Art Connects Us, Volume 13

At the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), our community has responded to the current moment as true citizen artists.

Their work demonstrates a belief in our interconnectedness as people and our shared responsibility to make positive change. We know headlines may be overwhelming these days, so below you’ll find good news highlighting the incredible efforts of SAIC’s artists and designers to forge and deepen connections with our communities.

We hope it inspires you for the week ahead.

Volume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3
Volume 4
Volume 5
Volume 6
Volume 7
Volume 8
Volume 9
Volume 10
Volume 11
Volume 12

Alums Band Together to Raise Money for the US Postal Service
With so many Americans electing to vote by mail this November, the United States Postal Service will be essential to a safe, secure election. Under the threat of blocked funding, more than 60 artists donated one-off works to a fundraising raffle benefiting the Postal Service, including alums Dike Blair (MFA 1977), Patricia Treib (BFA 2001), and many more. read more

SAIC Community Members Featured in Social Distancing Studio Visits
In her new series, Social Distancing Studio Visits, curator Caroline Kipp interviewed Assistant Professor, Adj. John Paul Morabito (MFA 2013), Professor Diana Guerrero-Maciá, and several other SAIC community members about navigating their practice during the pandemic. “My hope is these visits will provide you with a bit of solace and connection, serving as a reminder that you’re not alone,” Kipp shared. read more

Alum Alaiia Gujral Launches A Series of Auctions for Racial Justice Organizations
In response to the Black Lives Matter protests, alum Alaiia Gujral (BFA 2016) created Future Galerie, a platform that raises money for racial justice organizations and spotlights the work of local artists. Since launching in June, they’ve raised over $12,000 for nonprofits like My Block My Hood My City, Black Youth Project, and many others. read more

Faculty and Alums Awarded MAP Fund Grants for Equity-Focused Projects
The MAP Fund announced its 2020 grant recipients, distributing $1.3 million to artists who “question, disrupt, complicate, and challenge inherited notions of social and cultural hierarchy.” The recipients included faculty members and alums, including Lecturer Amy Whitehead, Anthony Romero (MFA 2011), Faculty, Adj. Josh Rios (MA 2013), Associate Professor, Adj. Aram Han Sifuentes (MFA 2013), and Ni'Ja Whitson (MFA 2007). read more