Home Movies for the Holidays: A Pop-Up Exhibition on the Arts Block

Dec. 04, 2021 - Jan. 02, 2022

Arts Incubator (301 E Garfield Blvd)

Set off on a one-of-a-kind tour through decades of South Side merry-making with favorite holiday home movies from the South Side Home Movie Project Archive, sound-tracked with soul-stirring new scores by DJ Tess and Rob McKay.

Swing by the Arts Incubator to watch the home movies (safely and socially distant) from the sidewalk, as part of the holiday activation of the Arts Block.

Click the links below to pick up the soundtrack while you're there, or watch the holiday mixes online from wherever you are.

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Click here to watch online: Home Movies for the Holidays Mix #1 by DJ Tess
Viewable on the Arts Block from Dec 4 - Dec 17, 2021.

Gather 'round! In this new mix, DJ Tess blends soulful classics, holiday staples and dusty kick drums, matching nostalgic and joyous home movie moments with a perfect musical counterpart.

This mix features home movie clips from these SSHMP Collections: Dr. Helen Nash, Alphonse and Nancie Teer Ellis Family, Alsup Smith, Gustina Steele, Jay Kavanaugh, David D. and Margaret T. Pitts, Ellis McClelland, Charles Merrifield, Jean Patton, Yosh Nakazawa and Leroy Roberson.

About DJ Tess
Tess moved to Chicago in 2002 from Baton Rouge as a visual artist, but eventually turned to the music scene for creative expression. In 2011, she co-founded award-winning dance party, Slo ‘Mo, and holds multiple residencies in the city, including the Four Seasons hotel and Disco. Tess is known for her vibrant energy on stage, mixing old school into contemporary music and all-around dance party magic.

Click here to watch online: Home Movies for the Holidays Mix #2 by Rob McKay
Viewable on the Arts Block from Dec 18, 2021 - Jan 2, 2022.

This mix features home movie clips from these SSHMP Collections: Jean Patton, Gustina Steele, Dr. Homer Nash Jr., Dr. George Reed Jr., Leroy Roberson, Philip Maxwell Sr., Alphonse and Nancie Teer Ellis Family, Buford Family, Alsup Smith Family, Yosh Nakazawa, Dr. Homer Nash Jr. and Sylvester Matthews.

About Rob McKay
Rob McKay is co-owner and curator at Connect Gallery located in Hyde Park, Chicago, providing a social space and gallery for both well-established and burgeoning artists. He is Director of Productions for The Silver Room Sound System Block Party and the founder of THĒARĒ Group, an organization in which artists and the entrepreneurial-minded share ideas and resources. (Full bio at link above)