Theaster Gates brings Johnson Publishing Company back to life
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A receptionist's desk from the former JPC headquarters. Photo: Carrie Shepherd/Axios
A new exhibition celebrates the rich legacy of Chicago's Johnson Publishing Company.
Driving the news: "Theaster Gates: When Clouds Roll Away: Reflection and Restoration from the Johnson Archive," presented by artist Theaster Gates' Rebuild Foundation, is now open at Stony Island Arts Bank in Greater Grand Crossing.
Why it matters: Johnson Publishing Co. (JPC) was the iconic Chicago company behind Ebony and Jet magazines, which documented Black life in America from the 1940s to the 2010s.
- The exhibit includes colorful artifacts, vintage office furniture and works of art owned from JPC's former headquarters on Michigan Avenue.
Zoom in: Visitors can see Gates' "Facsimile Cabinet of Women's Origin Stories," comprising over 3,000 framed images of women from the JPC's archives.
- The space will have a bar and lounge and live music series.
If you go: Stony Island Arts Bank is open Thursday through Saturday from 12-8pm and Sundays until 5pm.