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About Chicago Sculpture International

We are Chicago Sculpture International, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to championing sculptors and advancing the appreciation of sculpture through exhibitions, education, and public engagement. Donations help sustain our mission and are tax-deductible as permitted by law. For questions about contributions or acknowledgment documentation, contact: info@chicagosculpture.org.

We trace our origins to the early 1980s, when a cooperative of sculptors organized an outdoor exhibition on Chicago’s Navy Pier. Inspired by the public response, the group continued activating public spaces across the city. In 2004, founding members Nicole Beck, Bob Emser, Terry Karpowicz, Christine Rojek, Tom Scarff, and Barry Tinsley formally established Chicago Sculpture International. We became the first recognized chapter of the International Sculpture Center and today proudly represent more than 250 members. We work to bring sculpture to the public and foster an evolving community for artists.

Grants and Support

We have been recognized as a vital force in Chicago’s cultural landscape through grants from the Illinois Arts Council, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and the Driehaus Foundation. These awards support our commitment to amplifying the work of sculptors and highlighting the role of creativity in community life. We believe in Creating Community Through Sculpture and will continue building opportunities that serve both artists and the public.

Sculpture in the Parks

We collaborate with the Chicago Park District and other partners—including the Evanston Arts Council, Marquette Park (Indiana), and the North River Commission—to present Sculpture in the Parks, a rotating, two-year outdoor exhibition featuring approximately 20 sculptures in 20 different parks. With over 600 parks and more than 8,800 acres of green space, the Chicago Park District hosts one of the most expansive municipal park systems in the U.S. We enhance these public environments with accessible, thought-provoking sculpture, including free outdoor audio tours via Otocast.

The Chicago Tree Project

We partnered with the Chicago Park District in 2014 to launch the Chicago Tree Project, transforming ash trees damaged by the Emerald Ash Borer into vibrant public artworks. Artists use carving and mixed media to turn dying trees into sculptures, giving them a second life. Originally a local effort, this initiative has become a national model for tree-based public art.

Indoor Exhibits

We organize juried indoor exhibitions in partnership with curators and venues throughout the region. Our members have exhibited in institutions such as the Garfield Park and Lincoln Park Conservatories, Expo Chicago, Ukrainian Museum of Art, Koehnline Art Museum, College of Lake County’s Richard Wright Gallery, and more. We support artists’ careers by facilitating high-quality exhibition opportunities.

Project Space

We operate CSI Project Space, an experimental platform for community engagement and socially relevant exhibitions. Led by a collective of CSI-affiliated artists, the space features public workshops, educational programming, and exhibitions that highlight emerging voices and address contemporary issues. Partnerships with local organizations extend our impact and promote public access to the arts.

Outreach Initiatives

We are committed to inclusivity and equity through free community-based programs. In 2022, we facilitated workshops with Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago, Lathrop Homes, and Arts of Life, among others. We plan future collaborations with senior housing sites, veterans' organizations, and marginalized communities lacking access to cultural resources. In partnership with the Chicago Cultural Accessibility Consortium, we are also developing ADA-accessible tours to ensure equitable engagement with our exhibitions.

Support

To donate by mail, send checks payable to Chicago Sculpture International. Please include a memo indicating “Donation” or specify intended use.

Mail to:
Attn: Steven Franklin, Treasurer
Chicago Sculpture International
3141 North Hoyne Ave. Unit 4
Chicago, IL 60618

Support CSI