Programs

Art on Sedgwick commissions artwork projects that engage community members and spark reflection and dialogue. We run the Art & Impact program with After School Matters for teens. We opened a new gallery space in 2023 and are working on future exhibits to showcase both professional and community artists. Through our Creative Community Building we offer classes in the Marshall Field Garden Apartment Homes Community Center. We host events in our space or participate with others in the neighborhood to bring art to a wider audience.

Artwork

Old Town Portrait Project
Art on Sedgwick has commissioned veteran Chicago artist, John Bakker, to create hundreds of hand painted portraits of people who live or work in the Old Town community. Participants can submit a photo of their choosing to Art on Sedgwick, so that each person maintains control of their own representation. Each portrait is painted on a constructed wooden box and includes a hand lettered biography on the side to capture and tell the story of the person portrayed. When complete, this stackable mural of neighbors will find a permanent home within our community.

Learn more including how to get painted or support the project.

Learn more about past projects.

Watch a video about the project and meet the artist:

Art & Impact Job Program for High School Students

Art on Sedgwick’s Art & Impact program with After School Matters uses teen created artwork and experiences to catalyze and deepen neighborhood relationships. Through a series of hands-on studio projects, teens practice drawing, painting, and mixed media skills. For inspiration, students get to visit Chicago artist studios and gallery exhibits. They also take their skills and inspiration out in the community to create art that brings the community together and makes a meaningful impact. In addition to creating community, teens gain hands-on experience facing an entrenched problem within a community, and learn first hand that change is possible. In a respectful and nurturing environment, they put their research and new skills to work to develop creative strategies to face challenges. Each session culminates in a gallery exhibit and celebration.

The program has 3 sessions:
• Spring | February - May (Applications open in January)
• Summer | Late June  - early August (Applications open in mid-March)
• Fall | October  - December (Applications open late August)

How to Apply
1. Go to the After School Matters web site.
2. When selecting a program, search for Art & Impact.
3. Email us when you apply, create@artonsedgwick.com.

Once your application is received, you will get an email from Art on Sedgwick with instructions to schedule an interview.

Gallery

Our gallery space opened in the summer of 2023, and provides a professional space to host exhibits and showcase teen artwork. It also serves as a workshop space for resident artists.

Creative Community Building

We offer many different types of classes in the Marshall Field Gardens Community Center for a variety of ages and interests. Visit our Eventbrite page to learn more about and register for upcoming classes and events such as:

Tumbling
Have you dreamed of becoming a Jesse White Tumbler? Work on conditioning, stretching, tumbling, skill progression under the nurturing guidance of a coach from the Jesse White Tumblers.

CW Taekwondo
Interested in becoming a martial artist? Tone your muscles, learn proper technique, improve your stamina, build confidence, increase flexibility, improve your focus and learn from a fifth-degree black belt.

Dance
At All About Dance, everyone can dance! All dancers at all levels are welcome. Whether for fun, fitness or friendship, our dancers are supported by loving, creative instructors.

Sewing
Learn to sew from a master seamstress.

Adult & Senior Exercise
Offerings have included yoga, qigong, and pilates

Events

There’s always something going on like a visit from the Chicago International Puppet Festival to the Wells Street Art Fest. To find out what’s happening next, visit our Eventbrite page to register for upcoming events.