Vertical Gallery is very proud to present ‘Atomic Number 13 part 2,’ a group show featuring new work from a local, national, and international roster of artists, curated by Chicago-based art services and custom framing company ArtBuilds. After the incredible success of 'Atomic Number 13' in December 2021, Vertical and ArtBuilds immediately decided to partner again for part 2.

‘Atomic Number 13 part 2,’ which runs from Nov. 5 - 19 at Vertical’s 1016 N. Western Ave. location, brings together over 80 artists in all, each working on an 11x14 aluminum composite panel handcrafted by ArtBuilds. The company’s founder, artist Joseph Renda Jr. — the subject of the summer 2021 Vertical Gallery solo show ‘Larger Than Life’ — also handpicked each artist included in the exhibit, some of whom (including Renda) will be in attendance at the gallery on Saturday, Nov. 5 in celebration of the show’s opening (noon-6pm). 

The title ‘Atomic Number 13” honors aluminum’s spot on the periodic table of elements. Renda began painting on aluminum composite panels five years ago, inspired by his mentor Anthony Adcock, an instructor at the American Academy of Art. “Once I realized I could make these panels whatever size I wanted, or build them in different shapes, I was hooked, and I stopped painting on canvas and wood,” Renda says. “These panels are the smoothest, most archival surface you can paint on, and unlike other surfaces, they don’t absorb moisture, so they’re not going to warp over time.”

Renda launched ArtBuilds in 2018 to provide much-needed framing and construction services to his peers in the artist community. “I make everything by hand, all from natural wood — not just frames, but also custom canvases, shipping crates and pedestals. Artists make up 90 percent of my clientele, and the other 10 percent are galleries and collectors.” ArtBuilds has been working with Vertical since before Renda officially founded the company: when the gallery needed assistance with multiple projects, Renda offered his support, and the partnership continues to this day.

“Beyond showing the versatility of the aluminum panels, I wanted to show the diversity of art out there,” he explains. “With so many artists working in so many different styles, everyone who attends this show is going to discover something that they love.”

The artists featured in Atomic Number 13 part 2 include:

Aaron Robert Baker, Adam Augustyn, Ador, Agnes Cecile, AJ Ainscough, Aldair Dosmil, Alejandro Botubol Bolaños, Alex Face, Allie Kushnir, Ana Fuentes, Bird Milk, Blake Jones, Codak Smith, Collin van der Sluijs, Chris Uphues, Christy Grossmann, Cristi López, David Heo, Delisha, Diosa, Diego Peñuela, Elloo, Emma McKee, Ezra Brown, Fintan Magee, FACE, Fedz, Flog, GoopMassta, Goosenek, Grant William Thye, Hama Woods, Jamiah Calvin, James Eastwood, James Lipnickas, James Sturnfield, JC Rivera, Jennifer Cronin, Jenny Frison, Jordan Ferguson, Joseph Renda Jr., Jesse Hora, Jesse Navarrete, JUURI, Karl Jahnke, Kathie Olivas, Katie Lukes, Kyle Cobban, Loc Hong, Laura Catherwood, Lie, Martin Whatson, Mary Fedorowski, Matt Zuska, Mau Mau, Melissa Villarreal, Miller James, Micah Ofstedahl, Michelle Avery, Konczyk, Morgan Frew, My Dog Sighs, Oscar Joyo, Paul Neberra, Penny Pinch, Pipsqueak Was Here!!!, Pizza in the Rain, Poka, Racheal Scotland, Ramiro Silva-Cortes, Ruben Aguirre, ROIZ, Samantha DeCarlo, Sarah Jamison, Savannah Magnolia, Sergio Farfán, Seth Clark, Shawnimals, Sid Ylagan, Steve Seeley, Thomas Turner, Troy Scat, Underseagravy, Valeria Terrazas, Van Dam One, Vivian Le, Yon, YunGFlop, Zach Schrey, ZorZorZor

'Atomic Number 13 part 2', curated by ArtBuilds
November 5-19, 2022
Opening day: Sat Nov 5, noon-6pm
Vertical Gallery, 1016 N Western Ave., Chicago