01/08/2026
Join us Friday!
Trump's War on Civil Society: the Attack on the Civil Service
Photographs and posters from Jean Engelkeimer, Allan Koss, Stephen Marc, Aimee Potter, Daniel Rangel, Colin Smalley and Elsa Weber- Protests against the attack.
Opening January 9th at 6pm
Artists share their work at 630pm
Opening reception program: January 9th at 7pm
URI-EICHEN Gallery 2101 S Halsted Chicago IL 60608
Opening reception program: January 9th January 9th at 7pm
Discussion: The Attack on Civil Service with American Federation of Government Employees member from Veteran's Affairs Aimee Potter, Colin Smalley President of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers Local 777, and Mike Newman, Deputy Director AFSCME Council 31. The cost and loss to the public, the workers and the fight back in the courts and streets.
Aimee Potter is a VA social worker and AFGE local steward. She has spoken out locally and nationally because of the harm caused by the Trump administration cuts to veterans' care and the federal workforce. Coalition building with labor groups, unions, May Day Strong, and About Face Veterans has been key to the fight against the administration. She has been a social worker for more than 20 years.
Mike Newman is Deputy Director of AFSCME Illinois Council 31, responsible for collective bargaining, contract administration and legal issues. He previously worked as an organizer, legislative director and labor educator. Newman was elected International Vice President in 2015.
Colin Smalley is a third-generation union member and is a geographer professionally. He has been serving as the President of Local 777 since 2020. He serves as a Director of the IFPTE National Council of Army Corp of Engineers Locals and as a Delegate to the Chicago Federation of Labor.
Closing reception program- February 13th at 7pm: How to and skills building - Organizing a Protest and hands on protest marshal duty training with Julie Sampson from the Illinois Federation of Teachers and formerly of Citizen Action Illinois.
Show by appointment from January 9, 2026, through February 28, 2026 outside of receptions. For an appointment call or text 312 852 7717 or email [email protected].
About the Photographers and Poster Makers:
Jean Engelkeimer, a Chicago native, is a retired physician who creates poster art as a means of resistance to the rising tide of oppression.
Allan Koss has been a freelance social documentary photographer in Chicago for over 60 years.
Stephen Marc is a once again a Chicago resident, and Professor Emeritus at Arizona State University, is a documentary/street photographer and digital montage artist whose work explores American identity and sense of place. He is a South Sider who taught at ASU for 26 years, following 20 years at Columbia College Chicago, published five books of his photographic work, and is a Guggenheim Fellow.
Daniel Rangel is a native of Chicago, and his photography has appeared in online publications such as, The Chicago Tribune, various travel brochures, online fashion publications, and as part of a published coffee table book. His work often carries a sense of whimsy and observation, while his protest images reflect more intense and urgent moments.
Aimee Potter is a VA social worker and AFGE local steward. She has spoken out locally and nationally because of the harm caused by the Trump administration cuts to veterans' care and the federal workforce. Coalition building with labor groups, unions, May Day Strong, and About Face Veterans has been key to the fight against the administration. She has been a social worker for more than 20 years.
Colin Smalley President of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers Local 777. He serves as a Director of the IFPTE National Council of Army Corp of Engineers Locals and as a Delegate to the Chicago Federation of Labor.
Elsa K. Weber is a retired associate professor of Early Childhood Development at Purdue University Northwest. Again becoming socially active after retirement, she is particularly involved with Mexican women in Pilsen, struggling against the gentrification that is pushing long term Mexican residents out of the area. Recently at local marches, her primary focus has been documenting unique hand-made signs that would likely not survive beyond the day of a march.
Photo by Allan Koss