Name/Title
David Csicsko LGBTQ portraitsEntry/Object ID
2024.35.01Description
Five, framed color digital prints by Chicago artist David Lee Csicsko created for the art exhibit "History Book: LGBTQ Portraits" that was on display in the History Center's 2nd floor gallery from January 1, 2020 to January 1, 2021
After the exhibit closed, Csicsko donated the portraits of local LGBTQ people to the SDHC.
The portraits are of:
A. Mary Kay Bettles
B. Florence Ely Hunn
C. Isabel Graham
D. Carl Jennings and Larry Gammons
E. Burr Tillstrom
Item F. is a larger print explaining the exhibit.
The prints are behind glass with white mats and frames.Type of Print
Digital PrintArtwork Details
Subject Person
Bettles, Mary Katherine 1910-1984, Hunn, Florence Ely "Dannie" 1887-1984, Graham, Isabel Gladys 1870/1-1954, Jennings, Carl 1938-2019, Gammons, Larry, Tillstrom, Burr 1917-1985Context
In conjunction with the exhibit "A Century of Progress," the History Book exhibit featured more than two dozen stylized portraits of local, national and international LGBTQ pioneers by Chicago artist and designer David Lee Csicsko. Biographical and historical information for the exhibit was developed by LGBTQ historian and author Owen Keehnen. Both Csicsko and Keehnen are inductees of Chicago’s LGBT Hall of Fame and the illustrator and author of the book "LGBTQ+ Icons: A Celebration of Historical LGBTQ+ Icons in the Arts."Collection
Artworks, 1960 Gay/LGBTQ+ culture, Burr Tillstrom, Florence HunnCataloged By
Winthers, SallyAcquisition
Accession
2024.35Source or Donor
Csicsko, David LeeAcquisition Method
Donation, unconditionalDimensions
Dimension Description
image area 11x14 inchesHeight
20 inWidth
16 inLocation
Shelf
AC bay 10Room
Art Conservation RoomRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Kerr, John, Kelleher, William "Bill" E. 1955-2023, Matteson, Max, Baty, Bud, West Shore AwareInterpretative Labels
Label
Florence ‘Dannie’ Hunn (1887–1984) dreamt of studying architecture but since architecture schools did not admit women at the time, she instead became an interior designer.
Her Chicago design store featured unique furniture and wall coverings. Success led to additional stores and by 1930, Hunn had become one of America’s top designers.
Over a decade earlier, Hunn and her companion, Mabel “Jims” Warren, purchased a lakefront cabin south of Douglas near Pier Cove that dated back to 1858. The tiny cabin became their home for the next five decades.
In the Saugatuck area, Hunn was given the opportunity to practice architecture and landscaping. In addition to restoring one of Saugatuck’s most architecturally significant homes, Hunn designed several new structures.
However, the centerpiece of her work was the cottage she shared with Jims. For several decades, the women built, rebuilt, added on, and reinvented their lakefront home. They also transformed the surrounding area, creating gardens with flagstone walkways, open areas for luncheons and outdoor activities, and superb views of Lake Michigan.
With Pier Cove as her sanctuary, Florence Hunn managed to fashion a unique, productive, and fulfilling life for herself as well as her beloved Jims.
Interpretative Label Text by Owen KeehnenCreate Date
August 7, 2024Update Date
September 3, 2024
