Bourdeau Griffin Design Center Celebrated 2nd Anniversary 

Revitalizing Chatham with a World-Class Interior Design Showroom,
Art Gallery, Non-profit Art Program and Special Event Spaces 

 

November 13, 2022 (Chicago, IL):  The Bourdeau Griffin Design Center celebrated its second anniversary with a black tie gala held at its spacious Chatham showroom and gallery.  More than 100 well-wishers enjoyed an evening of unique drinks, food and artistry in Chicago’s only Black owned and operated design center.  Guests included local elected officials, business and civic leaders, friends and family.  They came to pay tribute to the talented husband and wife team of Franztie Bourdeau-Griffin, an internationally acclaimed interior designer and general contractor, and Gerald Griffin, a nationally recognized painter, sculptor and poet.

 

Angel Idowu, WTTW Chicago Tonight’s JCS Fund of the DuPage Foundation Arts Correspondent, served as the gala’s emcee.  Idowu highlighted the significance of the Design Center space to revitalizing Chicago’s south side.  A native of the Chatham neighborhood, Idowu emphasized the importance to the Black community of having beautiful Black owned spaces.  As the neighborhood is often overlooked, she encouraged the guests to tell others about the “Blacknificent” Design Center in the heart of Chatham and return for other occasions.

 

Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore addressed the guests and explained that “the Bourdeau Griffin Design Center revitalized an abandoned ambulance repair facility that had become an neighborhood eyesore.  Businesses had long bypassed the area, yet Frantzie had the vision to see the potential beyond the building’s disrepair.  And she had the talents to bring her ideas to reality.”  That abandoned warehouse has become a world-class creative destination - a showroom and art gallery that also offers free and low cost community art classes and a multitude of special event space options.  

 

Other notable gala guests include State Senator Elgie Sims, Alderman Howard Brookins and noted artist Samuel Akainyah, Gerald’s longtime mentor.