Stephen Wurth '04 FAA knows firsthand the value of I space in making that transition. Last year, he was a senior in undergraduate industrial design, displaying his work at the department's showcase in I space. This year, he arrived at I space for the industrial design fair on the opposite side of the interview desk. Wurth attended to review student portfolios and interview students for jobs and internships on behalf of Nestlé, where he found a job through networking contacts.

Wurth credits I space with boosting his confidence and maturity as he tested the career waters. "You really feel like, for the first time, that you've accomplished something," he said of his experience at the senior show. "This kind of environment makes [students] feel more professional themselves. ... They really get a chance to shine in a place that's not their home turf."

But I space is not only for students. Faculty and alumni regularly showcase their art and design work there. Undis-covered artists find a place open to displaying boundary-pushing, innovative art without the oft-crushing pressure of having to justify their works with sales. Professionals find inspiration in the creations of newcomers, and newcomers make contacts with professionals who can help launch careers.

The gallery shows works from within and outside the Chicago community, from artists as established as William Wegman, MFA '67, (who departed from the Weimaraner photos he's famous for to hold his first solo Chicago show of paintings at I space's inaugural exhibition) to talented un-knowns, hoping their show will catapult them from artistic anonymity.

"I space's niche is that we pick up the people who don't fit in a niche," Stine said. Simply put, "There's no other public forum like this in Chicago."

It's a forum that embraces a wide range of purposes and people. In addition to viewing and making contacts, "you can stop in here and have a glass of wine and reconnect with your school," said I space coordinator Mary Antonakos.

For Greg Holderfield '90 FAA, the space has only helped strengthen his school ties. The Chicago-based industrial designer frequently works in the area and likes to check in on any new I space exhibits. "In the arts we kind of feed off each other," he said. "I find those (I space exhibits) to be a terrific kind of resource for my own creativity.

"It's a terrific showcase of the talent of the state's university," he said.

Antonakos would be happy to hear that.

"I try really hard to make this a welcoming place, a place where people can feel comfortable," she said. "It's a very vital art community, and we're right in the heart of it."

Top photo by: Al DiFranco
Bottom photo courtesy of the UI College of Fine and Applied Arts