The impact of the Hyde Park Art Center on the history of Chicago’s arts ecosystem cannot be overstated. From offering studio space and facilities to emerging artists who have gone on to become giants in the art world, to providing educational resources for the community and championing the careers of young curators, HPAC’s legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of contemporary art in Chicago.

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One of the Art Center’s most celebrated initiatives is Not Just Another Pretty Face. Taking place every three years, the program is a collaborative commissioning project created by HPAC that pairs patrons with artists to create highly personal and engaging works of art ranging from the traditional to the deeply unconventional.

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At Gertie, we care deeply about creating opportunities for connection between artists and patrons and encouraging thoughtful engagement with contemporary art collecting, so we are thrilled to return to HPAC for a private presentation featuring the artists participating in the upcoming edition of Not Just Another Pretty Face, alongside a beautiful brunch buffet by TXA TXA Club with mimosas!

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To date, the Art Center has raised more than $900,000 through the initiative, half of which goes directly into the hands of participating artists, while the other half supports HPAC’s programming and community initiatives. Through Not Just Another Pretty Face, more than 375 original works of art have been commissioned by over 275 new and established collectors invested in supporting Chicago artists.

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Each edition culminates in an exhibition of the commissioned works, a catalog documenting the creative process, and a celebratory unveiling event before the works ultimately make their way into patrons’ homes. The success of the program has even inspired similar initiatives in Boise, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, and Salt Lake City.

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Since its inception in the mid 1990s, Not Just Another Pretty Face has remained grounded in three core goals:

• Supporting Chicago artists
• Making collecting and patronage accessible to a wider community
• Expanding contemporary interpretations of portraiture

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Join us for brunch, bubbles, and inspiration as we learn more about Not Just Another Pretty Face and the artists participating in the next edition of the program. Artists will be present and studios will be open for exploration! This is the perfect event for those that are looking to build their collection from a starting place of genuine connection.

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11 AM-2 PM