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- Annual Benefit
WORK IN PROGRESS (WIP) is CAC's largest annual fund-raising initiative and is critical to the organization's work. Proceeds from the benefit support CAC's programs to ensure that artists and curators continue to live, work and thrive in Chicago. Watch the video to hear directly from artists about CAC's impact.
WIP is attended by 350 art and culture enthusiasts and includes a cocktail party, the art auction and music. Past benefit honorees include artists Candida Alvarez, Nick Cave and Bob Faust, Hebru Brantley, and gallerists Monique Meloche and Rhona Hoffman.
The evening includes a party, art auction, and music, and a Host Committee with leaders from Chicago's philanthropic, cultural and artistic community attends and supports the event.
Past Events
WIP 2022 was an in person celebration honoring Candida Alvarez and Monique Meloche. The event took place at CAC on Thursday, September 22, 2022. The evening included a Radiance Photo Booth by Melissa Leandro, Reunion Video Lounge by salonlb., delicious cuisine by Limelight, DJ CQQCHiFRUIT, art auction, libations, partying and more!
2022 Honorees: Candida Alvarez + Monique Meloche
Co-Chairs: Denise Gardner + Karen Jones
Radiance Photo Booth Photos by MK Event Photo, designed by Melissa Leandro.
Testimonial Video from Artists premiered in the Reunion Lounge designed by salonlb.
WIP 2021 was a virtual celebration of CAC's 47 years as a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting contemporary Chicago artists. The event took place virtually on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at 6:00 pm, and highlighted milestones of Chicago-based artists and curators and their influence both in and beyond the city. The event was free and open to the public and included an art auction and recognition of the night’s honorees, artists Nick Cave and Bob Faust, and CAC supporter Jeff Shapack.
2021 Honorees: Nick Cave + Bob Faust
Special Recognition: Jeff Shapack
Co-Chairs: Maggie + Michael Meiners and Gary Metzner + Scott Johnson
WIP 2019 celebrated the 1-year "PAPER" anniversary of CAC's new home at 2130 W. Fulton. The event included Installations and Interventions by artists Judith Brotman, Benjamin Larose, Mev Luna, and Ashley Freeby and Gina Hunt, and curator Alexis Brocchi. CAC and OtherPeoplesPixels’ MAKER Grant and Coney Family Fund Award were announced at the benefit. The Art Auction included work by Amanda Williams, Barbara Crane, Jan Tichy, Assaf Evron, and Cheryl Pope. The event took place on Thursday, June 6, 2019.
2019 Honorees: Hebru Brantley + Gensler
Co-Chairs: Jessica + Timothy Canning and Chanel Coney
Event photos: Photobooth & Party Shots
WIP 2018 took place on June 7, 2018 and was celebrated in CAC's new space, still in progress. The benefit honored Rhona Hoffman, and her 40 years of incredible service for Chicago's artists and the arts community. The Recipients of the 2018 MAKER Grants were announced. Grants are sponsored by the Coney Family Fund and Other Peoples Pixels. The event included Artist Interventions by Judith Brotman, Industry of the Ordinary, Erik Peterson, and Stacia Yeapanis. The theme was Creative Construction.
2018 Honoree: Rhona Hoffman
Co-Chairs: Karim Ahamed and Tony Karman
Event photos: Photobooth & Party Shots
WIP 2017 included interactive art installations, food by outstanding Chicago restaurants, quirky entertainment, a silent auction with work by some of Chicago's most dynamic artists, and a possible dance-off. The event took place on May 18, 2017. The recipients of the 2017 MAKER Grants were announced. Grants are sponsored by the Coney Family Fund and OtherPeoplesPixels. Music was provided by DJ Michael Slaboch and DJ Elliot Bergman (Wild Belle / Metal Tongues), and the VIP Reception involved a performance by Steve Marquette & The LowDown Brass Band.
Co-Chairs: Suzette Bross and Jay Owen