Saturday of CXW, EarlyWork is on the move! We're hopping around the city exploring art spaces of different types–museums, galleries and artist-run spaces–giving you a taste of Chicago’s art scene in every shape and size. Transportation provided!Only interested in joining for part of the hop? No problem, head to the EarlyWork portal to RSVP for each program individually!

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STOP ONE: 3-4:30 PM

‍‍MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART‍

‍CITY IN A GARDEN EXHIBITION WALKTHROUGH WITH CURATOR JACK SCHNEIDER

‍We're kicking off our day of exploration at the MCA! Have you checked out City in a Garden at the MCA yet? Now is your chance to dive deeper with the exhibition's curator, Jack Schneider. 

City in a Garden: Queer Art and Activism in Chicago is an intergenerational group exhibition that highlights Chicago’s essential, yet often under acknowledged, role in the story of queer art and activism.

Jack will walk us through the exhibition and share insights on his curatorial process. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to learn about a museum exhibition right from the curator!

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‍STOP TWO: 5-6:30 PM 
GRAY 
ALEX KATZ CLOSING COCKTAIL PARTY

After hopping in the EarlyWork shuttle at the MCA, we'll arrive at GRAY to celebrate the closing of Alex Katz's White Lotus exhibition at GRAY with an exhibition walkthrough and cocktail party!

White Lotus, bearing no relation to the HBO show, is a testament not only to the 98 year old artist's nonstop creative output, but also his status as one of the most groundbreaking American artists of both the 20th and 21st centuries.

The gallery team will lead our group through the exhibition sharing context and anecdotes, afterwards we'll mix and mingle with libations and bites. 

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‍STOP THREE: 7-8 PM‍

‍PRAIRIE‍

‍"FIRST LOOK" FIELD TRIP

We’re keeping the art party going—after GRAY, we’re hopping back on the EarlyWork shuttle and heading to Prairie! 

Founded in 2017 by artists Tim Mann and Jack Schneider, Prairie is an alternative art space in Chicago that supports experimental practices and emerging artists through a rigorous program of solo exhibitions.

On the occasion of CXW, Prairie is presenting a benefit auction providing emerging and established collectors alike the opportunity to purchase artwork by over 30 friends of the gallery and artists from their program. All works will be on view at Prairie from September 20 through October 4 with bidding accommodated by The Auction Collective.

Featured artists include ASMA, B. Ingrid Olson, ektor garcia, Ficus Interfaith, Isabelle Frances McGuire, Justin Chance, Max Guy, Michelle Grabner, Paul Heyer, and Tony Lewis, among others. Proceeds from the auction support the artists and exhibitions at Prairie.

Wines selected by Kiss Wine, founded by Tim Mann and Sarah McCall, will be served.

Members are responsible for transportation departing Prairie.

3-8 PM