Chicago’s official art gallery season is upon us! With entire fairs as the cornerstone, there’s so much art to see in just a month. To help you navigate through it all, here are nine highlights of art gallery exhibitions in September.
"Ground Floor" Discover new talent at this biennial exhibition featuring a select group of artists from various local MFA programs. A catalog and critical writing will also be included. (Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Ave, Opens September 4, 12-5pm. Free)
"Michiko Itatani: Starry Night Encounter" Based on the Japanese concept which suggests thinking of every encounter as if it’s both the first and the last, this solo exhibit by artist Michiko Itatani presents new paintings that encourage such meetings and discoveries within the viewer. (Linda Warren Projects, 327 N. Aberdeen, Ste. 151, Opens September 9, 6-9pm. Free)
The Chicago Exchange: Community Block Party Community-minded Quennect 4 and Genesis Art Supply host this fundraiser for the Simple Good, an organization that empowers at-risk youth through creative channels. Expect live murals, live music, an interactive installation, fire dancers, a skate demo, art vendors and more. (1414 N. Hoyne St, September 10, 12-10pm. Free)
The Annual: Showroom For the Annual’s second edition, curator Edra Soto has brought together local artists for a showcase of paintings, sculptures, and collages with connections to architecture and design. (Chicago Artists Coalition, 217 N. Carpenter St, Opens September 16, 7-9pm. Free)
"Tseng Kwong Chi: Performing for the Camera" 80 pieces will be shown in influential photographer Tseng Kwong Chi’s first major solo museum exhibit, spanning a collection of photographs that explore pop culture, politics, and other social issues in smart and humorous ways. (Block Museum of Art, 40 Arts Circle Dr, Evanston, Opens September 17. Free)
"The Arts Club of Chicago at 100" Celebrate the centennial of the Arts Club of Chicago with highlights from the venue’s permanent collection and new installations by art duos Sonnenzimmer and Luftwerk. (The Arts Club of Chicago, 201 E. Ontario St, Opens September 20, 6-8pm. Free)
"Larry Achiampong: Open Season" In his debut international solo show, British-Ghanaian artist Larry Achiampong presents audio, visual, performance and installation pieces that investigate cultural identity in today’s digital world. (Logan Center Gallery, 915 E. 60th St, Opens September 21, 6-8pm. Free)
Expo Chicago Chicago’s own exposition of modern and contemporary art is back for its milestone fifth year. With a lineup of discussion panels, a film and new media program, a public art billboard project, large-scale site-specific installations and 145 established and emerging global galleries exhibiting work, Expo celebrates art and the city itself. (Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave, September 22-25. $15-20)
stARTup Art Fair Making its Chicago debut, stARTup is an art fair held inside the rooms of a hotel, with 40 independent artists transforming their respective spaces into solo shows of their works, allowing unique interactions for visitors. (MileNorth Hotel, 166 E. Superior St, September 23-25. $10-15)