April Showers at Art City and CFAS
April at Art City: New Exhibits, Easter Hours, and More!
April is here, and at Art City, we’re celebrating the season with exciting events and exhibitions that are sure to inspire. Whether you're an art enthusiast or just looking for something fresh to enjoy, we've got you covered. Here’s a quick peek at what’s coming up this month!
Opening Reception: New Exhibits by Emma Martini, Catie Burill, and miar
Friday, April 4th | 5-9 PM
Join us for an evening of creativity and conversation at the Opening Reception of our latest gallery exhibition! This show features work from three incredible artists: Emma Martini, Catie Burill, and miar. Each artist brings a unique perspective to the space, offering something for everyone. From bold contemporary pieces to more thought-provoking, introspective work, this exhibition is not to be missed.
We are particularly excited to showcase Catie Burill, a Chicago-based fiber artist whose work celebrates divergent minds through salvaged materials. Catie's series Stones of Folly draws inspiration from Hieronymus Bosch’s The Extraction of the Stone of Madness (also known as The Cure of Folly), which depicts a doctor removing a so-called “stone of folly” from a patient’s head. In her vibrant wall sculptures, Catie challenges the traditional notion of madness as a mere pathology, embracing its complexity and reinterpreting societal perceptions of mental health with humor, theatrics, and camp.
Catie’s art explores outsider narratives, mad identity, and storytelling through intricate stitchwork. Her work reflects her years of traveling across the U.S. on Greyhound buses, in cargo vans, and even on a circus train—experiences that have shaped her unique perspective. Stones of Folly features playful yet poignant narratives crafted from found materials like Lake Michigan pebbles, faux fur, 90s beads, and nostalgic trinkets, as well as inspirations from pop culture figures like Dolly Parton and Britney Spears. These materials serve as a vehicle for Catie to blend humor and pathos, offering a fresh take on how we view the mind and its perceived "madness."
Additionally, we’re thrilled to feature Emma Martini, a Chicago-based artist whose work delves deep into the complexities of human psychology, perception, and connection. With a background in psychology, Emma's mixed-media pieces explore the emotional and surreal aspects of the human experience. She combines elements like paint, ceramics, and natural materials to create work that reflects the intricacies of internal processes and our relationship to nature and one another.
Emma’s art is influenced by surrealism, focusing on how our minds shape our understanding of reality. In today’s political climate—reminiscent of the early surrealist movement—her pieces create new, often unsettling realities. The work invites viewers to reflect on the way we perceive ourselves, others, and the world around us, while also highlighting the grounding connection to nature and the collective human experience. Her pieces aim to evoke both a sense of unease and calm, encouraging deeper reflection on the complexities of perception and emotional well-being.
Come by between 5 and 9 PM to mingle with the artists, explore their new pieces, and enjoy light refreshments. Whether you're a long-time Art City visitor or a first-time guest, we guarantee you'll find something that speaks to you. Plus, it’s a great way to kick off your weekend!
Closing this Month: CFAS Figures Call for Artists
Submission Deadline: Friday, April 18th
We’re excited to announce that the deadline to submit your work for CFAS Figures 25 is fast approaching! We invite artists to submit works that explore the human figure, celebrating its complexity, beauty, and diversity. This exhibition seeks to showcase a wide range of interpretations—from traditional representations to innovative, contemporary depictions. Whether through realistic portrayals or abstract expressions, we encourage artists to explore the body’s shape, movement, and symbolism in a way that reflects both the universal and the personal.
We welcome submissions in all media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and digital art. This exhibition is an opportunity to reflect on the profound role the human form plays in art history and its ongoing relevance in contemporary artistic practice.
Submission Requirements:
$26 per submission or $52 for three submissions (Pay through our website)
Artist Statement
Images MUST be filed in this format: Name_Title.jpeg (ex: JaneDoe_Title.jpeg)
Images must be at least 300 DPI
All submissions must be received by April 18th, 2025
We look forward to seeing how you engage with the human figure for this exciting exhibition!
We STILL Want Your Prints! Call for Printed Artwork
CFAS is looking for artists with prints that are made and ready to sell! CFAS participates in art festivals around the Chicago area year-round and can sell your artwork at our booth or table, to make it available to more customers. Some festivals we participate in include the Andersonville Galleria, West Loop Art Festival, West Fest, Wells Street Art Festival, Mayfest, and more. Artists who submit to our Call for Prints are also eligible to be part of our Featured Artists group, with an opportunity for inclusion in a group show or solo show.
Submission Requirements
$13 per Image
Images must be at least 300 DPI
Submit your artwork and its’ information through our Call for Prints Submission Form, located under the Call for Artists tab on our website (chicagofineartsalon.com)
Join CFAC for Curated Calls for Art & Artist Opportunities
Chicago Fine Art Salon is proud to introduce our new Art Club! Our monthly subscription service will give you a quick glance at all of the art opportunities in the Chicago area and beyond! We know how busy an artist’s schedule can be, so we want to provide a service that allows upcoming artists to browse what’s available to help further their careers by reaching a broader audience. All Calls for Art are 18+, and under $50 for admission.
Join or learn more about our available tiers by visiting our website!
Discover Your Creative Side: Art Classes & Events at CFADrawing
At CFADrawing, we believe everyone has the potential to create something beautiful. Whether you're just starting your artistic journey or you're looking to refine your skills, we offer a wide variety of classes and events to cater to all levels of experience. From private lessons to fun, social Paint n Sip events, there's something for everyone.
Private Drawing & Painting Lessons (Tuesday to Friday)
For those looking for one-on-one instruction, we offer private drawing and painting lessons every weekday from 11 AM to 2 PM. These sessions are designed to cater to your individual artistic goals, whether you're working on a personal project or simply looking to improve your technique.
Pricing Update: The rate for private lessons is now $75 per hour. If you'd prefer a 2-hour session, it’s $150. Live models can be arranged for an additional fee should you wish to explore figure drawing or add another layer to your practice.
Academic Beginners Drawing & Painting Classes (Tuesdays & Wednesdays)
We also offer academic drawing and painting classes for beginners, held every Tuesday and Wednesday evening from 6 PM to 9 PM. These classes are perfect for those who are just starting out and want a structured approach to learning.
Pricing Update: The price for these classes is now $100 per session for a 3-hour class. All materials are included for the first month. We also offer a 5-week package for $400 (with one week free), which is a great way to commit to your artistic development and save!
Dive into the basics of drawing, shading, color theory, and more with expert instruction to help guide you on your creative journey.
Friday Night Art Party - Paint n Sip (7-9 PM)
Need a fun way to unwind at the end of the week? Our Friday Night Art Party is the perfect opportunity to socialize and explore your creative side. From 7-9 PM, join us for our BYOB Paint n Sip event, where you’ll enjoy a laid-back atmosphere, sip your favorite drink, and create a painting with step-by-step guidance from our instructors. It’s the perfect way to kick off your weekend!
Saturday Night Paint Your Date (6-8 PM)
Looking for a unique and fun date night? Our Paint Your Date event, happening on Saturday from 6-8 PM, is the ideal way to bond with your partner while creating art together. You’ll work on a painting that reflects your relationship, and the best part is you don’t need to be a seasoned artist to have a great time!
Weekend Paint n Sip Sessions (Saturday & Sunday, 2-4 PM)
If you're free during the weekend, we offer Paint n Sip sessions on both Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 PM. Whether you want to relax with friends, meet new people, or just have some fun while sipping on your favorite beverage, these sessions are designed to be an enjoyable and stress-free way to express your creativity. It's a perfect weekend afternoon activity!
Easter Sunday Hours: We’re Closed—But Not Completely!
Sunday, April 20th | Closed except for afternoon class*
Please note that we will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 20th, so our team can spend the holiday with loved ones. However, for those attending our afternoon class, we’ll be open as usual to ensure that everyone can enjoy their learning experience uninterrupted.
*Please check with us directly for class-specific details.
See You Next Month! :)
We’re looking forward to another month of art, creativity, and community at Art City. Be sure to mark your calendars for these exciting events, and keep an eye on our social media for more updates throughout the month. We hope to see you there!
