In The Weeds is the 4th iteration of Queer Gardens, an ongoing body of work that started in 2019, about the time Toan attended the ACRE residency. As a continuing project, Queer Gardens uses the location of the garden as a lens from which to question and reimagine such concepts as radical inter-species relationships, collective nourishment, and challenging contemporary conceptions of work and productivity. 

As the title suggests, this has been an overwhelming year and a half. In The Weeds is an intermingling of select pieces from the larger body of work. Toan chose pieces that are somewhat disjointed in concept and material, but tie together larger threads of color, scale, and unruly life in the height of summer. From a gardener's perspective, you can learn a lot by spending time in the weeds. 

Frankie Toan

Based in Denver, Frankie Toan (they/them/theirs) is an artist working mostly with craft and DIY materials and techniques to create large soft sculptures, interactive works, and immersive installations. Their work ranges from text based non-traditional quilts, to p/lush fantasy bodies, to large collaborative immersive projects.  Frankie has participated in many group shows and collaborations nationwide. Recent projects include a commission for Meow Wolf’s permanent Denver exhibition, as well as the company's Kaleidoscape immersive ride at Elitch Gardens amusement park, and a public art installation “Public Body” for "Between Us Alleys"- a public art intervention project in downtown Denver. They've had residencies at RedLine (CO) and Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts (TN) among other places.

 

Opening Reception:

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ACRE Projects @ Drama Club
2439 S Oakley Avenue
Chicago , IL 60608

Not Wheelchair Accessible

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