When Chicago artist Tony Fitzpatrick died in October, countless creators across the country lost a role model, mentor and friend.
Among them was Duncan Robert Anderson, who said a comforting thought shook him out of paralyzing grief.
“I could almost hear Tony’s voice in my head, like, ‘Hey, kid, we’ve got work to do,’” said Anderson, 56, of Ukrainian Village, where Fitzpatrick once lived.
With that in mind, Anderson organized “Black Swan Elegies,” an exhibit that opened Friday at the West Town Chamber of Commerce on Chicago Avenue. Running through Sunday, the show is a tribute to Fitzpatrick, who was 66 and living in Wicker Park when he died from a heart attack. The show, featuring paintings, etchings, sculptures and other works created by Fitzpatrick and his friends, is also a continuation of the late artist’s tradition of presenting his own art exhibition each December.
Like Anderson, other artists in the show said Fitzpatrick encouraged them to develop a strong work ethic. They also said he will be remembered for championing local artists, many of whom are carrying on his legacy of building community.
“Tony was fiercely proud of Chicago,” Anderson said. “Everyone always leaves to go to New York, and it makes sense artistically, but Tony was always absolutely adamant that Chicago has such inherent worth and so much talent. He’s just been such a grounding force for so many of us, and such a powerful advocate for many artistic communities.”
Fitzpatrick was a renaissance man, working as a printmaker, collage artist, poet, columnist, actor and gallerist. He was also a lover of birds, often portraying them in his paintings. His collages featured matchbooks, CTA tickets, comic books and cigar wrappers.
“He created these little tableaus of his world,” said his daughter, Gabrielle Fitzpatrick, 31, of Ukrainian Village. “There are all these little stories hidden outside of the main image.”
Fitzpatrick appeared in films such as “Philadelphia,” “Chi-Raq” and “Primal Fear.” His last onscreen appearance will be in “Driven,” a forthcoming short film by Gabrielle and her brother, Max Fitzpatrick.
“He was easy to direct,” said Max Fitzpatrick, 33, of Bucktown, who also described the many layers of his father’s personality.
“On the surface, he was a tough Irish guy with a big ego,” he said. “But if you really got to know him, you would be taken aback by how gentle he was and generous he was. I think he got a kick out of sweeping the rug from under you and flooring you with his intellectual side.”
The siblings also said Tony Fitzpatrick applied a “blue-collar work mentality” to his art and helped many others get their start.
“If he simply got a kick out of you, he would find a way to give you a job, whether it be part-time, full-time or just a one-day thing,” Max Fitzpatrick said. “He really looked out for everybody that he sensed was truly trying to make a living out of their craft. He knew how hard it was.”
Painter Val Terrazas testified to that generosity firsthand. After meeting Fitzpatrick in 2021, she became his studio assistant.
“Tony made it a point to make sure to show up for people,” said Terrazas, 30, of Logan Square, who specializes in animal paintings that can be seen in the “Black Swan Elegies” exhibition. “It could be, ‘Hey, I’m going to give you a show in my studio space.’ Or it could be, ‘Have you eaten today? Let me get you a sandwich.’”
Terrazas also said Fitzpatrick encouraged her to stand up for herself when she was doubting her place in the art scene.
“You can’t sit around all day and wait for opportunity to come,” she said, recounting the advice he gave. “You’ve got to go out and get it.”
Artist Danny Torres, 37, of Portage Park, said Tony Fitzpatrick gave him his first solo show.
“He spoke life into me,” said Torres, who paints Chicago scenes. His depiction of the Chicken Inn at North Milwaukee and North Harlem Avenues can be seen in the exhibition.
“He’s one of those few people in my life that really encouraged me. I don’t think I’d be doing this if he didn’t come around.”
Torres said he has also been inspired by Fitzpatrick’s love of people.
“I’m a loner by nature, but through him I saw how important it is to have a good group around you,” he said. “That’s something I’m trying to live: networking with people and showing up for your friends.”
Gabrielle Fitzpatrick said her father’s hospitality extended well beyond artists; it wasn’t out of the ordinary to find other people from the neighborhood at dinner.
“His world was like a conga line,” she said. “You hop in and and now you’re in it. We always had a new cast of characters every single holiday. I’ve always said if he were a big cake, he’d want everyone in the world to have a slice.”