The Big Boys Tim Kerr Paints His Heroes In Skokie

You won’t find very much visible wall space at Miishkooki gallery in Skokie this month. Artist Tim Kerr has used nearly every inch available in the venue to hang his colorful acrylic portraits—tributes to his heroes, which include figures as varied as bluesman Mance Lipscomb, photographer Walker Evans, and activist Fred Hampton—for his solo show “Your Name Here.”

Kerr has included many Chicagoans, among them Ernie Banks, the Art Ensemble of Chicago, Dawoud Bey, and Vivian Maier. Several years ago, Kerr’s interest in Maier prompted him to contact John Maloof, Miishkooki’s proprietor and one of the principal creative forces behind the documentary Finding Vivian Maier. The exhibit also includes a “Friends Wall” toward the back of the gallery, with work by local artists including Jon Langford, Greg Shirilla, and Panhandle Slim, who contributes a portrait of Wesley Willis.

Through 9/23: Mon-Fri by appointment Miishkooki Art Space 4517 Oakton St., Skokie 773-688-6038miishkooki.com Free