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Thanks for an incredible weekend, Chicago.
Join us next year for CXW 2024.
- THE CXW TEAM

NEW

Chicago Exhibition Weekend 2024 is here!

Claim your CXW 2023 map

Explore by neighborhood

CXW Block Party: Gertie's 1st Birthday

Plan your day

The inaugural Chicago Exhibition Weekend (CXW) will celebrate visual arts organizations across the city. From September 29 to October 1, join us on our mission to amplify the city's arts scenes.

The CXW 2023 map is your free ticket to all programming and entry to all participating spaces during CXW. Get stamped for every place you visit (like a passport) at museums, galleries, and participating locations spread throughout the city. Use your map as a ticket to the VIP party on Sunday.

FRIDAY

NORTH

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MAP PICKUP

MORNING

AFTERNOON

EVENING

South Side Community Art Center | 3831 Activation with Anna Martine Whitehead & Damon Locks 

3831 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60653

6pm - 8pm

Enjoy this performance activation w/ Anna Martine Whitehead & Damon Locks at SSCAC.

AFTERS

Co-Prosperity | Opening & Party

3219-21 S Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60608

8pm - 12pm

Later in the evening celebrate with Co-Prosperity for an opening and  a party.

MCA | ChiBrations   Celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop

220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

6:30pm - 11pm

Continuing the series of unlocking Chicago’s performance history through Gary Simmons’s Recapturing Memories of the Black Ark, the MCA collaborates with ChiBrations for a unique experience in honor of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. 

SATURDAY

NORTH

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MAP PICKUP

MCA

220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

The first 50 people to pickup maps get free Nick Cave x Eli's cutie, c/o Eli's Cheescake & show your map to redeem $12 GA ticket to the MCA

21C Museum & Hotel

55 E Ontario St., Chicago, IL 60611

Patron

1612 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Stay hydrated at CXW with our special partner, Kadeya! Grab a bottle here and return it at the other participating locations!

Monique Meloche

451 N Paulina St, Chicago, IL 60622

Pick up your map from moniquemeloche and pick up a morning coffee, courtesy of Monday Coffee Co.

MORNING

Englewood Arts Collective | A Rumination in Englewood: Making Space

5822 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60621

11am

Spend Saturday midday of Chicago Exhibition weekend by intentionally supporting the power of collective unity when helmed by Black creativity in Englewood.


Johalla Projects & GRC Run Club | Meditation & Wellness Gathering

2233 S Throop St, Chicago, IL 60608

10:45am - 1pm

RSVP

Saturday morning, join Johalla Projects in partnership with GRC Run Club for a dual programming offering. We will have a meditation and wellness gathering with some amazing folks at Mana Contemporary in Pilsen. Be sure to RSVP for more details. 

GRAY | Coffee and Katz

2044 W Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL 60612

11am - 1pm

Gather at GRAY in the morning during gallery hours for coffee and enjoying the works of Alex Katz and a walkthrough of the exhibition at noon by partner Valerie Carberry.

AFTERNOON

Engage Projects | Open House at Material Exhibitions w/ Jean Alexander Frater & Holly Holmes

2025 W Belmont Ave

Chicago, IL 60618

12pm - 3pm

Enjoy this open house with artists Jean Alexander Frater & Holly Holmes.

DePaul Art Museum | A Performance by Natalia Villanueva

935 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

2:30pm - 3:30pm

Special programming offering!!! Attend this perofrmance and receive a special treat, courtesy of Pretty Cool Ice Cream!
Artist Natalia Villanueva Linares presents the fifth session of The Library of Gestures, a participatory action where 35–40 people are given the opportunity to join the artist and individually transform objects to create and accumulate new knowledge through experience. It is an encounter between a person and an object sharing in communion with others.
We invite you to REGISTER to be part of this unique performance by emailing Ionit Behar at ibehar@depaul.edu by September 25, 2023. You must be older than 15 years old to participate. 

Blanc | Films & Poetry

4445 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, IL 60653 

12pm - 4pm

Spend the afternoon in Bronzeville experiencing a gallery space in a new way with film screenings & poetry readings. For the first 2 hours enjoy screening films from a number of Chicago filmmakers and providing guests with an opportunity to enter at any point and enjoy the films being displayed on loop throughout the time frame. From 2pm to 4pm the event will feature spoken word performances from Write it Down! Collective as continued dialogue with the themes illustrated in the films.

Co-Prosperity Workshops: Chicago Printers Guild | Connecting the Dots

3219-21 S Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60608

12pm - 2pm

Under Rachelle Hill's expert guidance, you'll dive into the art of transferring your unique designs onto paper and stylish totes. Discover the exciting ways LEGO DOTS can be used as a creative medium.

Johnny Smapson's MAD FOLD Demo

3219-21 South Morgan Street Chicago, IL 60608

2:30pm - 3:30pm

From concept to publication (yes, MAD is still in print), witness him recount the ridiculously time-consuming process of producing a Fold-In while sharing anecdotes about working for the celebrated magazine.

Hyde Park Art Center Not Just Another Party Face | A Conversation on Collecting

5020 S Cornell Ave, Chicago, IL 60615

1pm - 3pm

RSVP

Not Just Another Pretty Face is the Art Center’s matchmaking commissioning program for artists and potential art buyers, facilitating lasting relationships between artists and patrons, a new base of support for artists, and investment in the vitality of Chicago’s cultural community.

Arts Club Chicago | A Conversation w/ Yasmin Spiro & Danielle Roper

201 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611

1pm

Yasmin Spiro’s (b. Kingston, Jamaica 1974) installation and semi-transparent weaving, Groundation, currently on view in the Arts Club Garden, is an homage to Jamaican wicker weaver Sylvester Ivy, and explores the creation of sacred spaces, vernacular architecture, and craft. Spiro is joined by Neubauer Family Assistant Professor in Latin American Literature at the University of Chicago, Danielle Roper, to discuss the work, Jamaican and Caribbean visual culture, spiritualism, and the history embedded in creative practices.

MCA | Talk with Rebecca Morris

220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

2pm

Join us for a conversation between Rebecca Morris and Manilow Senior Curator Jamillah James in celebration of the opening of Rebecca Morris: 2001–2022 about her rigorous, decades-long painting practice.

Jean Albano Gallery | Open House w/ Paul Brourman

215 W Superior St, Chicago, IL 60654

2pm-4pm

Enjoy the open house and be in conversation with artist Paul Brourman in Chicago's historic gallery district, River North!

Mariane Ibrahim | No at Noon: Brazilian Music & Viewing of No Martins

437 N Paulina St, Chicago, IL 60622

12pm

As a part of their newest show, Encontros Políticos (Political Encounters)…Part 2 by No Martins, enjoy the artworks alongside Brazilian performing artists with dancing & music.

Engage Projects | In Gallery w/ Chris Cosnowski

864 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

1pm - 3pm

Join Engage Projects in gallery hours with artist Chris Cosnowski

Engage Projects | w/ Edra Soto at The Franklin

222 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60606

2pm - 5pm

Join the opening of Edra Soto’s at The Franklin in collaboration with ENGAGE Projects

Monique Meloche | Open Hours with Luke Agada

451 N Paulina St, Chicago, IL 60622

3pm - 6pm

Enjoy gallery hours and conversation with artist Luke Agada to explore his current exhibition, Arms, Feet, and Fitful Dreams

Stoodio X W. Gallery | Artist Panel

600 W Van Buren St, Chicago, IL 60607

4pm

Join Stoodio at W. Gallery for their collaborative show and enjoy a moderated talk between the curator and artists!

EVENING

RUSCHMAN Opening

4148 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

5pm - 8pm

Gather at Ruschman for their new opening from 5 - 8pm

Soccer Club Club | Opening Reception 8pm-11pm

2923 North Cicero Avenue

Head to Soccer Club Club on Saturday night for the opening of multi-disciplinary artist, Brian DeGraw's, new show, THANK YOU DEAN BLUNT. In addition to enjoying new artwork, enjoy live music from William Kincaid and an assortment of refreshments.

Miyagi Records | An Underground Film & Sound Selector Series

307 E Garfield Blvd, Chicago, IL 60637

5pm - 9pm

We bring Community Curator @brianaclearly into the record shop for a special Underground Film Screening of a compilation of her short films. Following the screening, Briana & Visual Artist @zakkiyyah.najeebah in an artist talk back about the work. Keeping true to Selector Saturdays, @chantalism will provide all vinyl sets before and after the film screening.

Volume | Building Enjoyable Living Environments 

1709 W Chicago Ave 2nd floor, Chicago, IL 60622

4pm - 5pm

PATRON | Poetry Reading

1612 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

5pm

PATRON is hosting a poetry reading that aligns with their current exhibition by artist Kaveri Raina. Enjoy this interdisciplinary programming with written and visual arts.

Chicago Artist Coalition | Director's Party

2130 W Fulton St unit B, Chicago, IL 60612

5pm - 8pm

Welcome CAC’s newest director, Brookes Ebetsch, and also check out their newest exhibition!

Volume x Document x Western Exhibitions | Marz Beer Launch

1709 W Chicago Ave 2nd floor, Chicago, IL 60622

5pm - 7pm

Join Volume, Document, and Western Exhibitions for their special edition Marz Beer Launch. Be sure to also check out David Salkin Creative as a part of the 1709 W Chicago tenants extra hours!

Tala | Bites & BTS

1644 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

7pm

A behind the scenes dinner and a sneak peak of Francine Almeda’s newest creation, Tala. While the gallery is a work in progress, they will also be featuring some works of art that are also works in progress.

Kavi Gupta | Marie Watt: Sky Dances Light

835 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607

6-8pm

Join Kavi Gupta Gallery for a closing reception and toast in celebration of Sky Dance Light—a solo exhibition of the highly anticipated new series of jingle clouds by celebrated, interdisciplinary Seneca artist Marie Watt

AFTERS

Povos | After Party

1541 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

9pm-Late

Povos will be hosting a special CXW afterparty with a live band to close out the Saturday programming; hop back and forth between here and A Very Serious Gallery for a night filled with fun. 
Stay hydrated at CXW with our special partner, Kadeya! Grab a bottle here and return it at the other participating locations!


A Very Serious Gallery | After Party

673 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

6pm-10pm

A Very Serious Gallery will be hosting a special CXW afterparty throughout their gallery to close out the Saturday programming; hop back and forth between here and Povos for a night filled with fun. 

SUNDAY

NORTH

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MORNING

Comfort Station | Jess Bass & Gabriel Chalfin-Piney Closing Reception & Live Performances

2579 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

11am - 2pm

Meet at Comfort Station to join artists Jess Bass and Gabriel Chalfin-Piney for a extra special closing reception of their show, When Souls Stick, featuring live performances. 

DOCUMENT & GRAY | Art & Tennis Mixer at XS Tennis

5336 S State St, Chicago, IL 60609

9am - 12pm

RSVP

Document and Gray are hosting a tennis event open to the public and for galleries & artists. Join them for three hours of casual mixed doubles tennis and singles matches! Please bring your own racket, appropriate shoes and athletic gear. Tennis balls and cold water will be supplied.

Rupture | Curated Studio Visits w/ Hope Wang at Mana Contemporary

2233 S Throop St, Chicago, IL 60608

10 - 11am

Rupture | Curated Studio Visits w/ Esperanza Rosas

11am - 12pm

Please reach out to Roland Santana for address and more information:  571 437 5617 or hello.rupture@gmail.com 

Rhona Hoffman | Coffee and Artist Chat

1711 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

11am -1pm

Enjoy some Sunday morning coffee & conversation with artist and gallerists at Rhona Hoffman gallery.

AFTERNOON

062 x Tusk | Opening Reception

3205 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

12pm - 5pm

Meet at 062 x Tusk for their opening reception for artist’s, Thomas Kong, new show Keeping Time.

Rupture | Curated Studio Visits w/ Roland Santana

3147 S Morgan St, Unit 1 Chicago, IL, 60608

12pm - 1pm

Prairie | Closing Reception

2055 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60608

1pm - 4pm

Gather at Prairie for their closing reception of their show if by artist Craig Jun Li from 1 - 4pm.

AMFM | A Soliloquy of Sound: A South Side Visual Arts & Performance Activation At Pause for Peace Garden

E 75th St & S St Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60619

1pm - 4pm

AMFM hosts events combining the arts to cultivate community, diversity, inclusivity, intergenerational engagement and of course, good vibes. This performance and visual arts activation will take place at the Pause for Peace Garden.

Blanc | Films & Poetry

12pm - 4pm

Good Weather | Alexandros Lindsay Opening 

1524 S Western Ave #121A, Chicago, IL 60608

2pm - 5pm

Good Weather | A project by Stephen Kent 

1524 S Western Ave #121A, Chicago, IL 60608

2pm - 5pm

Finish up your CXW excursions (before the block party) and go to the newest opening at Good Weather where they will also be featuring an additional special project!

ZollaLieberman | A Conversation w/ Maria Tomasula 

325 W Huron St #1e, Chicago, IL 60654

1 - 3pm

Head over  ZollaLieberman for a creative conversation with artist Maria Tomasula where they will explore the works on view. 

Engage Projects |  Jean Alexander Frater at The Peninsula

108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611

12pm - 3pm

Meet Artist Jean Alexander Frater at the Peninsula from 12-3pm to discuss her latest work and exhibition.

Goldfinch | A Conversation w/ Scott Wolniak

319 N Albany Ave, Chicago, IL 60612

12pm - 1pm

Head to Goldfinch for a conversation with Scott Wolniak in conjunction with his solo exhibition at the gallery.

EVENING

062 x Tusk | Panel Discussion: Allison Peters Quinn in conversation with Jodi Throckmorton

3205 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

4pm - 5pm

Enjoy a panel discussion with Hyde Park Art Center’s curator, Allison Peters Quinn, & John Michael Kohler Arts Center’s chief curator, Jodi Throckmorton.

AFTERS

CXW Closing Block Party!

Morgan's & Blind Barber 948 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

3pm - 7pm

RSVP

The Closing Party for the first Chicago Exhibition Weekend (CXW), Gertie’s First Birthday, & Abby’s 32nd Birthday (lol)! If you grab a map and participate in CXW Saturday 9/30 and Sunday 10/1 (before heading to the party), make sure to get at least 3 stamps on your map by visiting participating art spaces (galleries, museums, artist studios) in at least 3 different neighborhoods. If you complete that challenge, show us your map upon entry to the party for a free drink at the bar!

Presented By

Presenting Sponsor

Activation Sponsors