Gertie members and artists at NEPO curated by Tony Lewis at Lewis Bag. Image Credit: Zoey Marciniak, Courtesy of Gertie

By GINNY VAN ALYEA

We included Chicago Exhibition Week in CGN’s fall season preview, but with final plans now announced—and more than 50 galleries participating—it is worth taking a closer look at what visitors can expect September 14–20.

Chicago's galleries are the reason to get out and explore. This year’s participants represent a broad cross-section of the city, from longtime galleries to newer and artist-run spaces. Among them are Anthony Gallery, Corbett vs. Dempsey, Devening Projects, Elise Seigenthaler Gallery, The Franklin, Good Weather, Kavi Gupta, M. LeBlanc, Mariane Ibrahim, McCormick Gallery, moniquemeloche, Prairie, Regards, Rhona Hoffman Gallery, Secrist | Beach, Volume Gallery and Western Exhibitions.

The week offers a useful occasion to catch up on fall exhibitions, revisit familiar spaces and discover galleries outside your usual route. Hours and programming will vary, so we recommend checking individual gallery schedules before heading out.

Final additions to the week include seven Curated Routes assembled by Chicago artists, writers, chefs and cultural leaders. The routes combine art destinations with neighborhood restaurants, bookstores, shops and public spaces. Contributors include artist Yvette Mayorga, chef Jake Potashnick, writer Kaylen Ralph, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry President and CEO Dr. Chevy Humphrey, and SkyART Executive Director Devon VanHouten-Maldonado.

“We are reaching more widely and more deeply this year, which is a reflection of how deeply invested we are in Chicago, its artists, and cultural institutions, and the many people who make this community what it is. That includes the collectors and longtime supporters who have helped sustain Chicago’s cultural ecosystem, as well as the next generation of artists, collectors, patrons, and curious people who will shape its future,” said Chanelle Lacy, Head of Programming, Partnerships, and Membership at Gertie.

Printed and digital maps will also identify participating galleries, institutions and program sites. Visitors who complete the activities included on the map may present it on Sunday, September 20 for complimentary admission to the Art Institute of Chicago, the Driehaus Museum or the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. One such curated route this year is by artist Yvette Mayorga, whose CXW route includes the National Museum of Mexican Art, Chicago Art Department, El Anticuario, Semillas, Café Jumping Bean, Rubi’s Tacos, Cerdito Muerto, and Skylark, highlighting cultural, artistic, and neighborhood destinations across Pilsen.

Two newly announced conversations round out the public programming: Art After Subcultures, featuring critics Sean Tatol and Troy Sherman, on September 17 at the Gertie Hub; and A River Runs Through It: ICI’s Mississippi River Projecton September 20 at the Studio Gang Treehouse.

Organized by Gertie, Chicago Exhibition Week takes place September 14–20. Find the participating galleries, exhibition details and related events at chicagoexhibitionweek.com

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