Woman Made Gallery (WMG) presents The Uncivil Canvas: Art in the Age of Discord, a national juried exhibition examining the role of artists as witnesses, truth-tellers, and catalysts for civic dialogue during a time of profound social division. Opening January 17, 2026, the show features 34 artists from across the United States whose work confronts the emotional and political tensions shaping contemporary life. The artists use painting, fiber, printmaking, sculpture, photography, ceramics, collage, mixed media, and installation to challenge harmful narratives and elevate voices often pushed aside.

Juror: Karen M. Gutfreund is an independent curator, artist, and consultant focused on feminist and social justice art. She has held positions at MoMA, leading galleries, and the Pacific Art League, and served as National Exhibitions Director and board member for the Women’s Caucus for Art. She has

organized 50+ national exhibitions, curated the book Not Normal: Art in the Age of Trump, exhibits widely, and lives in California’s Sierra Foothills.

Exhibiting Artists: Elaine Alibrandi, Salma Arastu, Nicci Arnold, Bianca Bisej, Lorraine Bonner, Nancy Calef, Dagny Rayn Chika, Patricia Dahlman, Sally Edelstein, Pamela Flynn, Lisa Freeman, Libby Gamble, Kelly Hartigan Goldstein, Tonia Indigo Hughes, Cynthia Kerby, Beth Lakamp, Toni Martinez, Clarissa Martinez, Jessica McKenzie, Melisa of MWY Pottery, Judith Mogul, Lori Moretti, Priscilla Otani, Recka, Donna Ruff, Gigi Salij, Adrienne Sloane, Siana Smith, Lucy VanRegenmorter, Lisa Venditelli, Jeane Vogel, Emily Weddle, Michelle Wilkie, Teresa Greve Wolf

Together, these artists illuminate the social forces shaping American life while affirming art’s capacity to connect, provoke, and build community across differences.

Gallery Hours: Wednesday–Sunday | 12–5 PM

Location: Woman Made Gallery,  1332 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60607,  Street parking and nearby garage available.

Exhibition Events

Opening Reception:  Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 4–7 PM

Closing Reception + Artist Walkthrough:  Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 2–4 PM

About Woman Made Gallery

Founded in 1992, Woman Made Gallery (WMG) is a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting women and non-binary artists through exhibitions, professional development, and community programming. WMG provides vital visibility for artists marginalized by gender and creates space for critical, inclusive, and transformative conversations in contemporary art.

Organizational Neutrality Statement

As a registered Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Woman Made Gallery does not endorse or oppose political candidates or parties and refrains from promoting individual ideological or religious beliefs. All programming and communications are mission-driven and focused on artistic merit, diversity of perspective, and constructive dialogue.

Support

Woman Made Gallery is supported in part by The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events; The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; The Illinois Arts Council Agency; a major anonymous donor; and the generosity of members and contributors.