CGN Art Preview: December 2025
Curated Highlights for What’s Ahead in Chicago’s Art Scene
December is here and a very busy end to 2025 is upon us. Amidst an already full calendar of holiday to-dos I hope you find time to enjoy some art as well!
Subscribe here to receive a print copy in the mail of the new 2026 arts guide this month, and be sure to share all the events and news with friends.
– CGN
• Exhibitions
Luftwerk: The Sun Standing Still
Dec 12, 2025 - Feb 28, 2026
Opening: Friday, Dec 12, 2025 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
this exhibition features a suite of new sculptures, wall reliefs, and a site-specific installation by Luftwerk that investigate the dynamic interplay between sunlight and the Earth’s revolution. This exhibition is presented concurrently with Luminous Matter, an invitational survey co-organized with Luftwerk and featuring 8 artists. Both exhibitions open Friday, December 5 from 5–8 PM and remain on view through February 14, 2026.
Michael Cuadrado Gonzalez: Entangled Forces
Dec 5, 2025 - Jan 10, 2026
CSI Project Space: Little, but Bold!
Dec 13, 2025 - Jan 30, 2026
Chicago Sculpture International (CSI)
Little, But Bold is in celebration of all things unmonumental. Often flying under the radar, small things have the special ability to bridge private and public spaces. Within the sculpture field, there has been a projected narrative that bigger is better. This exhibition states that small things can hold the same importance as the largest monument.
Special Ornament Exchange:
In the giving spirit of the holidays, please bring in a custom-made ornament or small object to trade with fellow sculptors.
Mutuality
Dec 13, 2025 - Mar 22, 2026
Mutuality is a group exhibition of new works culminating the Art Center’s biennial Center Program, a professional development program for the elevation of emerging and mid-career artists, now in its 11th edition. Curated by writer, curator, and art administrator Teresa Silva, this exhibition will occupy the entire first floor galleries from December 12, 2025 – March 8, 2026, featuring works by twenty artists from Center Program’s 2025 cohort.
• Auctions
Design
Tuesday, Dec 9, 2025
Early 20th Century Design
Wednesday, Dec 10, 2025
• Classes / Talks / Tours
Timeless Bodies Figure Drawing Class
Sunday, Dec 7, 2025 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Stay tuned for CGN's two-part feature on holiday shopping in galleries, museums and art studios!
To view the full CGN calendar click here
