Chicago is bursting with artistic energy next week, with an array of art exhibitions, hands-on workshops, live music events, and eclectic markets to explore. Whether you’re a dedicated art enthusiast or just looking for a cultural escape, this week’s offerings promise creativity, inspiration, and a chance to connect with the city’s diverse communities. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the art events happening in Chicago from August 4 through August 10, 2025.
A Wide Array of Exhibitions
Chicago’s art scene delivers exhibitions that celebrate culture, creativity, and history. Here’s what you can explore next week:
Urban Trauma and Healing With Art
- Event: Westside Traveling Art Museum (Urban Essentials)
- Location: Spill The Beans, 5300 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60651
- Date and Time: Saturday, August 9, at 11:30 AM
Dive into this thought-provoking exhibition featuring over 50 artworks collected from Black and Brown communities on Chicago’s Westside. This display highlights the power of creativity in processing community trauma.
Brandon Carlton’s Complex Perspectives
- Event: the undercommons : New Work by Brandon Carlton
- Location: Arts + Public Life, 301 E Garfield Blvd, Chicago, IL 60637
- Date and Time: Friday, August 8, at 1:00 PM
Don’t miss Brandon Carlton’s debut solo exhibition featuring paintings that confront layers of human complexity.
Exploring Large-Scale Sculpture
- Event: Yasmin Spiro: Cornerstone
- Location: Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S Cornell Ave, Chicago, IL 60615
- Date and Time: Monday, August 4, at 10:00 AM
Jamaican, Chicago-based artist Yasmin Spiro employs sculpture to examine land use and sustainable building practices.
Youth and Imagination
- Event: The Future Voyagers Exhibit
- Location: Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60607
- Date and Time: Saturday, August 9, at 5:00 PM
This free-to-attend exhibit celebrates youth empowerment and Chicago-based artists using their creative voices to inspire.
Cultural Elegance Through Flora
- Event: Artist’s Garden Flower Show : Alfredo Ramos Martinez
- Location: Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624
- Date and Time: Friday, August 8, at 10:00 AM
Through vibrant flower displays and Mexican-inspired art by Alfredo Ramos Martinez, this exhibition beautifully intertwines art and nature.
Immersive and Reflective Installations
- Event 1: Waters of the Abyss
- Location: Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
- Date and Time: Monday, August 4, at 10:00 AM
This exhibition incorporates natural materials like crystals and sand to connect its audience with themes of spirit and freedom.
- Event 2: Tom Torluemke: LIVE! ON PAPER, 1987–2024
- Location: Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
- Date and Time: Monday, August 4, at 10:00 AM
Explore this expansive retrospective featuring over 40 years of Tom Torluemke’s work, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings.
Science-Inspired Creativity
- Event: Seeing Connections by Richard Penn
- Location: The Joseph Regenstein Library, 1100 E 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637
- Date and Time: Sunday, August 10, at 9:00 AM
Richard Penn, a retired neurosurgeon, marries art and science with pieces inspired by nature and philosophy.
Get Creative With Workshops and Events
Whether you’re painting, stitching, or mingling with local creatives, this week’s lineup of workshops and events lets you become part of the artistic process.
Hands-On Learning
- Event: Learn the Basics: Embroidery
- Location: Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605
- Date and Time: Saturday, August 9, at 2:00 PM
Join local artist Emilka Wolniewicz for an embroidery workshop designed for beginners. Registration is required.
- Event: Masters Monday – Monet’s Lilies
- Location: Bottle & Bottega, 2900 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
- Date and Time: Monday, August 4, at 6:30 PM
Unwind while you paint a serene Monet-inspired masterpiece. Bring your creativity and enjoy step-by-step guidance.
Live Performances
- Event: MORGAN TURNER QUARTET and NOAH BROOKS QUARTET Live at FSC
- Location: Fulton Street Collective, 1821 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60622
- Date and Time: Wednesday, August 6, at 7:30 PM
This event combines jazz and live painting for an immersive experience.
- Event: Tuesdays on the Terrace – Family Junket
- Location: Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
- Date and Time: Tuesday, August 5, at 5:30 PM
Enjoy free live music on the museum’s terrace at this family-friendly event.
Shop, Stroll, and Explore Markets
Celebrate Chicago’s creative goods and unique finds at these vibrant markets.
Maxwell Street Market
- Location: 800 S Desplaines St, Chicago, IL 60607
- Date and Time: Sunday, August 10, at 10:00 AM
This long-standing Chicago tradition features handmade goods, vintage items, and more.
MEAT XXL Market Days 2025
- Location: Radius Chicago, 640 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
- Date and Time: Friday, August 8, at 9:00 PM
Immerse yourself in a high-energy market experience uniting community and creativity.
Free Entry to the Art Institute
Take advantage of free days at the Art Institute of Chicago! While not exclusive to next week, Illinois residents can enjoy complimentary admission on Thursday evenings, 5-8 PM. Children under 14 and Chicago teens under 18 can also visit for free year-round.
Embrace Chicago’s Artistic Spirit
Next week in Chicago offers a dynamic blend of art experiences. From deeply reflective exhibitions to interactive workshops and community events, there’s a little something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the city’s cultural heartbeat—make your plan to explore, discover, and create.
#ChicagoArtScene #CreativeChicago #ArtEvents2025
