Juried by Kimberly Oliva

Woman Made Gallery (WMG) is proud to unveil the 8th Midwest Open, a dynamic group exhibition featuring work by 33 women and nonbinary artists from across the American Midwest. Juried by the visionary Kimberly Oliva, this annual showcase is a bold testament to the vibrancy and innovation flourishing in the heartland’s art scene.

Spanning artists from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and South Dakota, the exhibition dives deep into contemporary themes through a wide range of media, textures, and conceptual explorations. Each piece was selected for its power to challenge norms, stir conversation, and push creative boundaries.

“I want to see artists expand their materials, push the boundaries of medium and texture, and explore innovative approaches,” says juror Kimberly Oliva. “Essentially, I want to see the most provocative work each artist has to offer—creating a Midwest exhibition that challenges perspectives, sparks dialogue and leaves a lasting impact. At the same time, the exhibition should maintain a clear vision for the future of Woman Made Gallery as it celebrates its third decade.” -Kimberly Oliva

Exhibition Events

The exhibition opens with a reception at Woman Made Gallery, 1332 S. Halsted St. in Chicago, on Saturday, August 30, from 4 to 7 p.m. Current gallery hours are Wednesdays through Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.

The Closing Reception includes an Artist Walkthrough on Saturday, September 27 from 2 to 4 p.m., offering a final opportunity to meet the participating artists in person. Events at WMG are free and open to the public.

Exhibiting Artists: Ainaz Alipourbaghal, Maïa Isabelle Brunel, Lulu Luyao Chang, Antonia Constantine, Melissa Dorn, Jamie Freedman, Mirentxu Ganzarain, Isabelle Gougenheim, Ann Marie Greenberg, Sammie Jane Hardewig, Lilli Hungerman, Jee Hwang, Andrea Jablonski, Kirin Kane, Julia Kemerer, Mary King, Epiphany Knedler, Laura LeBreton, J Myszka Lewis, Maria Mariottini, Susan Messer McBride, Georgie Miller, Deborah Newmark, Donny Nie, Haven Overton, Tara Sabini, Juliane Shibata, Amanda Smithivas, Connie Toebe, Bari Wieselman Schulman, Madeline Winter, Veronica Bruce Woodward, Jennifer Yorke.

Congratulations to the 8th Midwest Open Award Recipients: 

First Prize: Tara Sabini | 2nd Prize: Lulu Luyao Chang | 3rd Prize: Sammie Jane Hardewig | Honorable Mention: Susan Messer McBride | Juror’s Choice: Mirentxu Ganzarain

About the Juror: Kimberly Oliva (b. 1978, Chicago) is a Chicago-based Midwest curator. She received her Bachelor of Art degree from Loyola University in 2001. She is the owner of Oliva Gallery and has curated over 150 interdisciplinary exhibitions. In 2019, Oliva Gallery exhibited at SOFA, and in June 2025, it presented at Door County Contemporary. Kimberly is the founder of the Mozart Park Mural Program and co-chair of Mozart Park, Chicago Park District.

Kimberly focuses on established Midwest artists and has been immersed in the art scene for over two decades. For more information, visit https://www.olivagallery.com.