Magnificent Mile Hotel Launches Art-Inspired Hotel Program in Celebration of Local and Regional Artists

CHICAGO, Nov. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Since opening five years ago, The James has become an important fixture in the city's art scene by supporting and featuring local and regional artists throughout the hotel's interior through both permanent and rotating pieces. Inspired by the hotel's recent interior refurbishment, The James is proud to announce a first-ever, in-residence Artist Studio @ The James. This art-inspired hotel program is designed to celebrate talent in the Midwest and give artists the chance to create a one-of-a-kind piece that will be added to the hotel's permanent collection. This would be the first piece commissioned since the hotel opened in 2006.

From Nov. 3 to Nov. 6, five artists from Chicago, Detroit and Minneapolis will take residence at the Magnificent Mile hotel  for four days only to create a wall-based piece inspired by their experience in the city. From metal working to painting to collage, artists will be given the chance to make their way into the permanent hotel art collection with creations that reflect the hotel's eclectic and refreshing energy.  Each piece will be critiqued by a local panel of judges and the winning artwork will undergo official review for permanent commission. Participating artists include:

• Kristina Estell – Nominated by Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minneapolis
• Jane Ritchie, David Rollins and Amy Weiks – Cranbrook Academy of Art, Bloomfield Hills, MI
• Monica Sirimarco – Nominated Fine Arts Building, Chicago

Art enthusiasts can catch all the action by visiting the The James Facebook page and viewing the "Artist Studio @ The James" tab beginning Nov. 3. An introduction to each artist, interviews, videos and photos will be featured, allowing the public to watch as each piece is created on-site at the hotel. The Artist Studio @ The James program winner will be announced on Facebook on Monday, Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. CT.

The hotel will host an Artist Studio @ The James MixArt reception on Friday, Nov. 4 from 5–7 p.m. CT in the Lobby Bar. Guests will enjoy complimentary cocktails and light appetizers, and have the chance to meet and mingle with participating artists.

In addition, The James Chicago has revealed a refreshed look this fall, including updated furnishings, new environmentally-thoughtful services and a selection of updated in-room amenities. Highlights include a partnership with Intelligent Nutrients, complimentary triple-filtered water - refreshed twice daily - in each guest room, eco-friendly pillow options by Keetsa, custom-crafted furniture motivated by guest feedback and additions to the hotel's existing art collection – including the piece commissioned for the Artist Studio @ The James.

ABOUT THE JAMES

In the realm of hospitality, The James hotels, with ideally situated locations in Chicago, New York and The James Royal Palm in Miami (opening late 2012), are authentic, warmly modern, residentially-styled luxury hotels that deliver an artistically inspired blend of exquisitely hand-crafted design surrounded by environmentally thoughtful details. The James defines luxury liberated from tradition; this core philosophy is evident in the properties' residential yet social environment and personal, intuitive service. www.jameshotels.com.

ABOUT CRANBROOK ACADEMY OF ART
www.cranbrookart.edu.

ABOUT FINE ARTS BUILDING
http://www.fineartsbuilding.tv/

ABOUT MINNEPAOLIS INSTITUTE OF ARTS
www.artsmia.org.

The James CHICAGO
55 East Ontario at Rush
Chicago, IL 60611
Toll Free: 877.JAMES.55
Local: 312.337.1000
jameshotels.com

Press Contact for Chicago Media Inquiries:
Holly Winter/Leslie Petersen
Current
[email protected]
[email protected]
312-929-0511

Press Contact for Regional Media Inquiries:
Victoria Martinez-Hart
Dan Klores Communications
[email protected]
212-981-5217

SOURCE The James