubeznik Center Announces the Midwest Film Premier “Wesley Willis’s Joyrides”
The Lubeznik Center for the Arts proudly announces the Midwest film premier of "Wesley Willis’s Joyrides" on February 9 at 4:00 pm in the Hyndman Gallery. The documentary will explore the life of prolific Chicago artist and musician Wesley Willis. The Center is honored to show this new film during its current exhibits featuring outsider, visionary and intuitive artists. Coincidentally, two of Willis’s drawings are on display at the Lubeznik Center as part of “Contemporary American Folk Art: The Arient Family Collection” through February 16.
Termed by some as an “outsider artist” due to his schizophrenia, the film examines Wesley's ability to draw people in despite his intimidating facade. Through his force of personality and his artistic talents, Wesley's music and art attracted people from all walks of life. Greeting people with a headbutt, Wesley quickly stood out in a crowd. Through interviews with friends and footage from the last four years of Wesley's life, a portrait emerges of a man whose day to day existence was wrought with pain and joy. Although his life was troubled, Wesley never stopped creating. He continued to draw pictures and write songs up until his death.
~ Sarah Diamond, Programmer
Slamdance 2008 Documentary Competition Presented by Langley Productions
Directors Chris Bagley and Kim Shively state: “The places he [Willis] drew contained the stories of his development as an artist. Through interviews with friends and footage from the last four years of Wesley’s life, a portrait emerges, one filled with violence and joy and beauty where you’d least expect it.” By the time of his death at the age of 40, Wesley had produced over 50 albums and thousands of drawings – more than most of us could hope to achieve in a lifetime.
As another special treat, architect, artist and collector, Paul Young, will offer a brief introduction to the film. Young met Wesley Willis by chance on the streets of Chicago in 1981 and invited him to sit-in during the classes he was teaching at nearby Illinois Institute of Technology. Willis took him up on the offer and learned and created with the enrolled students for five years. During that time, Young purchased many of Willis’s early works and was ultimately interviewed for the “Joyrides” film.
Don’t miss a very special opportunity to see “Wesley Willis’s Joyrides” in Michigan City, Indiana – even before it shows in Chicago! Visit www.lubeznikcenter.com to view trailers and learn more about Willis and the directors. A $3 admission donation is appreciated, with LCA members admitted free. The film is 77 minutes in length. Also, Paul Young and Margaret Fox will host an “after party” at Young Fox Gallery for anyone who wishes to see their collection of Willis’s work. Directions will be available at the screening or by calling the Lubeznik Center at 219-874-4900. Co- Sponsored by the Lubeznik Center and Young Fox Gallery.
Please also distribute to your affiliates.
The Jack and Shirley Lubeznik Center for the Arts
101 W. 2nd St.
Michigan City, IN 46360
219.874.4900
artinfo@lubeznikcenter.org
www.lubeznikcenter.org
Provided with support from South Shore Arts, the Indiana Arts Commission, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
darlene 