Pop-Up Art Show Will Feature Acclaimed Jewelry Artist Ani Afshar

A Highland Park Pop-Up Art Show will feature the works of celebrated artists, including jewelry designer Ani Afshar. The event, presented by Joy Horwich and her daughters Jill Bernstein and Penny Keeshin, will begin on Monday, February 14, 2011, and continue through Monday, February 21, 2011. As one of 20 artists selected to participate, Afshar will showcase her famous beaded jewelry, the likes of which have graced the pages of InStyle, Women’s Wear Daily, and Modern Bride. Located at 2055 Green Bay Road, Highland Park, IL, the gallery will be open Monday through Thursday, 10 am through 6 pm; Friday, 10 am through 4 pm; Saturday, 1 pm through 6 pm; Sunday, 10 am through 5 pm; and President’s Day (Monday, February 21), 10 am through 6 pm.

Afshar’s multicultural upbringing inspires her beaded and woven creations. Born in Istanbul, educated in Switzerland, and now based in Chicago, Afshar draws on Eastern and Western traditions to craft her one-of-a-kind pieces. Afshar uses a range of colors and materials to create pieces that are works of art unto themselves and are sure to add a unique touch on a special day or every day. 

Celebrated both stateside and abroad, Afshar’s designs reflect artistic traditions from across the globe, but are made locally in her Logan Square studio at 3224 West Altgeld St. The space also functions as a boutique and classroom where aspiring artists can take jewelry making lesson taught by Afshar herself!

In addition to Afshar’s jewelry, the Pop-Up Art Show will feature fine art, ceramics, photography, furniture, Judaica, and more from other local artists. After 25 years as an art curator for a public art gallery, Horwich now dedicates herself to finding and promoting contemporary artists, like Afshar, through events such as the Pop-Up Art Show. 

The Pop-up Art Show is free and open to the public. The week will kick off with a Valentine’s Day opening breakfast on February 14 to be presented from 10 am to 11:30 am. On Thursday, February 17, the sponsors invite visitors to stay late for a wine and tequila tasting at an after-party from 7 pm to 9 pm. Parking is available in the adjacent lot. 

For additional information about the Pop-Up Gallery, please email PopUpArtShow@gmail.com.

To make an appointment to view Afshar’s studio, call Ani Afshar at 773.645.8922.