Add Art Design Chicago To Your Summer Plans

Photo Credit: The Newberry Library

If you’re a Chicago art and history addict, you’re going to love exploring Art Design Chicago!

With over 30 exhibitions and hundreds of public programs displayed this year (from now until the end of the year), the Art Design Chicago is the perfect thing to add to your summer agenda.

These events range from stories of the artists and designers from art displayed on museum walls to mass-produced consumer goods. It’s a great way to get out and explore the city and all the beauty it has to offer. Learn a little history and enjoy the architecture.

Photo Credit: Hector Duarte, home, studio, and mural

Having trouble deciding which event to check out? Don’t sweat. Here are 5 events to out this summer.

1. Bus Tour: Charles White and African American Visual Legacies 

This day long event celebrating the significant painter, muralist and printmaker Charles White is hosted by Art Encounter. It starts at the the Art Institute of Chicago and ends in the South Loop. Check out White’s work portrayed his understanding of African American history, culture and lives in his 40 year vocation.

June 16, 2018, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; Tickets  

2. Leading Ladies of Chicago’s Columbian Exposition: Celebrating 125 Years

Join one of Chicago leading historians, Sally Sexton Kalmbach, at the the Richard H. Driehaus Museum as she talks about how ladies of Chicago’s Gilded Age were a huge part in making the World’s Fair and developing Chicago’s future.

June 5, 2018, 6–7:30 p.m.; Tickets

3. Grant Park Walking Tour

If you haven’t properly explored Grant Park yet, take this walking tour as the perfect opportunity. Grant Park is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions with views of the the famous skyline and amazing public art. Take the tour and admire the artwork such as  Franz Machtl’s Rosenberg Fountain, Ivan Mestrovic’s Equestrian Indians, and Leonard Crunelle’s Fountain Figures.

July 7, 2018, 1–3 p.m.; Tickets

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago

4. Art Institute of Chicago Block Party

Seriously, who doesn’t love a good block party? Join the Art Institute of Chicago for a day of fun with artists, historians, storytellers, performers and more! This event supports Chicago’s innovative and creative community.

July 21, 2018, 10:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m.

See more info and updates as the event approaches. 

5. Gallery Talk: Seeing/Being Chicago

Spend an hour of your day at the Art Institute of Chicago and enjoy this photography exhibition, Never a Lovely So Real: Photography and Film in Chicago, 1950–1980, highlighting worlds of local music, gang life, and more.

July 17, 2018, 12–1 p.m.

See more info and updates as the event approaches.

Photo Credit: DePaul Art Museum