The Evanston Art Center (EAC) is pleased to present a new exhibition, The Four Virtues, featuring works by Eli Williamson.

Eli Williamson is a photo essayist born and bred on the talented streets of Chicago’s South Side. His street photography captures the intimate moments of people of African descent in the Americas and their influence on popular culture worldwide. His focus on capturing the narratives of Black Men and Boys through images is vital in addressing the stereotypes that have been detrimental to their wellness and continue to damage the cohesiveness of the communities in which they live. By combining his images with written exposition, Eli provides his audience with his unique perspective as a Black father and nonprofit leader in the community in which he lives. His images focus on the dimensions of color and texture, reciprocal relationships, interdependence, and community grit. This focus underpins his ability to capture authentic imagery of the African diaspora that is emulated worldwide. His current project, The Four Virtues, is a four-part monograph that explores and cements the virtue of Black Men and Boys as they navigate a society where the expectation of virtue is absent. The first virtue of this project is FatherHood.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Eli Williamson is a nonprofit and philanthropy executive with over a decade of experience working to solve complex problems in distressed communities. His goal as a photo essayist is to use street photography to challenge false narratives of the Afro-American Diaspora. Eli is also the co-founder of Leave No Veteran Behind, an Illinois-based non-profit that invests in veterans to build more resilient communities. He was the former Director of Veterans Programs for the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. Eli served in Iraq and Afghanistan as a non-commissioned officer in the US Army, as a member of Psychological Operations (PSYOP), and as an Arabic linguist supporting special operations forces. Eli is a dedicated father and enjoys taking summer wilderness adventures in his camper with his standard poodle Starla.

The Four Virtues will be on display in the Evanston Art Center’s Lobby Gallery from January 16 – March 10, 2023, with an opening reception on February 5 from 2-4pm. The exhibition and opening reception are free and open to the public. This project is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and EAC’s general membership.

Evanston Art Center, a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization, is dedicated to fostering the appreciation and expression of the arts among diverse audiences. The Art Center offers extensive and innovative instruction in broad areas of artistic endeavor through classes, exhibitions, interactive arts activities, and community outreach initiatives.

Evanston Art Center is located at 1717 Central Street, Evanston, IL. Evanston Art Center Gallery Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9am–6pm; Friday, 9am–5pm; Saturday and Sunday, 9am–4pm. First and second floor gallery spaces are accessible. Limited free parking is available. Masks are optional but strongly recommended for students, visitors, and staff.

For more information, please visit us online at www.evanstonartcenter.org or contact Audrey Avril, Manager of Exhibitions, at 847.475.5300 or aavril@evanstonartcenter.org. Visit the Evanston Art Center on Facebook: www.facebook.com/EvanstonArtCenter/, follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/#!/evartcenter, or on Instagram: @EvanstonArtCenter.

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EXHIBITION DATES: January 16 – March 10, 2023
OPENING RECEPTION: February 5, 2-4pm
GALLERY HOURS: Monday–Thursday, 9am–6pm; Friday, 9am–5pm; Saturday and Sunday, 9am–4pm

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