CAC member exhibition opportunities include the HATCH Projects, Merchandise Mart Residency, Art Loop Open,  Bolt Residency and other independent projects.  By joining CAC, artists are eligible to participate in dynamic exhibition programming where they can attract new and diverse audiences.

HATCH Projects

The Chicago Artists’ Coalition Gallery, located at 217 North Carpenter, showcases HATCH artists through an application and jury process that takes place annually. Those accepted into HATCH Projects become co-operative members for 12 months. The gallery represents artists working in a variety of disciplines including: installation, performance, film, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, printmaking, photography, painting, drawing and mixed media items. (www.coalitiongallery.com). More information regarding HATCH Projects 2012-2013 will be distributed this Summer.

Chicago Art Open

The Chicago Art Open features over 300 professional, emerging, and student artists with artwork in all media selected by guest curators. CAC Members receive a discount on the application fee. This year’s Art Open will be held at the River East Art Center (www.rivereastartcenter.com) from April 20 through May 7, 2010.

Rotating Exhibitions

Merchandise Mart/CAC Pop Up Gallery

Beginning in March, 2010, CAC will manage a new gallery space in the Merchandise Mart, a location that welcomes more than three million visitors each year. With 150 showrooms and over 4,000 professional designers, Merchandise Mart offers an unparalleled opportunity for artists to be discovered and commissioned. (www.merchandisemartdesigncenter.com)

Curators select the artists for their proposed exhibition. BOTH selected curators and artists must be currently enrolled students.

EXHIBITION  INFORMATION:

• Three curators will be selected to develop shows that will be up for approximately 6 weeks
• The gallery measures 1900 square feet, with 4,200 square feet of possible exhibition space
• Shows will be promoted city wide to over 60,000 Chicago residents
• CAC will host a reception for each show

APPLICATION  GUIDELINES:

Email to pepper@chicagoartistscoalition.org by 5:00pm, March 12.

Application must include:

• Curatorial Statement (200 words or less describing their vision for the show)
• Resume
• Two References

Curators must be CAC members to apply.

There is no application fee.

Curators may only exhibit student artist work.

Selected exhibiting artists must also be CAC members.

The cost of a student one-year membership is $45 (for more information on CAC membership benefits, visit www.chicagoartistscoalition.org/services). Following the application, runners-up will be interviewed in the gallery space.

6 Month Residency at Merchandise Mart for Artists Who Work on Paper

Chicago Artists Coalition is seeking emerging, professional or student artists who specialize in works on paper for a 6 month residency at the Merchandise Mart. All artists who work in pastel, charcoal, pencil, ink, screen print, etc are all welcome to apply (no photography).

Beginning in March, 2010, CAC will manage a new studio space in the Merchandise Mart, a location that welcomes more than three million visitors each year. With 150 showrooms and over 4,000 professional designers, Merchandise Mart offers an unparalleled opportunity for artists to be discovered and commissioned. (www.merchandisemartdesigncenter.com)

CAC Artist in Residency will offer:

• A 6 month residency for 6 artists specializing in works on paper (A $200 Non-refundable deposit is required of resident artists)

• A shared studio and exhibition space measuring in 1,863 square feet with each artist having a selected space to work, exhibit and sell (Space includes all utilities)

• 24 hour access and key to facilities

• Potential for commissions from and sales to designers and high end interiors showrooms

• Visitation by scholars to review and discuss artist portfolio and work

• A chance to market yourself closely with Art Chicago and NeoCon

• Organized visits by corporate designers and showroom sale consultants

This is an amazing opportunity for focused, independent artists wanting to extend their professional practice through a cultural exchange in an alternative space and venue.

NOTE: Artists will have to supply their own working materials and furniture. The space comes empty.

To apply send following materials to pepper@chicagoartistscoalition.org by March 12th 5pm:

• Digital Portfolio of work attached to email (10 piece limit)

• 300 words or less describing what you hope to achieve through this residency

• Resume

• Two references from people familiar with your work

• $25 application fee (payable by check or credit card)

All applicants MUST BE MEMBERS OF THE CAC.