If you’ve been patiently waiting for more from Dumela Contemporary African Art since last summer’s show, fret not - the waiting is nearly over. Roscoe Village’s August House Studio will once again host Dumela’s annual summer show featuring original paintings by emerging and established artists from Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Represented artists create vibrant and evocative work in acrylic, oil, watercolors, pastels and mixed media – all handpicked by Dumela’s owners, Nancy McDaniel and Leila Green, during annual visits to Africa. Dumela has longstanding relationships with African artists, from whom the artwork is purchased. Dumela then selects custom framing that compliments each piece from a local Chicago company, and assembles their annual sale to share this artwork with the public. Don’t miss this once-a-year show and sale!
June 1-30, 2012
Opening reception on Friday, June 1, 5:30-9pm
August House Studio | 2113 W. Roscoe, Chicago, IL 60618
Visit during regular studio hours: Fridays 5-9pm, Saturdays 1-6pm, Sundays 12-6pm; or contact Nancy McDaniel to schedule a private viewing appointment: 773-477-2404 or kabusinze@comcast.net.
Dumela’s Adventures from the past year...
In August 2011, Dumela excitedly hosted a favorite Zimbabwean artist, Charles Nkomo, for 5 days. Charles had come to the USA to spend time at a friends’ gallery, Amazwi, in Saugatuck, Michigan. Following his stay there, Charles came to Chicago where Dumela held a show of his work at The Frame Factory - Dumela's long time and exclusive framer. The show was attended by many clients, fans and owners of the artist's work. Charles fell in love with Chicago’s scenery, restaurants, and even some shops... Old Navy and DSW!
Dumela co-owner Leila Green traveled to South Africa in March to attend the wedding of a close friend's son. While there, she met with several artists: Charles Nkomo, Patrick Rapai, Ruziwo Katsidzira, and others. For the first time, she met a young artist named Petros Mwenga, and did not like the work he initially showed her, but thought he had talent and agreed to meet with him again. After their second meeting, things clicked and she bought a painting from him.
Nancy McDaniel, Dumela’s other co-owner, wasn't able to make a trip to Africa in 2011, but through various channels did manage to get some new work from two artists she knows well - Stephen Njenga and Martin Bulinya. More recently, Nancy has had her hands full with a (troublesome) painting purchased from a Zimbabwe artist, James Jali. The painting was unsigned when originally purchased, so it was taken back to Harare by a friend, signed by the artist, and was ready to ship back to the US. The travelers (en route back the US themselves) thought it would be easier, cheaper and faster to mail the painting to Dumela once back inside the US border. Sadly, as so many people can relate to, the painting is still floating around somewhere in UPS land, after being shipped from Maryland on May 2. Needless to say - unless there's a shipping miracle - that painting will not be in this June's show, but hopefully will arrive in time for the 2013 show!
