This series honors four Chicago based artists who are creating for the now. Each artist has a unique artistic focus across visual arts and fashion mediums.
Let’s tell our stories
Each series will showcase their journey, with curated moments for the broader community to celebrate with them. From their vision, to who they commune with, and how they celebrate successes, this series will demonstrate the collective effort of community engagement & impact.
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Discover more about each artist’s story through a video series that highlights their current perspective on their craft, culture, and community.
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We believe every artist should have the means to keep creating. In partnership with Equity and Transformation Fund, Vanguard Legacy Grant will fund diverse creatives that need support.
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Every series will have a private event for the community to come together and celebrate the launch & fundraising efforts towards the Vanguard Legacy Grant.
Nikko’s story: Artist Feature
Nikko Washington
Nikko Washington, Raised and shaped by the landscape and culture of Hyde Park, Chicago, IL. As a trained martial artist himself, Washington uses boxing as his substrate. His latest exhibition, “Battle Royale” personifies the athlete’s impact and influence on our world today.
Through visual and physical artworks, Washington demonstrates how athletes are both glorified and dehumanized through media push and pull of physical and mental discipline it takes to overcome the fight.
Honoring Black Athletes
Far too often the efforts and impact of Black Athletes has been overlooked. As presenting sponsor of the Kentucky Derby, Woodford Reserve Bourbon continues to honor the history of Black jockeys who elevated the Kentucky Derby and pushed the sport to great heights in the late 1800s and early 1900s. These athletes played a significant role in horse racing, but few people know their story.
Despite the inequality and injustice these pioneering jockeys faced throughout their lives and careers, each exemplified love for the sport and the pursuit of excellence. The time to celebrate these men and highlight their spirit and accomplishments is long overdue.
Cocktail Showroom.
Try a delicious Woodford Reserve Cocktail at home curated by Nikko Washington and our Beverage Director, Tyler Gallagher.
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Woodford Reserve
Lemon Juice
Simple Syrup
Pomegranate Citrus Syrup
Mint Leaves
Shake, Double Strain, Coup Glass
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Woodford Reserve
Cinnamon Orange Tea Infused
Sweet Vermouth
Dash Angostura Bitters
Stir, Strain, Coup Glass
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Woodford Double Oak
Muse Cold Brew
Coffee Liqueur
Hard Shake, Strain, Coup Glass
Private Dinner
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Pannel Discussion
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Artist + Grant Celebration
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Private Dinner • Pannel Discussion • Artist + Grant Celebration •
See our Programming Below
February 15
Private Dinner
1130 West Monroe Street
A commemorative dinner with peers and catalysts who the featured artist is in community with. Our featured chef, Brian Jupiter, accompanied by our Beverage Director, Tyler Ghallager, will curate a four course meal with beverage pairings that will showcase the noteworthy flavors of Woodford Reserve.
February 24
Artist Grant Celebration
1130 West Monroe Street
A moment that brings everyone together in support of the pursuit for creative excellence. This celebration is intended to raise funds towards Vanguard Legacy Grant which is designed to benefit the diverse creative community in Chicago. The event will feature a noteworthy Chicago based DJ, curated cocktails by Woodford Reserve.
March 10
Panel Discussion
1130 West Monroe Street
The Art Of Self Descipline: In this discussion, Nikko Washington unpacks the importance of self discipline by discussing the physical and mental aspects of an artist’s journey.
The Vanguard Legacy Grant
This activation is an opportunity to uplift diverse artists and give them a platform to showcase their craft, but as they rise up, it’s important they reach back.
The New Vanguard x Equity and Transformation Fund have partnered to establish the Vanguard Legacy Grant for emerging artists who need additional funding towards their craft. Throughout the series we’ll raise funds at each celebration event and award a winner at the end of the campaign.
