{"article":{"id":1824,"title":"The City is Reopening a 125 Year-Old, Restored Civil War Memorial, the G.A.R. Rotunda","excerpt":"","body":"<html><head></head><body><figure class=\"image\"><img src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721419022/f1d0ei14un0v73juaz13.jpg\"><figcaption>A view of the restored dome in the City of Chicago's Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) Memorial Hall and Rotunda</figcaption></figure><p>By CGN Staff</p><p>Later this month Mayor Lightfoot and the city's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) will mark the public reopening of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) Memorial Hall and Rotunda at the Chicago Cultural Center following a year-long, and overdue, restoration.&nbsp;</p><p>\"Revitalizing the historic Chicago Cultural Center is vital to our tourism and recovery efforts, as well as our ability to bring our creative community back together,\" said Mayor Lightfoot.</p><p>The G.A.R. rooms in the Cultural Center, completed in 1897, were designed by the Boston firm of Shepley Rutan and Coolidge as a site to honor the social, political, and moral well-being of Civil War veterans and their families. Their historic restoration shines a fresh light on the rooms’ purpose.&nbsp;</p><p>The G.AR. dome–which measures 40-feet in diameter and is made up of 62,000 pieces of art glass–is even larger than the Cultural Center's other well-known dome in Preston Bradley Hall (restored in 2008.) In the 1940s, the dome was placed under a cement and copper cover (and lit with electric lights) to end damaging water intrusion. Now the stained glass is fully restored, lit with natural light and protected by a new state-of-the-art clear cover. The dome’s leaded glass underwent a monumental cleaning, repair and re-assembling process at Daprato Rigali Studios, located on the far Northwest Side of Chicago, revealing its overwhelming beauty. The restoration team discovered that the original Tiffany-designed finishes of the cast-iron dome frame were completely intact beneath layers of grime. In this room, you will also see the original paint colors revealed chip by chip, repaired plaster detailing, re-created moldings, and renovated embossed plaster carvings on the ceiling.</p><figure class=\"image\"><img src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721419023/i4k0wdihnibgeb2syz6v.jpg\"><figcaption>The hall prior to restoration</figcaption></figure><p>In gold around the room is a chronological listing of major Civil War battles. The green marble is from Vermont. The newly restored cherry wood cases along the walls previously displayed Civil War artifacts, which are now preserved at the Chicago Public Library’s Harold Washington Library Center. During the restoration, the ceiling, upper walls, and crown molding all were treated to intricate paint removal, damage repair and painstaking touch-up work. The carpets, newly created by computer to duplicate the patterns and colors of the irreparably damaged original mosaic and terrazzo floors, will now help control sound; not a functional concern in 1897. Cutting-edge technologies were used to recreate missing 1897 elements. To recreate the long-missing chandeliers, old photographs and architectural drawings were brought to life through computer imaging, and models of individual pieces were generated by 3D printing. They were then recast in the original bronze and feature replica hand-blown glass shades. The enormous windows have been restored to their original clear glass, allowing light flow into the room (with UV protection) and a stunning view into G.A.R. Hall from the street.</p><p>The meticulous restoration of the art glass dome and decorative finishes in the G.A.R. rooms, a Civil War memorial, was made possible by a generous grant of services valued at $15,425,000 to the City of Chicago. This private support provided access to a highly specialized team that exposed the original 1890s surfaces of the rooms; conserved the glass dome, and recreated long-lost custom-designed lighting fixtures.</p><p>“This was no ordinary preservation project. It’s been an undertaking beyond belief, assembling the top talents in historic restoration to revive one of the great lost treasures of decorative arts,” said Tim Samuelson, Cultural Historian Emeritus for the City of Chicago. “With its sparkling mosaics and art glass dome, the Chicago Cultural Center’s better-known Preston Bradley Hall has been a must-see attraction for decades, but it’s about to get some stiff competition from the G.A.R. rooms.”</p><figure class=\"image\"><img src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721419024/lzmt0zb1aebskdxvhc3b.jpg\"><figcaption>The dome prior to restoration</figcaption></figure><p>Following the restoration, the G.A.R. rooms will reflect their historic appearance as well as more ably facilitate a wider range of free and diverse cultural programming. This includes upgraded lighting, electrical and Wi-Fi — and opportunities for artists and organizations to activate the space through performances and exhibitions.</p><p>“I am thrilled to see the magnificent restoration of the G.A.R. rooms come to fruition. The work will not only improve the building and physical structures; it will enhance the public programming at the Chicago Cultural Center,” said DCASE Commissioner Erin Harkey. “Our Reopening Weekend will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the restoration process, a conversation with art historians on what sacrifice and freedom continue to mean to us today — and dance performances (celebrating the 2022 #YearofChicagoDance) intentionally centering Black artists and perspectives in the historical context of slavery and the American Civil War.”</p><p>The Chicago Cultural Center restoration, which began in February 2021 following an intensive yearlong study, was executed by Harboe Architects and a team of highly specialized preservation experts and artisans, in partnership with the Department of Assets, Information and Services (AIS) and in consultation with conservators and Tim Samuelson, Cultural Historian Emeritus for the City of Chicago. The Landmarks Commission reviewed and unanimously approved the project.</p><p>For more information, visit <a href=\"http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=jd8-2BsLkKeKzJJH-2F5YciLh6tttf-2B1J48YQf9-2F23T8GrDLjarIxjBh5-2F2BPzPfSss1AjEL0JLAmnsNph9D54bf6FVhJaGSsRHmSfCEcdvnsasRejBnd6-2BM82dSKPGaKF0OCB4N_BYLPtpUivDHORxxkVXshLCRT3wjV7CgXbLJWP9J5MP9LJ6jv7-2Bb0c97UF1yE1XeiKasl3Q0KHAlfCn9N7XONZksYe5OIXa5kf5eLUqZODuRSP9aq4SJ-2B49W0jH0wJ361FZmfd811YRJkeZRtXy94dOd-2FaYWghs-2FZtF7-2BODvvQUhQF0a-2Fc3oi7sJYPELV0a73-2FnqrbcT2Ws4Oc23HJ4-2BnK5kRGImKIeMbo9O4VgfXqCCtnvfKgXGe3JJGLO0nQDc1ny3YfJ8DAV-2Bachh6bOu2HtaN6YXxQrF63R5dlNCsciYI6FMTTBhjQDID49If7uy-2FnKjIejrsj5LSUZETq0QafMx2cHf-2FPgQryLPis63UfC9AlR7-2F3OotL-2FH8lNZi388oC13Iu5qW49H5F2CAVhk4QA-3D-3D\">ChicagoCulturalCenter.org</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><figure class=\"image\"><img src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721419025/iumsbrt6fzhxafvexilf.jpg\"><figcaption>Restoration in progress</figcaption></figure><p>&nbsp;</p><p class=\"lead\">Reopening Weekend Schedule of Events (subject to change):</p><p>The reopening will also usher in a celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Chicago Cultural Center, which opened in 1897. Free public programming will take place during a special Reopening Weekend, March 26–27, featuring tours, talks, dance performances and more in addition to continuing exhibitions, Welcome Center and Learning Lab events and shopping at BUDDY.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Saturday, March 26:</strong></p><ul><li>11am, “MYTH BUSTIN’ — The REAL Story Behind the G.A.R. Rooms” with Cultural Historian Emeritus Tim Samuelson (G.A.R. Foyer)</li><li>12pm and 12:30pm, Guided Tours (G.A.R. Foyer)</li><li>1pm, Behind-the-Scenes Tour with Harboe Architects (G.A.R. Hall)</li><li>2pm, “What Sacrifice &amp; Freedom Mean Today” with professor Christopher Reed, professor Eileen McMahon and artist Leah Gipson; moderated by Chicago Sun-Times columnist Laura Washington (G.A.R. Hall)</li><li>3pm, Performance by Red Clay Dance (G.A.R. Hall and beyond)</li><li>Plus, View the G.A.R. documentary by Chanel 25 (G.A.R. Foyer), visit our hands-on art cart and exhibit displays (G.A.R. Hall) or take a self-guided tour. (Building is open 10am – 5pm.)</li></ul><p><strong>Sunday, March 27:</strong></p><ul><li>11am, “MYTH BUSTIN’ — The REAL Story Behind the G.A.R. Rooms” with Cultural Historian Emeritus Tim Samuelson (G.A.R. Foyer)</li><li>12pm and 12:30pm, Guided Tours (G.A.R. Foyer)</li><li>1pm, Behind-the-Scenes Tour with Harboe Architects (G.A.R. Hall)</li><li>Plus, View the G.A.R. documentary by Chanel 25 (G.A.R. Foyer), visit our hands-on art cart and exhibit displays (G.A.R. Hall) or take a self-guided tour. (Building is open 10am – 5pm.)</li></ul><p>In addition to in-person programming, a new<strong> TV documentary (“Restoration”)</strong> airing in May chronicles the work of Harboe Architects and a team of fine artists and preservation experts as they restore the historic Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall and Rotunda in the Chicago Cultural Center to their original 1897 grandeur and beauty. “Restoration” will air in May on Comcast, RCN, and WOW on Cable25. Check the Chicago Cultural Center website for dates and times.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><figure class=\"image\"><img src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721419026/bmqykw3d2fof0laceyry.jpg\"><figcaption>The Chicago Cultural Center&nbsp;</figcaption></figure><p>&nbsp;</p></body></html>","published_at":"2022-03-01 09:00:00","state":"published","slug":"the-city-is-reopening-a-125-year-old-restored-civil-war-memorial-the-g-a-r-rotunda","type":"NewsPost","meta_description":"","text":null,"created_at":"2022-03-01 15:57:50.563029","updated_at":"2022-03-01 15:57:50.57446","category_id":1,"highlighted":true,"searchable":"'000':185B,570B '10am':1092B,1166B '11am':985B,1097B '12':1005B,1117B '125':6A '125th':935B '12pm':1003B,1115B '15':568B '1890s':590B '1897':127B,451B,461B,945B,1220B '1940s':212B '1pm':1011B,1123B '2008':209B '2021':852B '2022':824B '25':1067B,1141B '26':958B,984B '27':959B,1096B '2pm':1022B '30pm':1006B,1118B '3d':490B '3pm':1050B '40':175B '425':569B '5pm':1093B,1167B '62':184B 'abil':107B 'abli':712B 'access':580B 'activ':739B 'addit':968B,1169B 'affair':54B 'ai':883B 'air':1180B,1226B 'allow':519B 'along':373B 'also':317B,928B 'american':840B 'anniversari':936B 'appear':707B 'approv':906B 'architect':862B,1019B,1131B,1188B 'architectur':473B 'armi':30B,67B,1204B 'around':349B 'art':188B,253B,543B,639B,656B,806B,1075B,1149B 'artifact':380B 'artisan':872B 'artist':735B,829B,1036B,1194B 'assembl':269B,622B 'asset':879B 'attract':676B 'back':113B 'battl':360B 'beauti':286B,1223B 'began':849B 'behind':795B,991B,1013B,1103B,1125B 'behind-the-scen':794B,1012B,1124B 'belief':621B 'beneath':308B 'better':665B 'better-known':664B 'beyond':620B,1059B 'black':828B 'blown':505B 'boston':132B 'bradley':205B,668B 'bring':109B 'bronz':499B 'brought':476B 'buddi':981B 'build':768B,1089B,1163B 'bustin':987B,1099B 'cable25':1235B 'carpet':421B 'cart':1076B,1150B 'carv':338B 'case':372B 'cast':301B 'cast-iron':300B 'ceil':341B,399B 'celebr':822B,932B 'cement':219B 'center':80B,94B,124B,196B,394B,662B,782B,827B,846B,941B,973B,1216B,1240B,1249B 'cgn':40B 'chandeli':469B 'chanel':1066B,1140B 'chang':924B 'check':1236B 'cherri':370B 'chicago':27B,78B,92B,282B,387B,575B,650B,660B,780B,844B,899B,939B,1041B,1214B,1238B,1247B 'chicagoculturalcenter.org':913B 'chip':324B,326B 'christoph':1030B 'chronicl':1183B 'chronolog':354B 'citi':2A,25B,49B,573B,648B,897B 'civil':11A,153B,358B,378B,554B,841B 'clay':1054B 'clean':264B 'clear':254B,517B 'color':322B,431B 'columnist':1045B 'comcast':1230B 'come':758B 'commiss':902B 'commission':785B 'communiti':112B 'competit':687B 'complet':125B,306B 'comput':425B,480B 'concern':449B 'conserv':595B,888B 'consult':886B 'context':835B 'continu':813B,970B 'control':444B 'convers':804B 'coolidg':138B 'copper':221B 'cover':222B,255B 'creat':332B,423B 'creativ':111B 'crown':403B 'cultur':53B,79B,93B,123B,195B,643B,661B,721B,781B,845B,892B,940B,996B,1108B,1215B,1239B,1248B 'custom':605B 'custom-design':604B 'cut':453B 'cutting-edg':452B 'damag':230B,412B,435B 'danc':820B,963B,1055B 'daprato':272B 'date':1243B 'dcase':58B,784B 'decad':678B 'decor':547B,638B 'depart':51B,877B 'design':129B,296B,606B 'detail':329B 'diamet':178B 'discov':290B 'display':377B,1079B,1153B 'divers':720B 'documentari':1064B,1138B,1178B 'dome':22B,172B,202B,214B,257B,303B,545B,598B,658B,693B 'draw':474B 'duplic':427B 'edg':454B 'effort':102B 'eileen':1033B 'electr':226B,727B 'element':462B 'emboss':336B 'emeritus':645B,894B,998B,1110B 'end':229B 'enhanc':774B 'enorm':509B 'erin':786B 'even':191B 'event':57B,921B,977B 'execut':859B 'exhibit':745B,971B,1078B,1152B 'expert':870B,1197B 'expos':587B 'facilit':713B 'famili':158B 'far':278B 'featur':501B,960B 'februari':851B 'feet':176B 'fi':731B 'fine':1193B 'finish':297B,548B 'firm':133B 'fixtur':608B 'floor':440B 'flow':521B 'follow':81B,697B,853B 'foyer':1002B,1010B,1069B,1114B,1122B,1143B 'frame':304B 'free':718B,946B 'freedom':812B,1025B 'fresh':164B 'fruition':760B 'fulli':238B 'function':448B 'g.a.r':15A,34B,71B,119B,533B,551B,690B,701B,756B,993B,1001B,1009B,1020B,1048B,1056B,1063B,1068B,1080B,1105B,1113B,1121B,1132B,1137B,1142B,1154B 'g.ar':171B 'generat':488B 'generous':562B 'get':684B 'gipson':1038B 'glass':189B,236B,260B,506B,518B,544B,597B,657B 'gold':348B 'grand':29B,66B,1203B 'grandeur':1221B 'grant':563B 'great':634B 'green':362B 'grime':311B 'guid':1007B,1087B,1119B,1161B 'hall':36B,73B,206B,343B,534B,669B,1021B,1049B,1057B,1081B,1133B,1155B,1209B 'hand':504B,1073B,1147B 'hand-blown':503B 'hands-on':1072B,1146B 'harbo':861B,1018B,1130B,1187B 'harkey':787B 'harold':391B 'help':443B 'high':583B,867B 'histor':91B,160B,627B,706B,834B,1202B 'historian':644B,807B,893B,997B,1109B 'honor':143B 'imag':481B 'improv':766B 'in-person':1171B 'includ':724B 'individu':485B 'inform':880B,911B 'intact':307B 'intens':855B 'intent':826B 'intric':409B 'intrus':232B 'iron':302B 'irrepar':434B 'known':201B,666B 'lab':976B 'landmark':901B 'larger':192B 'later':42B 'laura':1046B 'layer':309B 'lead':259B 'leah':1037B 'learn':975B 'librari':389B,393B 'life':478B 'light':165B,227B,243B,520B,607B,726B 'lightfoot':46B,117B 'list':355B 'lit':224B,240B 'locat':275B 'long':85B,467B,602B 'long-lost':601B 'long-miss':466B 'look':798B 'lost':603B,635B 'made':181B,558B 'magnific':752B 'major':357B 'marbl':363B 'march':957B,983B,1095B 'mark':60B 'may':1182B,1228B 'mayor':45B,116B 'mcmahon':1034B 'mean':815B,1026B 'measur':174B 'memori':13A,35B,72B,556B,1208B 'meticul':539B 'miss':460B,468B 'model':483B 'moder':1039B 'mold':333B,404B 'month':44B 'monument':263B 'moral':148B 'mosaic':437B,654B 'must':674B 'must-se':673B 'myth':986B,1098B 'natur':242B 'new':248B,1176B 'newli':368B,422B 'northwest':279B 'offer':792B 'old':9A,470B 'one':631B 'open':943B,1091B,1165B 'opportun':733B 'ordinari':612B 'organ':737B 'origin':293B,320B,436B,498B,516B,589B,1219B 'overdu':87B 'overwhelm':285B 'painstak':415B 'paint':321B,410B 'partnership':874B 'pattern':429B 'perform':743B,821B,964B,1051B 'person':1173B 'perspect':831B 'photograph':471B 'physic':770B 'piec':186B,486B 'place':216B,951B 'plaster':328B,337B 'plus':1060B,1134B 'polit':146B 'possibl':559B 'preserv':384B,613B,869B,1196B 'preston':204B,667B 'previous':376B 'print':491B 'prior':344B,694B 'privat':577B 'process':270B,802B 'professor':1029B,1032B 'program':722B,777B,948B,1174B 'progress':916B 'project':614B,908B 'protect':245B,527B 'provid':579B 'public':62B,388B,776B,947B 'purpos':169B 'rang':716B 'rcn':1231B 're':268B,331B 're-assembl':267B 're-creat':330B 'real':989B,1101B 'recast':495B 'recoveri':101B 'recreat':459B,464B,600B 'red':1053B 'reed':1031B 'reflect':704B 'remov':411B 'renov':335B 'reopen':4A,63B,789B,917B,926B,955B 'repair':265B,327B,413B 'replica':502B 'republ':33B,70B,1207B 'restor':10A,21B,88B,161B,207B,239B,288B,346B,369B,397B,513B,540B,628B,696B,699B,753B,801B,847B,914B,1179B,1200B,1224B 'reveal':283B,323B 'review':903B 'revit':89B 'reviv':630B 'rigali':273B 'room':120B,168B,314B,351B,524B,552B,594B,691B,702B,757B,994B,1106B 'rotunda':16A,38B,75B,1211B 'rutan':136B 'sacrific':810B,1024B 'said':115B,640B,783B 'samuelson':642B,891B,1000B,1112B 'saturday':982B 'scene':797B,1015B,1127B 'schedul':919B 'see':318B,675B,750B 'self':1086B,1160B 'self-guid':1085B,1159B 'servic':565B,882B 'shade':507B 'shepley':135B 'shine':162B 'shop':979B 'side':280B 'site':141B 'slaveri':837B 'social':145B 'sound':445B 'space':741B 'sparkl':653B 'special':56B,584B,868B,954B 'staff':41B 'stain':235B 'state':250B 'state-of-the-art':249B 'stiff':686B 'stori':990B,1102B 'street':537B 'structur':771B 'studi':857B 'studio':274B 'stun':530B 'subject':922B 'sun':1043B 'sun-tim':1042B 'sunday':1094B 'support':578B 'surfac':591B 'take':950B,1083B,1157B 'talent':625B 'talk':962B 'team':289B,585B,865B,1191B 'technolog':455B 'terrazzo':439B 'thrill':748B 'tiffani':295B 'tiffany-design':294B 'tim':641B,890B,999B,1111B 'time':1044B,1245B 'today':818B,1027B 'togeth':114B 'top':624B 'touch':417B 'touch-up':416B 'tour':961B,1008B,1016B,1088B,1120B,1128B,1162B 'tourism':99B 'treasur':636B 'treat':407B 'tv':1177B 'unanim':905B 'undertak':619B 'underw':261B 'upgrad':725B 'upper':400B 'us':817B 'use':457B 'usher':929B 'uv':526B 'valu':566B 'vermont':366B 'veteran':155B 'view':18B,531B,1061B,1135B 'visit':912B,1070B,1144B 'vital':96B 'wall':375B,401B 'war':12A,154B,359B,379B,555B,842B 'washington':392B,1047B 'water':231B 'websit':1241B 'weekend':790B,918B,956B 'welcom':972B 'well':104B,150B,200B,709B 'well-b':149B 'well-known':199B 'wi':730B 'wi-fi':729B 'wider':715B 'window':510B 'wood':371B 'work':419B,762B,1185B 'wow':1233B 'year':8A,84B 'year-long':83B 'year-old':7A 'yearlong':856B 'yearofchicagod':825B","thumbnail":"https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto/v1721767426/usoswvjdwh6xsryy9qxg.jpg","editor_pick":false,"category_name":"Announcements"},"related":[{"id":14456,"title":"Illinois Holocaust Museum to Reopen November 11 Following Renovation","excerpt":"","body":"<p><img src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1792084737/qrikvx76nvvt5agq24rq.jpg\"></p><p><br></p><p>By CGN STAFF</p><p><br></p><p>Illinois Holocaust Museum &amp; Education Center will reopen its Skokie location on November 11, 2026, following a renovation that expands visitor spaces, updates its core Holocaust exhibition and adds a new reflection gallery. The reopening is timed to coincide with Veterans Day. Active military personnel, veterans and their families will receive free admission that day.</p><p><br></p><p>The project includes a redesigned Lillian &amp; Larry Goodman Auditorium and Gallery, an enlarged lobby in the Shapiro Family Foundation Welcome Center, and a refreshed Resilience Hall with an expanded stage for presentations and public programs.</p><p><br></p><p>Updates to the Zev &amp; Shifra Karkomi Holocaust Exhibition include additional material on the roots of antisemitism, the story of Chicago resident Leo Edelman, and the experiences of other groups targeted by the Nazis. A new reflection gallery, accessible from the exhibition, offers visitors a quiet space during and after their visit.</p><p><br></p><p>“Every visitor’s experience now begins differently and runs deeper,” said Kelley Szany, the Museum’s senior vice president of education and exhibitions. “The new welcome center sets the tone from the moment people arrive, the enhanced core Holocaust exhibition brings the history and the voices of survivors into sharper focus, and our new auditorium gives us a place to gather, listen, and talk about what it means for our communities today.”</p><p><br></p><p>Existing attractions, including the virtual reality theater, the interactive Survivor Stories Experience holographic theater, the Take A Stand Center and the Voices of Genocide Exhibition, will remain part of the Museum’s offerings.</p><p><br></p><p>Following the reopening,&nbsp;<em>Blacklist: The Hollywood Red Scare</em>&nbsp;will open November 15 in the special exhibition gallery. Created by and on loan from Jewish Museum Milwaukee, the exhibition examines the intersections of politics, antisemitism, freedom of speech and national security during the Red Scare of the 1940s and 1950s. It will remain on view through March 2027.</p><p><br></p><p>The Museum’s satellite location in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, <span style=\"color: rgb(13, 13, 13);\">Experience360, </span>will remain open through December 31, 2026. The downtown space opened during the Skokie renovation to provide continued access to the Museum’s immersive exhibitions.</p><p><br></p><p>For information and ticket reservations, visit&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.ilholocaustmuseum.org/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">ilholocaustmuseum.org</a>.</p><p><br></p><p><span style=\"color: rgb(136, 136, 136);\">Image: Museum exterior. Photo by David Seide/Definedspace.com</span></p>","published_at":"2026-10-15 09:32:55.31","state":"published","slug":"illinois-holocaust-museum-to-reopen-november-11-following-renovation","type":null,"meta_description":"","text":null,"created_at":"2026-10-15 17:18:57.712","updated_at":"2026-10-15 17:18:57.712","category_id":1,"highlighted":false,"searchable":"'11':7A,25B '15':269B '1940s':304B '1950s':306B '2026':26B,333B '2027':314B '31':332B 'access':139B,345B 'activ':54B 'add':40B 'addit':111B 'admiss':64B 'antisemit':117B,291B 'arriv':187B 'attract':226B 'auditorium':75B,207B 'begin':158B 'blacklist':261B 'bring':193B 'center':17B,87B,179B,243B 'cgn':11B 'chicago':121B,321B 'coincid':50B 'communiti':223B 'continu':344B 'core':36B,190B 'creat':275B 'david':364B 'day':53B,66B 'decemb':331B 'deeper':162B 'differ':159B 'downtown':335B 'edelman':124B 'educ':16B,173B 'enhanc':189B 'enlarg':79B 'everi':153B 'examin':286B 'exhibit':38B,109B,142B,175B,192B,249B,273B,285B,351B 'exist':225B 'expand':31B,95B 'experi':127B,156B,236B 'experience360':326B 'exterior':361B 'famili':60B,84B 'focus':203B 'follow':8A,27B,258B 'foundat':85B 'free':63B 'freedom':292B 'galleri':44B,77B,138B,274B 'gather':213B 'genocid':248B 'give':208B 'goodman':74B 'group':130B 'hall':92B 'histori':195B 'hollywood':263B 'holocaust':2A,14B,37B,108B,191B 'holograph':237B 'ilholocaustmuseum.org':358B 'illinoi':1A,13B 'imag':359B 'immers':350B 'includ':69B,110B,227B 'inform':353B 'interact':233B 'intersect':288B 'jewish':281B 'karkomi':107B 'kelley':164B 'larri':73B 'leo':123B 'lillian':72B 'listen':214B 'loan':279B 'lobbi':80B 'locat':22B,319B 'march':313B 'materi':112B 'mean':220B 'militari':55B 'milwauke':283B 'moment':185B 'museum':3A,15B,167B,255B,282B,316B,348B,360B 'nation':296B 'nazi':134B 'neighborhood':325B 'new':42B,136B,177B,206B 'north':324B 'novemb':6A,24B,268B 'offer':143B,257B 'open':267B,329B,337B 'part':252B 'peopl':186B 'personnel':56B 'photo':362B 'place':211B 'polit':290B 'present':98B 'presid':171B 'program':101B 'project':68B 'provid':343B 'public':100B 'quiet':146B 'realiti':230B 'receiv':62B 'red':264B,300B 'redesign':71B 'reflect':43B,137B 'refresh':90B 'remain':251B,309B,328B 'renov':9A,29B,341B 'reopen':5A,19B,46B,260B 'reserv':356B 'resid':122B 'resili':91B 'river':323B 'root':115B 'run':161B 'said':163B 'satellit':318B 'scare':265B,301B 'secur':297B 'seide/definedspace.com':365B 'senior':169B 'set':180B 'shapiro':83B 'sharper':202B 'shifra':106B 'skoki':21B,340B 'space':33B,147B,336B 'special':272B 'speech':294B 'staff':12B 'stage':96B 'stand':242B 'stori':119B,235B 'survivor':200B,234B 'szani':165B 'take':240B 'talk':216B 'target':131B 'theater':231B,238B 'ticket':355B 'time':48B 'today':224B 'tone':182B 'updat':34B,102B 'us':209B 'veteran':52B,57B 'vice':170B 'view':311B 'virtual':229B 'visit':152B,357B 'visitor':32B,144B,154B 'voic':198B,246B 'welcom':86B,178B 'zev':105B","thumbnail":"https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1792084731/ziynfdisvbupniolikjr.jpg","editor_pick":true},{"id":14357,"title":"As One New Fair Opens another Familiar Name Announces Its Return in 2027","excerpt":null,"body":"<p><img src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1791471661/j25vt7cxeohehapkz9n1.jpg\"></p><p><br></p><p>By GINNY VAN ALYEA</p><p><br></p><p>SOFA Chicago, the longtime fair devoted to sculpture, objects, functional art and collectible design, will return to the city October 28–31, 2027, as part of Chicago Art Fair at THE MART, which opened its inaugural edition last night. </p><p><br></p><p>Founded in Chicago in 1994, SOFA became a popular fixture on the city’s fall arts calendar. For much of its history, collectors and visitors gathered at Navy Pier to discover works in glass, ceramics, wood, metal and fiber, alongside sculpture and design. Its focus on materials and craftsmanship gave the fair a distinct identity and cultivated a devoted audience.</p><p><br></p><p>The announcement comes as the inaugural Chicago Art Fair gets underway at THE MART. The new fair opened with a preview on October 7 and continues through October 10, presenting modern and contemporary art. Tim von Gal, CEO and producer of SOFA Chicago and CEO of Intersect Art and Design, was in Chicago this week for the occasion.</p><p>Organizers describe the 2027 collaboration as two distinct but complementary presentations under one roof, with SOFA’s focus on three-dimensional art and design alongside Chicago Art Fair’s broader offerings.</p><p><br></p><p>“Chicago has always been an extraordinary home for SOFA and a city with a deep appreciation for art, craft, architecture and design,” said von Gal in the announcement. “Joining the Chicago Art Fair at THE MART gives us the opportunity to build upon that legacy while creating an exciting new experience for collectors and exhibitors alike.”</p><p>Eric Smith, owner of Chicago Art Fair and CEO of Redwood Art Group, said the addition would broaden the fair’s scope while preserving SOFA’s identity.</p><p><br></p><p>“SOFA has a remarkable legacy and a distinct identity, and its return adds an important new dimension to the fair while reinforcing Chicago’s position as a destination for collectors, galleries and art lovers from around the world,” Smith said.</p><p><br></p><p>For those who remember SOFA as an annual opportunity to encounter ambitious work in craft and design, the return will be welcome news. The participating galleries and programming, still to be announced, will provide a fuller picture of how that legacy will take shape in its new setting.</p><p><br></p><p>SOFA Chicago is produced by Intersect Art and Design, which also organizes annual art and design fairs in Aspen and Palm Springs.</p><p><br></p><p>Additional details about exhibitors, partnerships and tickets are expected in the coming months. </p><p><br></p><p>Visit&nbsp;<a href=\"https://chicagoartfair.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">chicagoartfair.com</a> for updates.</p>","published_at":"2026-10-08 08:42:55.758","state":"published","slug":"as-one-new-fair-opens-another-familiar-name-announces-its-return-in-2027","type":null,"meta_description":"","text":null,"created_at":"2026-10-08 15:01:02.232","updated_at":"2026-10-08 15:01:02.232","category_id":1,"highlighted":false,"searchable":"'10':145B '1994':61B '2027':13A,40B,178B '28':38B '31':39B '7':140B 'add':302B 'addit':278B,400B 'alik':262B 'alongsid':96B,200B 'also':388B 'alway':209B 'alyea':17B 'ambiti':341B 'announc':9A,118B,234B,361B 'annual':337B,390B 'anoth':6A 'appreci':222B 'architectur':226B 'around':325B 'art':28B,45B,72B,124B,150B,164B,197B,202B,224B,238B,268B,274B,322B,384B,391B 'aspen':396B 'audienc':116B 'becam':63B 'broaden':280B 'broader':205B 'build':248B 'calendar':73B 'ceo':154B,161B,271B 'ceram':91B 'chicago':19B,44B,59B,123B,159B,169B,201B,207B,237B,267B,312B,379B 'chicagoartfair.com':414B 'citi':36B,69B,218B 'collabor':179B 'collect':30B 'collector':79B,259B,319B 'come':119B,411B 'complementari':184B 'contemporari':149B 'continu':142B 'craft':225B,344B 'craftsmanship':105B 'creat':253B 'cultiv':113B 'deep':221B 'describ':176B 'design':31B,99B,166B,199B,228B,346B,386B,393B 'destin':317B 'detail':401B 'devot':23B,115B 'dimens':306B 'dimension':196B 'discov':87B 'distinct':110B,182B,297B 'edit':54B 'encount':340B 'eric':263B 'excit':255B 'exhibitor':261B,403B 'expect':408B 'experi':257B 'extraordinari':212B 'fair':4A,22B,46B,108B,125B,133B,203B,239B,269B,282B,309B,394B 'fall':71B 'familiar':7A 'fiber':95B 'fixtur':66B 'focus':101B,192B 'found':57B 'fuller':365B 'function':27B 'gal':153B,231B 'galleri':320B,355B 'gather':82B 'gave':106B 'get':126B 'ginni':15B 'give':243B 'glass':90B 'group':275B 'histori':78B 'home':213B 'ident':111B,289B,298B 'import':304B 'inaugur':53B,122B 'intersect':163B,383B 'join':235B 'last':55B 'legaci':251B,294B,370B 'longtim':21B 'lover':323B 'mart':49B,130B,242B 'materi':103B 'metal':93B 'modern':147B 'month':412B 'much':75B 'name':8A 'navi':84B 'new':3A,132B,256B,305B,376B 'news':352B 'night':56B 'object':26B 'occas':174B 'octob':37B,139B,144B 'offer':206B 'one':2A,187B 'open':5A,51B,134B 'opportun':246B,338B 'organ':175B,389B 'owner':265B 'palm':398B 'part':42B 'particip':354B 'partnership':404B 'pictur':366B 'pier':85B 'popular':65B 'posit':314B 'present':146B,185B 'preserv':286B 'preview':137B 'produc':156B,381B 'program':357B 'provid':363B 'redwood':273B 'reinforc':311B 'remark':293B 'rememb':333B 'return':11A,33B,301B,348B 'roof':188B 'said':229B,276B,329B 'scope':284B 'sculptur':25B,97B 'set':377B 'shape':373B 'smith':264B,328B 'sofa':18B,62B,158B,190B,215B,287B,290B,334B,378B 'spring':399B 'still':358B 'take':372B 'three':195B 'three-dimension':194B 'ticket':406B 'tim':151B 'two':181B 'underway':127B 'updat':416B 'upon':249B 'us':244B 'van':16B 'visit':413B 'visitor':81B 'von':152B,230B 'week':171B 'welcom':351B 'wood':92B 'work':88B,342B 'world':327B 'would':279B","thumbnail":"https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1791471648/qlsatdxqgau2braeekxu.jpg","editor_pick":true},{"id":14324,"title":"Pigment International Dedicates Black Fine Art Month 2026 to Richard Hunt","excerpt":"","body":"<p><img src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1791479103/r9oi9u47474rx2synx0p.png\"></p><p><span style=\"color: rgb(136, 136, 136);\">The artist Richard Hunt</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>By CGN Staff</p><p><br></p><p>Pigment International has dedicated Black Fine Art Month 2026 to Chicago sculptor Richard Hunt (1935–2023), recognizing his contributions to American art and his lifelong connection to the city.</p><p><br></p><p>As part of the month’s programming, the organization will host&nbsp;<em>Pigmented: Chicago to the World — A Black Fine Art Convening</em>&nbsp;on October 23 at the University of Chicago’s Logan Center for the Arts. Partners include the Richard Hunt Legacy Foundation, Adler University, CAI Designs, Chicago Public Art Group, Chicago Sculpture Exhibit and Diasporal Rhythms.</p><p><br></p><p>Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, Hunt developed an internationally recognized practice while continuing to live and work in his hometown. His welded metal sculptures brought together abstract forms, references to the natural world and an enduring interest in freedom and social justice.</p><p><br></p><p>Hunt identified attending Emmett Till’s funeral in 1955 as a turning point in his artistic life. Till had lived just two blocks from Hunt’s home. Decades later, Hunt’s public commissions would honor figures including Martin Luther King Jr., Mary McLeod Bethune, Jesse Owens and Ida B. Wells, while also addressing the Middle Passage and the Great Migration.</p><p>In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson appointed Hunt to the National Council on the Arts, where he became its first African American member. In 1971, at age 35, he became the first African American sculptor to receive a retrospective at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. His career encompassed more than 150 solo exhibitions and more than 160 public art installations.</p><p><br></p><p><img src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1791479104/lltcodkx39gd8sbhtus1.png\"></p><p><em style=\"color: rgb(136, 136, 136);\">Richard Hunt with artist Chris Devins, who recently completed a mural honoring the sculptor in Hyde Park. Photo courtesy of Chris Devins.</em></p><p><br></p><p>Recent projects in Chicago offer new ways to encounter Hunt’s work and history. This fall, the Logan Center opened the Hunt, a café honoring the artist. Created and designed by Little Black Pearl founder and executive director Monica Haslip, the space incorporates two Hunt sculptures, African art, archival materials and photographs by Sandro Miller.</p><p>In Hyde Park, artist Chris Devins and historian Michelle Duster have brought a mural of Hunt to 1515–19 E. 54th Street. The portrait is based on photographs Devins took in Hunt’s studio before the sculptor’s death.</p><p><br></p><p>“Richard Hunt was a giant in the arts world and people need to see what he looked like and be inspired by his legacy,” Devins said.</p><p><br></p><p>Pigment International’s dedication also reflects its own relationship with Hunt. The organization featured him in its magazine in 2020, and he welcomed its Black Fine Art Month programming into his studio in October 2021.</p><p><br></p><p>#</p><p><br></p><p>Two events take place this month:</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Pigment International at SPECTRUM Chicago Art Fair</strong></p><p><br></p><p>October 7–10, 2026.</p><p>Chicago Merchandise Mart, seventh floor, booth #3091.</p><p>Wednesday, October 7, 5–8 pm, with a champagne toast in the booth and an artist meet-and-greet.</p><p>Thursday, October 8, 6-8pm with Diasporal Rhythms</p><p>Featured artists:&nbsp;Jesse Howard, Howard Simmons, Edo, Candace Hunter, Sura DuPart and Max Sansing.</p><p>Additional events are taking place during the fair</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Chicago to the World: A Black Fine Art Month Convening</strong></p><p>Presented by Pigment International as part of Black Fine Art Month, which the organization has dedicated this year to Richard Hunt.</p><p>Friday, October 23, 2026, 11:30 am–5 pm.</p><p>Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th Street, Chicago.</p><p><br></p><p>Details at <a href=\"https://pigmentintl.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">pigmentintl.com</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>","published_at":"2026-10-06 20:00:00","state":"published","slug":"pigment-international-dedicates-black-fine-art-month-2026-to-richard-hunt","type":null,"meta_description":"","text":null,"created_at":"2026-10-08 17:05:04.799","updated_at":"2026-10-08 17:05:04.799","category_id":1,"highlighted":false,"searchable":"'-8':495B '10':462B '11':557B '150':260B '1515':364B '160':266B '19':365B '1935':33B '1955':157B '1968':210B '1971':232B '2020':431B '2021':446B '2023':34B '2026':8A,27B,463B,556B '23':71B,555B '30':558B '3091':470B '35':235B '5':474B,560B '54th':367B '6':494B '60th':569B '7':461B,473B '8':475B,493B '915':567B 'abstract':133B 'addit':514B 'address':201B 'adler':90B 'african':228B,240B,338B 'age':234B 'also':200B,416B 'american':39B,229B,241B 'appoint':214B 'archiv':340B 'art':6A,25B,40B,67B,82B,96B,222B,254B,268B,339B,393B,438B,458B,529B,541B,566B 'artist':13B,164B,273B,318B,350B,486B,501B 'attend':151B 'b':197B 'base':372B 'becam':225B,237B 'bethun':192B 'black':4A,23B,65B,324B,436B,527B,539B 'block':171B 'booth':469B,483B 'born':104B 'brought':131B,358B 'café':315B 'cai':92B 'candac':507B 'career':256B 'center':79B,310B,563B 'cgn':17B 'champagn':479B 'chicago':29B,60B,76B,94B,98B,108B,295B,457B,464B,522B,571B 'chris':274B,290B,351B 'citi':47B 'commiss':181B 'complet':278B 'connect':44B 'continu':119B 'contribut':37B 'conven':68B,531B 'council':219B 'courtesi':288B 'creat':319B 'death':385B 'decad':176B 'dedic':3A,22B,415B,547B 'design':93B,321B 'detail':572B 'develop':113B 'devin':275B,291B,352B,375B,410B 'diaspor':102B,498B 'director':329B 'dupart':510B 'duster':356B 'e':366B,568B 'edo':506B 'emmett':152B 'encompass':257B 'encount':300B 'endur':142B 'event':448B,515B 'execut':328B 'exhibit':100B,262B 'fair':459B,521B 'fall':307B 'featur':425B,500B 'figur':184B 'fine':5A,24B,66B,437B,528B,540B 'first':227B,239B 'floor':468B 'form':134B 'foundat':89B 'founder':326B 'freedom':145B 'friday':553B 'funer':155B 'giant':390B 'great':207B 'greet':490B 'group':97B 'haslip':331B 'histori':305B 'historian':354B 'home':175B 'hometown':126B 'honor':183B,281B,316B 'host':58B 'howard':503B,504B 'hunt':11A,15B,32B,87B,112B,149B,173B,178B,215B,271B,301B,313B,336B,362B,378B,387B,422B,552B 'hunter':508B 'hyde':285B,348B 'ida':196B 'identifi':150B 'includ':84B,185B 'incorpor':334B 'inspir':406B 'instal':269B 'interest':143B 'intern':2A,20B,115B,413B,454B,535B 'jess':193B,502B 'johnson':213B 'jr':189B 'justic':148B 'king':188B 'later':177B 'legaci':88B,409B 'life':165B 'lifelong':43B 'like':403B 'littl':323B 'live':121B,168B 'logan':78B,309B,562B 'look':402B 'luther':187B 'lyndon':212B 'magazin':429B 'mari':190B 'mart':466B 'martin':186B 'materi':341B 'max':512B 'mcleod':191B 'meet':488B 'meet-and-greet':487B 'member':230B 'merchandis':465B 'metal':129B 'michell':355B 'middl':203B 'migrat':208B 'miller':346B 'modern':253B 'monica':330B 'month':7A,26B,52B,439B,452B,530B,542B 'mural':280B,360B 'museum':251B 'nation':218B 'natur':138B 'need':397B 'new':248B,297B 'octob':70B,445B,460B,472B,492B,554B 'offer':296B 'open':311B 'organ':56B,424B,545B 'owen':194B 'park':286B,349B 'part':49B,537B 'partner':83B 'passag':204B 'pearl':325B 'peopl':396B 'photo':287B 'photograph':343B,374B 'pigment':1A,19B,59B,412B,453B,534B 'pigmentintl.com':574B 'place':450B,518B 'pm':476B,496B,561B 'point':161B 'portrait':370B 'practic':117B 'present':532B 'presid':211B 'program':54B,440B 'project':293B 'public':95B,180B,267B 'rais':106B 'receiv':244B 'recent':277B,292B 'recogn':35B,116B 'refer':135B 'reflect':417B 'relationship':420B 'retrospect':246B 'rhythm':103B,499B 'richard':10A,14B,31B,86B,270B,386B,551B 'said':411B 'sandro':345B 'sans':513B 'sculptor':30B,242B,283B,383B 'sculptur':99B,130B,337B 'see':399B 'seventh':467B 'side':111B 'simmon':505B 'social':147B 'solo':261B 'south':110B 'space':333B 'spectrum':456B 'staff':18B 'street':368B,570B 'studio':380B,443B 'sura':509B 'take':449B,517B 'thursday':491B 'till':153B,166B 'toast':480B 'togeth':132B 'took':376B 'turn':160B 'two':170B,335B,447B 'univers':74B,91B 'way':298B 'wednesday':471B 'welcom':434B 'weld':128B 'well':198B 'work':123B,303B 'world':63B,139B,394B,525B 'would':182B 'year':549B 'york':249B","thumbnail":"https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1791351200/u6rnvyx3skpwrg4h9tdx.png","editor_pick":true}]}