December Festivities with the Salon 

The festive season is upon us, and what better way to embrace the spirit of creativity than by diving into the vibrant world of art? CFAS and Art City are thrilled to announce festively themed Paint & Sip and ornament painting classes throughout December, offering something for everyone—whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting your creative journey. Mark your calendars and join us for a month filled with inspiration, learning, and fun!

Gallery Openings

Join us for the opening of our Print Show! Coinciding with the opening of Art City’s two galleries, we will be showing artist’s prints. We have a wide variety of work and are so excited to share it with everyone

Spenser Bower’s “Beaches and Nightclubs” will be opening Friday, December 13th from 5 to 9 PM at Art City, 1400 N Halsted Ave. Chicago, IL

  Artist Statement:

  I’ve always wished for the power to freeze time. My art captures the golden ephemeral moments of vibrant youth in tableau. I draw inspiration from Chicago’s frenetic energy, especially its iconic gay scene. My work is meant to elicit the melancholic joy of a remembered summer afternoon. Though each of these vignettes, in reality, may have only lasted an instant, they will now live on long after I am no longer here to remember them.

Elise Blair Bagnoli’s “Lovecraftian Sentimentality” will also be opening alongside Spenser Bower’s collection Friday, December 13th from 5 to 9 PM at Art City, 1400 N Halsted Ave. Chicago, IL

Artist Statement: 

  Elise Blair Bagnoli (b.1998) is an American Italian artist who uses her work as a way to navigate her subconscious. Using atmospheric qualities, she allows mythos and reality to seep into one. Through architecture and abstract portraiture, she references the self and activates these tools to digest the observable world. Elise has spent time researching concepts revolving around philosophy, mythology, and therapy-based meditation to help progress her work and better understand herself—her artistic and life practices mirror each other, as the process of making art isn’t one of pleasure but of necessity. They make art to survive and understand.

Come support these artists and see their incredible work in our gallery spaces NEW Gallery and miar. We hope to see you there!



Hands-On Learning with Joe: Figure Drawing and Color Theory

On the following weekends, deepen your artistic skills with our workshops led by the talented Joe.

Figure Drawing   

  Dates: Saturday, December 14 & Saturday, December 21  

  Time: 11 AM - 1 PM  

  Location: Art City 

  Explore the fundamentals of figure drawing in a relaxed and supportive environment. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, Joe will guide you and provide valuable insights. Bring your sketchpad and get ready to bring the human form to life!

Color Theory

  Dates: Sunday, December 15 & Sunday, December 22  

  Time: 11 AM - 1 PM  

  Location: Art City  

  Understand the magic of color! In this workshop, Joe will demystify color theory and teach you how to use color effectively in your art. Unleash your creativity as you learn to mix, match, and harmonize colors.

Vision Boarding: Start the New Year with Intentions ✨

Sunday, December 29 & Monday, December 30

 Time: 2 PM - 4 PM, 5 PM - 7 PM  

 Location: Art City 

As we transition into the new year, join us for our Vision Boarding sessions! Create a visual manifestation of your dreams and goals for 2025. Gather your magazines, scissors, and any other art supplies you wish to use to curate your personal vision board. Supplies will also be provided with the purchase of a class.

New Call for Art: “Eros: The Sensual Side of Love” ❤️

CFAS is excited to announce an open call for artists for our upcoming exhibition Eros: The Sensual Side of Love. We invite artists to explore and express the many dimensions of sensuality, intimacy, and desire. This call for art seeks works that delve into the deeper, more nuanced aspects of love—the physical, emotional, and passionate connections that shape our most intimate experiences.

Submission Details:

Deadline: January 19, 2025  

Opening Show: February 7, 2025 at Chicago Fine Art Salon  

We encourage artists from all backgrounds and mediums to submit their work for this thought-provoking exhibition. Let your creativity shine through the exploration of love’s more sensual side!

Don’t miss out on these exciting art events! Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, find inspiration, or simply enjoy the creativity of your community, CFAS and Art City have something for everyone this December. Bring a friend, make new connections, and immerse yourself in the world of art.

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November with CFAS