The Chicago Public Library opened a free exhibition, entitled “Chester Commodore, 1914-2004: The Work and Life of a Pioneering Cartoonist of Color,” May 24 in the exhibit gallery at Carter G. Woodson Regional Library, 9525 S. Halsted St. The e
The Chicago Public Library acquired the Chester Commodore Papers in the summer of 2007 as a generous gift from his step-daughter, Lorin Nails-Smoote and family. Among the extraordinary art works are original cartoons, photographs, letters, awards and other memorabilia. Among the many things on exhibit are historical materials on social happenings depicted with humorous African American cartoonists.
The most important artistic concept of Chester Commodore was his characterization of many famous individuals who were famous as artists, actors, and entertainers that were featured on the cover of the Chicago Defender’s weekend entertainment section. Chesterfield “Chester” Commodore, a native of Racine, Wisconsin was born in 1914, but relocated to Chicago when he was 13. One of his most innate talents was drawing, particularly creating cartoons. Commodore was nominated for the coveted Pulitzer Prize 12 times but never won.
He was, however, a seven-time winner of the Best Cartoon award from the National Newspaper Publishers Association. He also received awards from such diverse groups as the Chicago Newspaper Guild, the National Conference of Christians and Jews, as well as the Lu Palmer Foundation.
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