Under the Bridge: A Culture of Resistance

 
Initiated by sculptor Roman Villarreal, Under the Bridge Artists Studio opened Nov. 9, 2012.  Victor Montanez said this at the opening: “We see ourselves as part of a movement, a culture of resistance, of self empowerment. . . Our blood has no borders. We’re all part of the same race, the human race.” Lew Rosenbaum of the People’s Tribune visited with Roman De Lion, executive director of Under the Bridge, to find out more.
Lew Rosenbaum: Why did you want to have the June 21 community event to celebrate Steelworkers’ Park and also Roman Villarreal’s sculpture, “Tribute To The Past”?
Roman De Lion: The event was with Make Music Chicago. I curated the event so I wanted to honor the men and women who gave their blood, sweat and tears to the steel mill [U.S. Steel’s South Works] which was once where the park stands now. I am also a Local 73 Sheet metal worker so I have great respect for all my union brothers and sisters.
LR: The talent at the event was really extraordinary. Can you describe the grassroots art movement on the Southeast side of Chicago?
RD: The arts have always been around, just never really promoted well. Technology has made it very easy for artists and musicians to get heard and promoted, yet there is still a strong need for the traditional way of promoting. We at Under The Bridge have formed a collective of artists and musicians that support one another and share resources and opportunities with each other, which is rare in the industry.  We are one big family that feels a sense of pride when anyone of us succeeds, because the arts are being represented one way or another.
LR: What role can art play in bringing people from different communities together?
RD: Art plays a huge role because everyone can relate to art. There is no restriction on race, gender, age or location when it comes to art. People from different races and neighborhoods can work together on a community art project or crafts.
LR: You are planning a Labor Day weekend festival.  Can you tell our readers about this?
RD: I formed a nonprofit company with Erik Hoelzeman (owner of Agri-Fine) and Daniel Velasquez (owner of Grillers Restaurant). The main purpose of forming this company was to bring festivals to our community and neighboring areas. We are planning a four-day festival on 118th street between Ave O and Ewing Avenue. We will have food vendors, organizations, Art area, Carnival, Live music and other activities. The new Alderman Sue Garza is also having a Labor Day Parade on Sunday September 6 which will start on 102nd Ewing Aveune going down to 118th ending at the Festival. We want to bring positive events to our neighborhood that show how our community can come together and have a great time.
Under the Bridge Artists Studio is at 11032 S. Ewing.  For more information about the Studio, the Labor Day festival, or other events contact Roman De Lion at roman@utbchicago.com