Jim DeRogatis To Headline Beverly Art Walk Fundraiser

CHICAGO, IL — Music critic and journalist Jim DeRogatis will headline a fundraiser for the upcoming Beverly Art Walk. The benefit will take place from 7-10 p.m. June 29 at the Beverly home of Monica Wilczak, who helped launch the art walk five years ago. Only 50 tickets will be sold and cost $75 each.

DeRogatis will perform a spoken-word piece in Wilczak's frunchroom, which is ironic in that the Beverly Area Arts Alliance has helped organize a live-literary series in Beverly and Morgan Park called The Frunchroom for the last three years.

Besides DeRogatis' performance, there will also be live music from Neil and Janet de los EEUU, curated art, local beer and craft cocktails. "We want this event to really capture who we are and what we do throughout the year," Wilczak said Monday.

The Beverly Art Walk is also evolving, going from a single-day event to being spread out over both Sept. 23 and 29. The first day will be dedicated to artist studio tours from noon-5 p.m. The second day will be the traditional walking tour where some 250 artists will display their work on the walls of area business as well as within vacant storefronts that have been converted to makeshift art galleries.

"The artists that open their studios never got a chance to experience the art walk," Wilczak said. She added that the Beverly Art Walk was also moved from October to September this year in the hope of better weather.

As for the fundraiser, the proceeds will help pay for live musicians to perform during the Beverly Art Walk.

The fundraiser weekend also celebrates Wilczak's 15th wedding anniversary to her husband and fellow artist, Chris. She said they are both eager to celebrate with the local artist community that has emerged as a result of the Beverly Art Walk.

A music-themed silent auction will also help to raise money at the event. Artists with their work on display will also be selling their work. Thus far, the event will include art from Jennifer Cronin, Elaine Miller, Phil Cotton, Brian Ritchard, Preston Thomas, Judie Anderson, Dan McCabe, Matthias “Spider” Schergen, David Barsotti, Sal Campbell and TC English-Dumont.

For more information, visit the Beverly Area Arts Alliance's website or email info@beverlyarts.org.

Photo by Marty Perez (2016). Illustration provided by the Beverly Area Arts Alliance.