Open Call for Artist Exhibits at Harold Washington Library Center
The Music, Arts, Social Science and History Department, located in the Harold Washington Library Center, is looking to schedule exhibits on the 8th floor beginning April 2025 through March 2026. Artists working in any visual media are encouraged to apply.
Selected artists will have an eleven-week exhibition in the 8th floor exhibit cases.
As part of each exhibit, we request artists be willing to teach at least one tactile art or craft class to adult library patrons. Previous workshops have included drawing, printmaking, watercolor, illustration, book making, collage and knitting, among other topics. Workshops generally run 90-120 minutes with up to 15 adults. A small honorarium will be offered plus the cost of materials covered.
Exhibit Case Dimensions
8th Floor Exhibit Cases
• North wall exhibit case: 246.5” long x 91” tall x 42.75” deep
• South wall exhibit case: 246.5” long x 91” tall x 42.75” deep
• North upright exhibit case: (inside dimensions 57" wide by 62" tall by 17.25" deep)
• South upright exhibit case: (inside dimensions 57" wide by 62" tall by 17.25" deep)
• Two wooden flat cases: 26” wide by 54” long by 11” deep
Eligibility
Visual artists who live in Chicagoland (city and suburbs).
Application Information
Please include the following with your completed application form (all in one email document if possible):
1. Up to 20 images of previous work (in JPEG format (.jpg) saved in “high” or “fine” quality (150 dpi minimum)
2. The following information can be attached as a PDF file
Include a list of the image files in chronological order with the following information:
• Title (and file name)
• Date of completion
• Medium
• Dimensions
• Location (if applicable)
3. A current resume or CV
4. An artist statement
5. A brief description of the proposed exhibit
6. A brief description of the proposed workshop
7. Complete the contact information sheet.
Submission
• Email entries to art@chipublib.org.
• Deadline is 5 p.m., December 15, 2024
• Decisions will be announced by January 15, 2025
Entries will be kept by Chicago Public Library and may be placed in the Chicago Artist Files.
Chicago Artist Files
The Chicago Artist Files includes information on thousands of fine and commercial artists in all visual media, street artists, designers, architects, craftspeople, landscape architects, performance artists, photographers, collectors, curators, critics, gallery directors, galleries and art organizations, from late 19th through 21st century Chicago.
These files are available for public research in the Chicago Public Library’s, Harold Washington Library Center on the 8th floor. For more information about the Chicago Artist Files, contact us at art@chipublib.org.