In search of The Perfect Studio space, could this be it?!

Well, I have been looking around for a long long time. Been moving studio spaces few times and still looking for that one inspiring space..I think I finally have found it! Fingers crossed! From Ravenswood to Bridgeport I have been looking around at any artist studio space possible, been added to all the waiting lists for the high in demand locations in Chicago and been in contact with the best realtors. It has been a long process searching for that perfect location for my art creation. Some spaces were located in great neighborhoods but were really overpriced, some where in not the best areas and not with that much traffic for art enthusiasts, some where too small, some were in bad condition, ... you name it I have seen it all!

Few weeks back, I found a space at Bridgeport Art Centre in Chicago. The building is great and they are also adding a Ceramic section to the building. Full of amazing artists with access to the Gallery and small museum in the building. There is a down side to this though;  the space is in a basement level and there are NO natural lights what so ever...I know they say some artists become more creative in dark spaces but I don't think I could be in that category just yet...

I have now hopefully found the perfect location. It will be revealed soon along with invitations to a very exclusive list of invitees to attend for the opening. This space has its own curator and gallery built in and the team working behind it are one of the most amazing artists I have seen in Chicago so far so it is really exciting and really hoping I can get into this space as soon as possible.  Hopefully I can settle down in this space for a while and I have a feeling that might be the case. Stay tuned. There are some many amazing news coming up. Working on two major projects at the moment. Also some great great news coming up for me. As it seems 2015 is getting better and better already.

Will reveal the news once 100% confirmed...It is going to be an amazing chapter for Sarvin Haghighi and her art. Wait for it Chicago, you are going to hear my name more and more and more ...

Selected Artist - ShowPOD Chicago - September 2015

Pilsen is known as one of the most artistic neighborhoods in Chicago. Every 2nd Friday of the month, Pilsen artists open their studio doors to public to showcase their art. Most of the buildings in Pilsen are owned and managed by Podmajersky who have been doing an amazing job in terms of promoting the artists in their area. One of the events they manage is  showPODs which are a series of 7 exhibition spaces, compact, dynamic, unmanned, and designed to support concepts of art experimentation and installation. Conceptualized by John Podmajersky III, and created by the Chicago Arts District, showPODs create an instant art experience in the non-traditional space and format of a high exposure art installation operating around the clock. showPOD, by design, can be viewed by anyone at anytime during the life of its installation, allowing a rich public art experience that breaks down the traditional limits of a gallery space or museum.

I'm honored to be selected as one of the artists for ShowPOD in the month of September 2015. The aim of my installation is going to be a cultural exchange, to share a part of Iranian Culture which is colorful, poetic and mystic. I will be sharing more updates and images soon. At this stage I'm finalizing the sketches for all the windows.  This is an ambitious and challenging project yet very exciting and I can not be more grateful to be selected as one of the artists to show during 2015.

Below images are only few of the windows for the installations. Stay tuned for more images and for the progress on the project.

Going once, going twice...and SOLD!

 

And finally the day I was so looking forward to arrived.  The Magic of Persia Nowruz Auction Gala benefit in Dubai which was held on Iranian new years - March 21st 2015 - at Emirates Towers. The setting was beautiful and I was accompanied by my number one fan, my husband.   We were welcomed by champagne to the salon where all the artworks were on display.

There were so many beautiful artworks many by famous artists and some by emerging and other well - established artists.  Shirley Elghanian - Founder of the MOP organization - started the ceremony welcoming the artists, followed by a beautiful and touching video speech by Empress Farah Pahlavi - Former Queen of Iran - It was so unreal to be within so many amazing artists in such an amazing atmosphere. The program continued with a speech by HE Sheikh Narayan Bin Mubarak Al Nahayan - UAE's Head Minister of Culture, Youth and Social Development - and then the Christie's auctioneer stepped up and started the auctions. My painting was the 5th one of the auction list. I felt like I couldn't breath for a long time.  I noticed the start of bidding prices for most of the art works had been lowered compared to the suggested bid in the program.  My painting was one of the few that held its original bid price.

All prices mentioned in the catalogue are based on MOP and the artists suggested value but ultimately Christie's has say on the starting bid . Nervously, I saw my piece at a glance being brought up to the stage. The auctioneer started by mentioning the start bid of 2000 USD.. there was a few seconds of silence - to me it was much longer - and then the bidding started. I still couldn't breath and once I heard the word "SOLD" I realized it was sold for $6,000 USD. I was still in shock and could hardly hear my husband congratulating me...

As the auction continued we also realized that most of the pieces had an average of 20% increase between the start of bidding price and the selling price, whereas I  had a 300% increase.  At that moment it dawned on me how well my piece had performed.   This was the best start of the year I could have asked for. The ceremony continued with the performance of Shahram Shabpareh who is a legend in Iranian Rock music. I could not stop smiling the whole night. My piece was safe, with someone who appreciates it...this was the best Nowruz gift ever...