Stories

Learn about the people, places, and ideas that drive Chicago’s dynamic art ecosystem. Dive in and discover interviews, essays, news, videos, and more.

Essays

Art for Zhegagoynak and the Politics of Space: Lessons from “Woven Being”

With insights from The Block Museum's Teagan Harris, contributor Fariha Koshul discusses how museums can work with community members to reshape colonial constructs.

The United Colors of Robert Earl Paige: A Reflection on Community, Glamour, and Style

Jared Brown speculates on and responds to three elements integral to the the work of Robert Earl Paige—community, style and glamour.
A dense collage of brightly colored floral images on a black background.

Myth of the Organic City: Exploring the Naturalization of Technology as a Site for Environmental Critique

The works of art in "Myth of the Organic City" compel viewers to confront the unseen impact of our technological footprint.

Adversarial Joy: Art, History, and Storytelling in “Paper Cuts”

For Ho-Chunk visual artist Jim Terry, author of the comic "Paper Cuts," defiance is more than a creative impulse–it’s a way of life.

Curation and Community Archiving as History Making: The Processes and Challenges of Mapping South Asian American Art in Chicago

Centering the idea of community archiving, the curators "What's Seen and Unseen" were deeply committed to community engagement from the outset.
A street scene featuring an artwork pasted up on a brick wall. A figure passes by. A sign on the wall says "Build Coffee."

Look Longer: Reflections on Opening Passages

Sixty Inches from Center goes on a journey across the city exploring a multi-venue and multi-neighborhood project that de-centers the Loop as the main hub for cultural creativity.
Portrait of Alice Shaddle seated among a collection of her artworks.

Reflecting on Alice Shaddle’s Fuller Circles: Art, Legacy, and Community

A reintroduction of the diverse work of Alice Shaddle (1928 – 2017) to new audiences through a poignant exploration of the artist's intricate weave of family, community, and curation.
An abstract female form from shoulders to thighs, without hands. The vagina is formed from an inverted torso and a pair of legs.

Exuberant Experimentation: Christina Ramberg’s Late Works

Thea Liberty Nichols writes about Chicago artist Christina Ramberg (1946-1945), who is the subject of the Art Institute's retrospective exhibition opening April 20.  
Metal egret’s beak and torso against the sky.

it wants to lie down, you want it to stand up: a letter to Ruth*

A letter written to artist Ruth Duckworth (1919-2009) is the most recent composition to come out of the editorial partnership between Art Design Chicago and Sixty Inches from Center.
A performer in a blue garment next to an art piece at the Water Music on the Beach event.

6018North, Trash to Treasure

6018North, a sustainability-driven partner of Art Design Chicago, has been working with artist Tria Smith

New School: Romi Crawford Shares the Black Arts Movement School Modality with the Next Generation

Over the course of two weeks in August 2021, an intergenerational group of students, artists, and scholars from across the United States

Learning Together: Exploring the Origins of Arts Education at Hull-House

Participants learned about the role of Hull-House in the history of arts education, took part in hands-on artmaking sessions, and visited local Chicago arts institutions.

The Block Museum’s Lois Taylor Biggs Reflects on “Woven Being” Curatorial Research Trip

The team traveled to Michigan where they visited several tribal cultural centers, toured exhibitions, and met with several Native artists in their homes and studios.

story types

TOPICS

Recent Posts

Art for Zhegagoynak and the Politics of Space: Lessons from “Woven Being”

The United Colors of Robert Earl Paige: A Reflection on Community, Glamour, and Style

Myth of the Organic City: Exploring the Naturalization of Technology as a Site for Environmental Critique

Adversarial Joy: Art, History, and Storytelling in “Paper Cuts”

Curation and Community Archiving as History Making: The Processes and Challenges of Mapping South Asian American Art in Chicago

Look Longer: Reflections on Opening Passages

Reflecting on Alice Shaddle’s Fuller Circles: Art, Legacy, and Community

Exuberant Experimentation: Christina Ramberg’s Late Works

it wants to lie down, you want it to stand up: a letter to Ruth*

6018North, Trash to Treasure

New School: Romi Crawford Shares the Black Arts Movement School Modality with the Next Generation

Learning Together: Exploring the Origins of Arts Education at Hull-House

The Block Museum’s Lois Taylor Biggs Reflects on “Woven Being” Curatorial Research Trip

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