July Artist News
published: July 6, 2026
Cydney M. Lewis: Weeds Grow in All Directions at the Hyde Park Art Center. Photo by Mikey Mosher.
Artists on view at the Obama Presidential Center
The recently opened Obama Presidential Center features artwork by Norman Teague, Dorian Sylvain, Sam Kirk, and many others. The Museum presents the story of Presidency Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, America’s first Black president and First Lady. Exhibitions across four floors and art activations and installations throughout the campus explore the promise of democracy and the work of the Obama Presidency.
Showing now through July 12, Dog Day Afternoon, featuring Esteban Andres Cruz, is the play adaption of the “electrifying, Oscar-winning film that captivated the country.” Taking place in the summer of 1972 in New York City, the story is a “raw, gritty reminder of what happens when passion and desperation collide.”
Theater of the Mind at 333 N. Lasalle Street
Showing now through July 12, Theater of the Mind, is a new theatrical experience that engages the senses. “Inspired by both historical and current neuroscience research, the show takes you on an immersive journey inside how we see and create our worlds…Follow your Guide as they revisit key moments in their life in a surreal, 15,000-square-foot installation with a group of just 16 audience members.” Artists Em Modaff, Shariba Rivers, Kelli Simpkins and a cast of six all play “David” who will rotate as the guide for each performance.
Cydney M. Lewis: Weeds Grow in All Directions at the Hyde Park Art Center
Showing now through July 12, Cydney M. Lewis: Weeds Grow in All Directions is on view at the Hyde Park Art Center. The exhibition centers Cydney Lewis’s collage works and large-scale assemblages created with everyday materials found in her daily life. “The works in the exhibition reward close looking- to find the extraordinary in the overlooked, to reconnect with energies around us, and to feel the pulse of our shared ecology through playful wonder and poignant reflection."
Aprendí a Sembrar at Chicago Art Department
On view now through July 25, Aprendí a Sembrar, an exhibition curated by Nancy Sánchez Tamayo and Nicolas Zepada, is a group exhibition that weaves multiple artists’ histories and relationships to space, land, community care, and legacy. Featuring work by Nancy Sánchez, and many others, the exhibition is a part of Contra Corriente, a festival highlighting the work of artists, activists, and organizations dedicated to racial and environmental justice on the Southwest Side of Chicago and beyond.
Alberto Aguilar: I just really want to tell you this one thing at the Chicago Cultural Center
On view now through August 23, Alberto Aguilar: I just really want to tell you this one thing, explores themes of communication, response, transmission, and translation across two distinct periods of Alberto’s career, 1997-2002 and 2020-2026. Prioritizing exchange with others, the exhibition includes work by Cecilia Beaven, Zespo, and many others.
Home Grown Vol. III at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art
On view now through September 6, Home Grown Vol. III, is an immersive exhibition exploring the deep entanglement between human and plant life, featuring Midwest artists working with natural pigments, dyes, plant reliefs, hand-pulled paper, and organic materials. Featuring Allen Moore, Jaclyn Mednicov and many more, Home Grown centers artists who interact with the natural world in a variety of ways.
Dancing the Revolution: From Dancehall to Reggaetón at the Museum of Contemporary Art
On view now through September 20, Dancing the Revolution: From Dancehall to Reggaetón is “a major exhibition that explores and expands the visual, political, and spiritual histories of dancehall and reggaetón through contemporary art— two dynamic genres that have transcended their grassroots origins to shape global culture.” The exhibition features work by Leasho Johnson, Edra Soto, and many others.
Festival of Sufi Arts at Elastic Arts
On July 12, the Festival of Sufi Art, featuring Hamnavai, Indus Blues, and Lyn Rye, centers the practice of dhikr or “remembrance of God.” Dhikr is practiced through devotional music, chanting, and whirling. The festival of Sufi Arts emerged from a desire to share music, visual art, and poetry from Sufi artists with the broader community.
Music Under the Glass at Garfield Park Conservatory & Gardens
On July 15, Dee Alexander plays as the Alexander McLean Project for Garfield Park Conservatory & Garden’s Music Under Glass summer concert series. The Alexander McLean Project brings their signature delve into songwriting and an examination of how it relates to and intersects with the world of jazz improvisation.
Freedom From and Freedom To at First Church of the Brethren
On July 18, Freedom From and Freedom To gathers movement and sound improvisors from all around Chicago to perform in front of a live audience. Performers are grouped by chance in this exploration and celebration of artistic circumstance. Each performance features a different group of performers who fuse diverse artistic practices to create unique and fleeting worlds. This month’s lineup includes Aaliyah Christina, Cristal Sabbagh, Allen Moore, and many more.
The Frē Fest at multiple locations
On July 23-26, The Frē Fest, in collaboration with Calculated Discomfort is a multidisciplinary immersive avant-garde jazz festival, bringing four days of music to Logan Square. Featuring Tommy Carroll, Victoria Boateng, Wendy Clinard, and many more, The Frē Fest is an invitation to watch local innovators that throw down.
Sonic Cradles Live at The Stony Island Arts Bank
On July 30, Jupiter Magazine presents Sonic Cradles Live, featuring D-Composed (with Caitlin Edwards and Khelsey Zarraga), BSA Gold, and many more, at the Stony Island Arts Bank. The event gathers writers alongside musicians for live performances of their contributions to Jupiter Issue 006, published in collaboration with NTS Radio. These performances create an opportunity to linger physically and collectively within the resonance of each collaboration.