CGN Art Preview: August 2025
Curated Highlights for What’s Ahead in Chicago’s Art Scene
As of August 5, we’re looking forward—not backward. Here are exhibitions, talks, and art happenings opening after this week. August can be a slower month in the art world, but it can also offer a chance to engage with art before the fall season is in full swing.
And on that note, we are wrapping up production on the fall issue of CGN, covering September-December. Subscribe and receive a copy in the mail!
– CGN
• Exhibitions
Fortitude
Dragonfly Gallery & Creative Spaces
August 8–31 | Opening: Friday, August 8, 6–9 PM
An immersive solo exhibition exploring resilience through vivid color, layered textiles, and sculptural form.
Mark Me, Too: Five Artists
Hyde Park Art Center
August 9 – December 14 | Opening: Saturday, August 9, 2–4 PM
This group show spotlights five self-taught and underrepresented artists addressing autonomy, identity, and community through mixed media.
Chicken Stingel: The Sequel
Old Friends Gallery
August 14 – September 21 | Opening: Thursday, August 14, 6–9 PM
A conceptual and comical follow-up by Kenny Schachter featuring “collaborations” with chickens, cast in copper, silver, and gold, riffing on Rudolf Stingel’s practice.
• Special Events & Auctions
Ren Editions Pop-up
The Renaissance Society
Friday, August 8
A pop-up event featuring a curated selection of rare and limited-edition artworks and publications by internationally acclaimed contemporary artists who have exhibited at the Ren.
Art on THE MART: August Projections
Merchandise Mart / Chicago Riverwalk
Nightly through September
Nightly large-scale video projections feature new digital works, including pieces by Arts of Life artists celebrating 25 years of inclusive creative studio practice.
In the Company of Women
21c Museum Hotel Chicago
Thursday, Aug 21, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
One night of conversation, creativity, and connection—complete with wine and art.
Essential Jewelry
Freeman's | Hindman
Wednesday, Aug 27, 2025 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
