Learn about Dr. Charles Smith, his artistic practice and the African-American Heritage Museum and Black Veteran’s Archive from the artist himself. Together with Intuit board member Cleo Wilson, Smith will discuss how he and his art and art environment have evolved over time.

The artist talk will take place in the performance space at Intuit and conclude with a Q&A with the audience.

Please contact Lindsey Wurz at lindsey@art.org with questions related to accessibility accommodations.

Tickets to the artist talk include admission to the museum, so please arrive early or stay after the program (or both) to see sculptures by Dr. Charles Smith in the exhibition Ted Degener: At Home with Artists, in addition to Smith’s portrait and home video by Ted Degener.

Register on Eventbrite
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/artist-talk-dr-charles-smith-tickets-635401853047

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This program is funded in part by the Alphawood Foundation, the Department of Cultural Affairs, Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, Illinois Arts Council Agency, Illinois Humanities, National Endowment for the Arts, Prince Charitable Trust, Terra Foundation for American Art, and individual donations from Intuit members and supporters.

Meet Dr. Charles Smith

A preacher, activist, Vietnam veteran and divinely-inspired artist, Dr. Charles Smith has a creative output that encompasses thousands of sculptures. These sculptures, made since 1986, depict the tragedies and triumphs of the African American experience. His works, many of which are gifts for his communities, challenge conventional notions of what art is and where it’s expected to be found. He uses the adopted title “Doctor” to communicate the elevated level of wisdom garnered from his life experiences and work. In 2023, Intuit awarded Smith with the Visionary Award, an accolade given to those doing outstanding work in the field of outsider and self-taught art.

Meet Cleo Wilson
Cleo Wilson has served Intuit as a founder, volunteer, board member, chief editor of The Outsider magazine, curator, executive director, board president (twice) and board member (again)! In 2012, Intuit awarded Wilson with the Visionary Award in honor of her service to the museum and the field of outsider and self-taught art.

Image info:
Ted Degener (American, b. 1948). Dr. Charles Smith stands outside of The African-American Heritage Museum and Black Veterans Archive in Aurora, Illinois, 1996. Archival pigment print. Photo courtesy Ted Degener

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Tags: Artist Talk: Dr. Charles Smith, Chicago, Cleo Wilson, Dr. Charles Smith, Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art, Ted Degener, West Town