“A” IS FOR AUGUST. “A” IS FOR ART!
Whether you want to appreciate it, acquire it or actively engage with it, Chicago has an abundance of art for you to experience! From world-class museums to private commercial galleries and studios, here are some of the ways you can bring a bit more art into your life.
SEE ART!
With so many world-class museums in Chicago, you can bet there are always a few groundbreaking art exhibits going on around town—and this month is no exception. Here are a few we think are especially worth checking out.
Museum of Contemporary Art | Nick Cave: Running through October 2, this multi-media exhibit showcases the career-spanning work of this internationally-renowned Chicago artist, activist, educator, designer and performer. Including never-before-seen pieces, this immersive installation features textural sculptures, impeccably crafted fashion, and dynamic videos.
Field Museum | Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories: Opened in May 2022, this permanent exhibit features stories of self-determination, resilience and continuity—shared by Native American and Indigenous peoples in their own voices through words, music, dance and art.
Art Institute | Cezanne: Paul Cezanne’s unique approach to creating art set him apart within the Impressionist movement. Through September 5, this groundbreaking retrospective sheds new light on how this pivotal artist created his works – and why they remain so relevant today.
DuSable Museum of African American History | South Side Stories: Encompassing a wide range of artists, media and archival materials, this exhibit explores the life, work and legacy of Dr. Margaret T. Burroughs. Born in 1917, Burroughs was a celebrated artist, activist, placemaker, mentor and a principal founder of many local projects including the South Side Community Art Center and DuSable Museum.
Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art: Located in Oak Brook, this unique institution is devoted to the beauty of stones, gems and minerals. In addition to natural geological specimens, their permanent collection includes lapidary artworks from mosaics and dioramas to cameos and exquisite jade carvings.
National Museum of Mexican Art: Situated in Harrison Park in the Near West Side, this museum was founded 40 years ago to represent the Mexican community—from its own point of view and in its own voice. Along with an extensive permanent collection that includes paintings, sculpture, digital media and textiles, you might catch the special exhibit “Frida Kahlo, Her Photos” that runs through August 7, 2022.
BUY ART!
Along with its myriad museums, Chicago is home to many commercial galleries where you can discover and buy pieces by emerging local talent as well as established, internationally-renowned artists. Here’s a sampling of the places you can explore.
Goldfinch | 319 N Albany Ave, Chicago: Focusing on local contemporary artists, the gallery’s one-of-a-kind Flatfiles Program aims to make original contemporary artworks available to a wider audience, with pieces that can be acquired for $500 or less.
Art Post Gallery | 984 G Willow Rd, Northbrook: Established in 1980, this woman-owned North Shore gallery is one of the largest art dealers in the Chicago area. Representing a wide variety of American and international artists, they offer in-home consultations, no-hassle at-home trials, and installation services.
Vertical Gallery | 1016 N Western Ave, Chicago: Established in 2013, this urban-contemporary gallery features local, national and international artists who have been influenced by street art, graffiti, urban environments, pop culture and graphic design.
Josh Moulton Fine Art Gallery | 2218 N Clark St, Chicago: The studio gallery of Josh Moulton reveals the talent, passion and diversity of this Chicago artist. His photo-realism urban scenes and stylistic landscapes hang in homes and offices nationwide. He is available for private commissions including portraits, architecture and landscapes.
MAKE ART!
Feeling inspired? There are plenty of unique places where you can go to create your own art—solo or with your friends and family. From ceramics to painting, here are some venues to check out.
Lillstreet Art Center: 4401 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago
Choose from a wide variety of classes including ceramics, metalsmithing, jewelry, textiles, printmaking and photography. Their art parties are a creative way to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy a fun night out with friends.
The Pot Shop: 1224 Chicago Ave, Evanston
Founded over 40 years ago by ceramicist Dominic Mosca, this North Shore studio offers wheel-throw pottery classes for all levels and parties that take you and your guests from hand-building to firing and glazing.
Bottle & Bottega: 2900 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago
With several locations across the city and suburbs, this “Sip & Paint” studio promises a fun night out. Start with some BYOB cocktails and continue with a themed painting class that includes instruction and all materials.
Mind’s Eye Art Studio & Gallery: 1921 W Belmont Ave, Chicago
This eclectic studio in Roscoe Village offers a variety of creative art classes for students of all ages and proficiencies.
Bridgeport Art Center: 1200 W 35th St, Chicago
Bridgeport Art Center plays host to many individual artist studios, a handful of which teach classes in their different specialties. If you’re looking to try something new, you’ll find a wide variety here—from ceramics, to painting, to printmaking, and more!
