Hyperallergic reports that a center dedicated to Polish-American painter Ed Paschke will open its doors later this month in Chicago. A member of the informal group of artists known as the Chicago Imagists, Paschke was known for work exploring the seedy underbelly of American culture. He rendered images of fame, sex, money, power, and violence in bright colors and surreal forms, citing Andy Warhol as his great inspiration. Paschke’s work has been exhibited in museums around the world, including the Centre Pompidou, the Whitney Museum, and the Walker Art Center. Mary Boone Gallery is currently holding a solo exhibition of his work.

Paschke, who passed away in 2004, is also credited with being one of Jeff Koons’s greatest mentors. Koons studied with him at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, worked as an assistant in his studio, and curated a show of his work at Gagosian Gallery in 2010.

The Ed Paschke Art Center will have approximately 2,800 square feet of exhibition space in a newly renovated building, and is a collaboration between the Ed Paschke Foundation and the Rabb Family Foundation. Vesna Stelcer, board chair of the Paschke Foundation, says of the inspiration for the project: “We realized that a large number of Paschke’s works were being stored. It, therefore, seemed like the perfect opportunity to take action.”

The space will house a permanent Paschke collection in addition to a schedule of temporary shows by local artists. According to the Paschke estate’s website, upcoming events are to include, “a Paul Natkin photography exhibition; collaboration with Luminarts, a cultural foundation that supports and encourages rising Chicago artists; and a Steve Schapiro exhibit: Andy Warhol, Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground.”