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Temporary Exhibitions bring freshness and diversity to the already rich collection of Public Art in Chicago. The Windy City has earned the reputation of being a museum without walls, where public places are converted into art galleries with sculptures from – emerging and established – local, national and international artists. We boast of having artwork by Pablo Picasso, Alexander Calder, Marc Chagall, Claes Oldenburg, Henry Moore, Sol Lewitt and Richard Hunt, scattered on the streets of Chicago. Each year, new temporary exhibits adds to the diversity in our world-class collection. Past few years we have seen works by artists as Ai Weiwei, Jaume Plensa, Chakaia Booker, Joel Shapiro, Christopher Wool, Alice Aycock and Steinunn Thorarinsdottir. This year we already have works by Theo Jansen [at Chicago Cultural Center], Ursula von Rydingsvard [ at Bhulm Family Terrace, Art Institute of Chicago] and Chicago’s own Luftwerk [at Garfield Park Conservatory]  installed at public places, and soon,  as summer approaches more will be added to the collection.

But who brings these Public Art to Chicago?

This post is about behind the scene institutions that are constantly striving to bring high-quality, free, and open-for-all Public Art to residents and visitors making Chicago a cultural hub and a world-class city.

More than art and artists, this post is about the “cultural institutions” – both public and private – that bring public art to Chicago.

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Rotating Exhibitions at Boeing Galleries, Millennium Park.. click here..
Chicago Park District [CPD].. click here..
Dept. of Cultural Affairs and Special Events [DCASE].. click here..
MCA Plaza Project.. click here..
EXPO CHICAGO In/Situ Outside.. click here..
Chicago Sculpture Exhibit [CSE].. click here..
Pioneer Court.. click here..
Chicago Loop Alliance [CLA].. click here..
Chicago Sculpture International  [CSI] .. click here..
Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park – Solo exhibition Series: .. click here..

 

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[I] Rotating Exhibitions at Boeing Galleries, Millennium Park,
brought by MILLENNIUM PARK INC.

Millennium Park Inc. presents rotating exhibition in  Boeing Galleries, which supplements its two prominent art pieces: The Cloud Gate [nicknamed “The Bean”]  by Anish Kapoor;  and The Crown Fountain by Jaume Plensa. Boeing Galleries are a pair of outdoor exhibition spaces in the Millennium Park opened in 2005, a year after the opening of the Millennium Park. Over the years the north and south Boeing Galleries have been venue for series of rotating exhibitions of world-class Contemporary Art by living artists.

The most recent, which got deinstalled recently was  – “1004 Portraits” – by internationally acclaimed Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. It was the fifth such temporary large scale outdoor sculptural exhibition at the Millennium Park.  Earlier exhibitions at Boeing Galleries have also been by well known national and international artists. In 2013 the galleries were venue for ceramic installations by Japanese-American artist Jun Kaneko – pioneer in the field of monumental ceramic sculptures. In 2011-12 there were colorful sculptures by Mexican artist Yvonne Domenge famous for her nature-oriented themes. Before that, in 2009-10, the exhibition included works by were four leading Chinese sculptors – Sui Jianguo, Chen Wenling, Zhan Wang and Shen Shaomin – inviting dialogue on environment, consumerism, trade, culture and art. The first large scale sculptural installations in the Boeing Galleries were in 2007-08 by one of America’s most influential artists – Mark di Suvero – famous for his massive works in abstract expressionism. Before these, there have been two photo exhibitions.. in 2006 there was “In Search of Paradise: Great Gardens of the World” and in 2005, the first year of the opening of Boeing Galleries, there was exhibition by noted aerial photographer Terry Evans “Revealing Chicago: An Aerial Portrait”.

Rotating Exhibitions at Millennium Park.. click here..

 

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[II] CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT  [CPD].

Its mission is to provide recreation and leisure opportunities in safe, inviting and beautifully maintained parks and facilities. Chicago parks are setting for world class collection of nearly 300 fountains, monuments and sculptures.  Every year CPD collaborates with other cultural partners to bring temporary exhibitions.

In 2015, CPD collaborated with Sing London and other cultural partners to bring “Statue Stories Chicago”, where more than 30 prominent statues in Chicago start telling stories. Its ” a free and interactive opportunity to learn more about the city’s rich history and to discover a new dimension of our public parks through their often overlooked statues, memorials and sculptures” ; in the words of  Kim Coventry, executive director of The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation said:    In 2015,  CPD also brought “Solaries: A Sea of All Colors” by Luftwerk at Garfield Park Conservatory.   In 2014, CPD collaborated with Chicago Sculpture International [CSI] in “Chicago Tree project” of converting dead and dying trees to living public art. In 2013  Bloomberg and Icelandic Ministry of Culture partnered with CPD to bring “Borders” by internationally acclaimed sculptor Steinunn Thorarinsdottir.

“Statue Stories Chicago” – by Sing London..click here..
“Solaris: A Sea of All Colors” by Luftwerk ..click here..
Chicago Tree Project – by CSI.. click here..
“Borders” – by Steinunn Thorarinsdottir .. click here..

 

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[III] The City of Chicago
DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS AND SPECIAL EVENTS  [DCASE].

 The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events [DCASE]  is dedicated to enriching Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy. This includes fostering the development of Chicago’s non-profit arts sector,  marketing the City’s cultural assets to a worldwide audience; and presenting high-quality, free and affordable cultural programs for residents and visitors. The DCASE looks after a wide array of activities, including Fashion, Design and Culinary Arts and Performing Arts. The Public Art falls under the “Visual Arts” branch of DCASE, which oversees the Public Arts Program and the Exhibition Program.

The Visual Arts Department brings high class exhibitions at Chicago Cultural Center. Currently running is “Strandbeest: The Dream Machines of Theo Jansen”.  Beautifully curated “Present Standard” features 25 contemporary artists with Latino Chicago connections. Past exhibitions include, “Archibald Motley: Jazz Age Modernist”, “60 Years of Sculpture by Richard Hunt”, 35 Years of Public Art, Street Stories Chicago, Hale Woodruff’s Murals at Talladega College, Mist of Earth by Denise Milan and much more..

SPECIAL PROJECTS:  have also contributed significantly to the cultural enrichment of Chicago, by creating and placing artwork in very public and, occasionally, unexpected sites. The City’s first large-scale Special Project was “Botero in Chicago”, 1994. However, perhaps the most widely known Special project has been 1999 “Cows on Parade”, which has become the largest and most successful public art event in the world. Since its debut in Chicago in 1999, similar exhibitions have been staged in about 80 cities worldwide.  The idea has been taken up by other cities which have chosen themes for similar public art projects with painted fiberglass sculptures which were later auctioned off and money donated to charities. Some other Special projects have been  Suite Home Chicago [2001],  Artists in the Garden [2004],  Artists and Automobiles [2006], and  Niki in the Garden [2007].

Temporary Exhibits at Chicago Cultural Center.. click here..
City of Chicago’s Public Art program: Special Projects.. click here..
Special Project: Cows on Parade.. click here..

 

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ART IN ACTION, CHICAGO
Collaboration between CPD and DCASE.

Art in Action, Chicago is a collaboration between Chicago Park District [CPD], and Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events [DCASE]. These public art installations are part of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s efforts to bring public art directly to Chicago neighborhoods and fits into his citywide vision for art and culture, as outlined under the Chicago Cultural Plan.In a press release, Mayor Emanuel said.. “Public art installations allow Chicagoans to be active participants in arts and culture, and as part of the Chicago Cultural Plan, we’ve made progress on a number of fronts to bring the arts directly to Chicago neighborhoods. From Sculpture on the Boulevards to art installations on the lake front to more than 1,000 events through Night out in the Parks, we’re embracing the City’s thriving arts community and making it more accessible to all residents in neighborhoods throughout the City.”
“We are excited to enhance Chicago’s cultural offerings and access to public art with these installations,” said Michael P. Kelly, General Superintendent of the Chicago Park District. “Residents and tourists alike can enjoy these in free public areas.”

Under Art In Action program, in 2015 we saw two installations in the Grant Park: Joel Shapiro’s “Untitled”, and Mel Kendrick’s “Marker # I” & “Marker # II” at Queen’s Landing. The year 2014 was particularly productive as we had eight new sculptures were installed in locations across Chicago. It included work by  Christopher Wool’s “Untitled” at Buckingham Fountain Plaza,  three sculptures by Alice Aycock ” Twin Vortxes”, “Spin-the-Spin” and “Waltzing Matilda” near Promontory Point, Robert Lobe’s  “Nature’s Clock” at Museum Campus and  “Eastern Hophornbeam” at Diversey Harbor,  Indira Johnson’s “Ten Thousand Ripples” at Palmisano Park and Diversey/ Lakeshore Drive; and  Hebru Brantley’s “The Watch” at Museum Campus. In 2013 we had “Hot Rod” by Orly Genger, along the lakefront trail, northeast of Lake Shore Drive and Monroe Street.

Art in Action, Chicago.. click here..

 

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[IV] MCA PLAZA PROJECT
brought by the Museum of Contemporary Art [MCA], Chicago.

The MCA Plaza Project began in the year 2011. This public art series—free to anyone visiting or passing by—transforms the plaza and plinths in front of our building into something different every year.

2015 MCA Plaza Project brought work by Alexandre da Cunha. Previously there were installations by artists like: Yinka Shonibare [2014], Amanda Ross-Ho [2013], Martin Creed [2012] and Mark Handforth [2011].

MCA Plaza Project.. click here....

 

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[V] EXPO CHICAGO In/Situ Outside
Brought by EXPO Chicago – the International Exposition of Contemporary & Modern Art in Chicago.

Inaugurated in 2014, IN/SITU Outside provides the opportunity for EXPO CHICAGO exhibitors to present temporary public art installations situated along the Lakefront and throughout Chicago neighborhoods. In/Situ Outside is presented in partnership with the Chicago Park District [CPD] and Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events [DCASE]. “As the fair continues to mature, so does the depth of our programming and the legacy of working with noted international curators,” said EXPO CHICAGO President Director Tony Karman. “ We are adding several public works to Chicago’s lakefront as a part of our IN/SITU Outside initiative, and we are presenting installations by major international artists as a part of EXPO Projects”.

The 2015 In/Situ Outside included three installations in the Museum Campus: Attrape-soleil by Daniel Buren [Bortolami Gallery], Habakuk (Homage to Max Ernst) by Ewerdt Hilgemann [BORZO Gallery] and Idee di pietra by Giuseppe Penone [Marian Goodman Gallery]. In 2014, In/Situ Outside included two installatins: “Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads: Bronze” by internationally acclaimed Chinese contemporary artist Ai Weiwei, on display outside of the Adler Planetarium; and “Every Weapon is a Tool if You Hold It Right” by Michael Rakowitz [Rhona Hoffman Gallery] displayed on the dock of Navy Pier.

EXPO CHICAGO In/Situ Outside.. click here..

 

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[VI] THE CHICAGO SCULPTURE EXHIBIT [CSE].

The Chicago Sculpture Exhibit [CSE] was founded in 2001 by then Alderman Vi Daley. It was started as Lakeshore Sculpture Exhibit [LSE]. Daley created the Lincoln Park Community Art Initiative to beautify the Lincoln Park neighborhood in a new way. The first show was mounted in 2002 with eight sculptures that were on display from May through October. The show continued to grow every year. In 2008, the show nearly doubled when Alderman Tom Tunney brought the Lakeview neighborhoods into the show. For the 10 year Anniversary of the show, additional neighborhoods joined and the name was changed from Lakeshore Sculpture Exhibit to Chicago Sculpture Exhibit [CSE] to reflect a growing interest in sculpture throughout the city. CSE is funded by charitable contributions from the private sector. The CSE mission is to bring art to the neighborhoods. The hope is that you will encounter art while going about your daily life; walking to the dry cleaners or the farmer’s market, out for a run/walk, or visiting a local restaurant. All of the works are available for purchase at the conclusion of the exhibit.

In 2015, the CSE had about 30 sculptures exhibited.

Chicago Sculpture Exhibit.. click here..

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[VII] Rotating Exhibition at the Pioneer Court
brought by ZELLER REALTY GROUP.

The ZELLER REALTY GROUP brings  rotating exhibition at the Pioneer Court –  the  small plaza located near the junction of the Chicago River and Upper Michigan Avenue in Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. The Pioneer Court  is a private property developed cooperatively by the Chicago Tribune and the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. It commemorates the pioneers who contributed to Chicago`s birth, growth and greatness. 25 such pioneer names were selected by the Chicago Historical Society. Among these one of the most famous names is of Baptiste Pointe DuSable, the founder of Chicago. In the 1770’s DuSable opened the first trading post, beside the Chicago River, establishing the settlement that became Chicago. The DuSable homestead was located near this site, and has been dedicated a National Historic Landmark. For history buffs there are many important markers at this site including the Kinzie Mansion and Pere Jacques Marquette the First Europeans to camp here, the site of Chicago.

The Pioneer Court, has been the venue of some of the most discussed and photographed public art exhibits in Chicago! The Art exhibits here are brought to us by Zeller Realty Group. “Forever Marilyn” by Seward Johnson was extremely controversial. It was also site for “Moose” by John Kearney and “Watch” by Hebru Brantley.

Pioneer Court.. click here..

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[VIII] The CHICAGO LOOP ALLIANCE [CLA]:

The Chicago Loop Alliance [CLA] was founded in the year 2005,  following a merger between the Central Michigan Avenue Association and the Greater State Street Council. Its mission is to develop, support and promote artistic, cultural and public events that benefit businesses, individuals and stakeholders within the service area of Chicago Loop Alliance. These initiatives enhance the character of the Loop, contribute to its competitive position as a mixed-use destination, and promote economic development and tourism in the area.

From time to time the Chicago Loop Alliance commissions renowned and emerging artists to create dynamic, site-specific public artworks in highly-visible locations throughout the Loop. This initiative began in 2010 with artist Tony Tasset’s three-story eyeball sculpture in Pritzker park. It was accompanied by cardinal street banners. The following summer, in 2011, Kay Rosen connected art to action with a mural, “GO DO GOOD,” painted in bright yellow and black on a wall of a downtown skyscraper.  In 2012, Jessica Stockholder created a site-specific, three-dimensional work of art titled “Color Jam” that saturated streets, sidewalks and building facades with a bold and resonant palette of colors. In 2013, Chicago Loop Alliance unveiled “Float”, ​a mural at the corner of State and Adams streets created by illustrator and designer Noah MacMillan. The artwork, which is the largest of its kind in Chicago, depicts a surreal parade winding through downtown Chicago, in which colorful sea-creature floats appear to swim through the streets. Also in 2013, local artist Nate Otto brought his imaginative “Cityscape” to banners along State Street.

Chicago Loop Alliance’s public art installations are part of the organization’s work in activating public spaces using art, design and technology. By attracting visitors to overlooked or otherwise under-appreciated corners of the Loop, the works serve the public, promote creative expression and create value for Loop businesses and institutions.

Chicago Loop Alliance.. click here..

 

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[IX] CHICAGO SCULPTURE INTERNATIONAL [CSI].  

Established in the year 2004, the Chicago Sculpture International, a non-profit organization, is an affiliate of the International Sculpture Center [ISC]. Starting with just six  founding members [Terry Karpowicz, Bob Emser, Nicole Beck, Christine Rojek, Tom Scarff and Barry Tinsley], the group has grown over the years to more than 200 members.  Its mission is “ to expand public understanding and appreciation of Chicago sculpture through exhibits and public forums on sculpture. To engage artists and art professionals in a dialogue to advance the art form, and promote a supportive environment for sculpture and sculptors.”

Over the years, the CSI has organized many exhibitions at various public locations, both indoors and outdoors. They have been collaborating with other organizations in finding new venues for exhibitions. In 2015, they organized “Nature in Motion” sculptural exhibition at Lincoln Park Zoo.  The  2014 exhibition “Invoking the Absence” at Elks National Veterans Memorial was unique as it is the first ever art exhibition at Elks Memorial.  Also in 2014, CSI  in collaboration with Chicago Park District started the “Chicago Tree Project”, which involves converting dead trees into pieces of art. In 2013 they collaborated on “Sculpture Now: Artwork Along The Lake”,  perhaps the biggest exhibition by CSI, where 64 large-scale outdoor sculptures were installed from Promontory Point in the South to Belmont Harbor in the North. Other collaboration with CPD includes “Under The Golden Dome” at Garfield Park Fieldhouse [2011] and the series, “Form in Flora” Nicholas Conservatory in Rockford [2015],  Lincoln Park Conservatory [2011 and 2012 ]  and at Garfield Park Conservatory [2010].

Chicago Sculpture International .. click here..

 

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[X] SOLO EXHIBITION SERIES
at the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park .

One of the most beautiful sculpture parks is the campus of Governors State University [GSU] – the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park – with about 30 outdoor large scale monumental sculptures. GSU was formed in 1978. The sculpture park predates GUS, in that the sculptor that Mark di Suvero spent the summers of 1968 and 1969 living and building, “Yes! for Lady Day” on this land, which later become the university. However, the sculpture park – which is the university campus – was formally named as the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park only in 1978 by the GSU Board of Trustees.

The Solo Exhibition Series at Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park started in the year 2009. The exhibition brings exceptional artwork by nationally and internationally recognized artists to the park. Since their inception these presentations of have been generously supported by BMO Harris Bank. The first of the solo exhibition series was 12-figure installation “Horizons” by Icelandic sculptor Steinunn Thorarinsdottir [2009]. This was followed by “Neil Goodman in the Park” [2011], Sophie Ryder’s “Upside Down, Kneeling” [2012] and Chakaia Booker “Don’t Tread on me [2014].

Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park – Solo exhibitions: .. click here..

 

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Rotating Exhibitions at Boeing Galleries, Millennium Park.. click here..
Chicago Park District [CPD].. click here..
Dept. of Cultural Affairs and Special Events [DCASE].. click here..
MCA Plaza Project.. click here..
EXPO CHICAGO In/Situ Outside.. click here..
Chicago Sculpture Exhibit [CSE].. click here..
Pioneer Court.. click here..
Chicago Loop Alliance [CLA].. click here..
Chicago Sculpture International  [CSI] .. click here..
Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park – Solo exhibition Series: .. click here..

 

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Thanks to the tireless endeavors of people working at these institutions to bring the best there is to Chicago!

Random Temporary Exhibits: There are also exhibitions, which happen once in a while and we never hear about it again. Like in 2015, we have “Statue Stories Chicago”, in 2014 we had “Horses of Honor and in 2013 we had: “Borders” in Solti Garden [Grant Park], “Great Great Chicago Fire Hydrants” at various locations, and “Giant Head Planters” at Chicago Cultural Mile.

P.S.: If I have made any glaring omission, please let me know.

 

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