By Jim Sterne
News Editor
The contemporary Arts Workshop (CAW), 524 Grant Pl., has seen its tax assessment go up from $80,799 in 2002 to $234,957. "The reality is we cannot sustain this increase — the workshop will fail," said Lynn Kearney, director.
In 1960, CAW moved from Michigan and Chicago avenues to Lincoln Park, which at the time was full of seedy, unkempt buildings with low rents and a struggling sense of community. Old Town was booming and artists found Lincoln Park's low rents and cozy neighborhood bars very hospitable.
Times change...and assessments follow. The tony neighborhood today boasts some of the highest property values in the country. Most of the artists are gone and those that stay have a hard time living in the same place where they work. CAW, which hasn't given a class in years, still performs a major service by offering workspace for about 20 local artists and gallery space to exhibit their work and other artists' work.
Lynn and Jack Kearney have been keeping the institution going all these years. Jack is well known for his automobile bumper sculptures of animals that graze the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Field Museum, as well as Oz Park's Tin Man.
CAW wants to appeal the new assessment and is calling for support from organizations and individuals. On Oct. 27, CAW will appeal the assessment to the Cook County Assessor and need letters of support to help them with their appeal. For more information, call (773) 472-4004 or visit their Web site at www.contemporaryartworksop.org.
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