I still travel all around the world to support events and train teams in graphic facilitation, but in case you haven't tracked my every move... Alphachimp is now based in a beautiful raw studio space just north of Chicago in Evanston, Illinois. Keep reading for the colorful backstory and photos. — Peter

Alphachimp LLC, 1601 Payne Street Unit A, Evanston, Illinois

Exactly four years ago in December of 2015 that we said goodbye to our beautiful studio at Marathon Village in downtown Nashville. I won't lie... it was tough to lose such a big, beautiful space and warm community. For three years, I worked out of a spare bedroom, before bouncing around some co-working spaces.

Back in the early summer of 2019, we found us a really awesome studio!

I refer to “we” because I am a member of a group of independent writers, visual artists, and one 3D designer/foundry sculptor. I joined this group in the autumn of 2017 as a commitment to making more personal artwork and making friends locally. (I still love you, Nashvegas!!)

ABOVE: Members of the Trajectory artists group. From left to right, Peter Durand, Don Miner, Matthew Cummins, Marjory Oliva, Jayme Gualtier, Sarah Jolly and Leah Lemelin

In March of this year, we had our first group show at 1100 Florence gallery in Evanston.

ABOVE: The opening reception on Friday, March 23, 2019

Trajectory: Process Revealed

We called the show Trajectory: Process Revealed, with the intention to show up with what we had, be authentic, and create the space. As we tried to capture the supportive, ad hoc nature of our group in the promotional postcard:

“Our group meets weekly to be in it together. Wherever each member is on their creative path, we show up. For ourselves, for each other. Just show up. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Seven trajectories intersecting, creating a yet-to-be-scientifically-identified energy inspiring continued creativity. Reminders to practice self-compassion when the flow isn’t happening. We celebrate each other and watch the magic happen. We celebrate movement, even if it is a half inch. A half-inch forward is still movement toward getting it done.”

The show was intended to be different from other artistic happenings. We didn’t want to be bored or closed off, so we packed the place with kids, loved ones, and good food.

We invited folks to join us in celebrating the movement on our trajectories. We wanted to share in our progress, show our work, and talk to visitors about their impressions and where we see our work going. It was our hope that, as people left, they would will contemplate their own trajectory.

The opening weekend on March 22-24, 2019 went like this:

Thursday: Show up with what you have and build out the space.
Friday: Opening reception and party
Saturday: Host a working studio experience in the gallery
Sunday: Invite folks to debrief the experience

Saturday Open studio session during the show at 110 Florence Gallery

See more photos from the show

Since our first group show was a huge success, the experience catalyzed our desire to find a space to make stuff together! After obsessive scoping out of industrial buildings, lofts, and studios, we found the perfect #rawstudiospace next to the Midwest Ceramics Guild.

The studio is located just north of Chicago in Evanston, off of Green Bay Road, just south of Central Street at the intersection of Payne Street and Ashland Avenue.

ABOVE: Matthew Cummins working near canvases by Marjory Oliva.

I was also inspired by my friend Sita Magnuson and her Fort Future in Massachusetts, where she blends community engagement, fine art, and colorful blanket forts.

Following these examples we combine fun, learning, artwork, creative writing, and communal gatherings in the big, sunlit studio, complete with frequent kids’ night and check-ins on artistic progress by group members.

Kids Balnket Fort Night, inspired by our friends at Fort Future

Our shared studio space is near Northwestern University campus. We are members of the Evanston Made community which hosts artist events throughout the year, including the First Saturday Art Events every month. Most important for me.... this group has motivated me to begin painting again!

ABOVE: Paintings in progress. Oil on canvas.

In 2020, we plan to host gatherings and workshops. If you are interested, space can accommodate 8-12 workshop participants. See more photos and details at www.alphachimp.com/rawstudio

You should come to visit sometime! CONTACT ME to find a good time.