A year of reopening, renewal and belonging Impact Report | January–December 2025
Thank you, Chair Emeritus Scott Lang There are three things that truly excite me about Intuit Art Museum: First, I love the extraordinary output of self-taught artists and their amazing, often unimaginable, creations. Second, I marvel at Intuit’s history, producing numerous breakthrough exhibitions and becoming a global focal point for the art the Museum supports. My hat goes off to all those who have worked so hard and contributed so much to keep Intuit moving forward. Third, I am very proud of Intuit’s newly renovated and expanded facility, which positions Intuit to play an increasingly important role in today’s contemporary art world. — Scott Lang, chair emeritus
Meet Board Chair Kahil El’Zabar
“I believe in community. I believe in the human spirit. The power of storytelling and everyone’s potential to be creative should not be limited to social class. Intuit supports the excellence, the commitment and the passion in each of us. It represents a diverse community of people working to build a house that is everyone’s home. This is why I believe in Intuit.” — Kahil El'Zabar, chair
Kahil El’Zabar is a multi-talented interdisciplinary artist trained in music, visual arts and writing. He is an accomplished educator, events curator and experienced arts administrator, who has worked for The National Task Force for Arts in Education under President Clinton as well as Steppenwolf Theater and the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians. Kahil and his wife, Lucy Slivinski, are long-time members and supporters of Intuit.
IAM more than a Museum It’s not every day a museum gets the chance to begin again. After 20 months of renovation, Intuit Art Museum at the John Jerit Center opened in May 2025 with a renewed space and a refreshed identity, ready to challenge perspectives on what a modern museum can be. Since reopening, the response from our community has been nothing short of inspiring. Guests have shared their joy, surprise, and feelings of inspiration and connection within our re-envisioned space. Said Mario Castillo, son of Catalyst: Immigration and Self-Taught Art in Chicago artist María Enríquez de Allen: “This institution is bound to become a role model for other museums throughout the globe, for it focuses on the one force which drives humanity's creativity: INTUITION, and people in Chicago are truly getting In-to-it.” In this Impact Report, we cherish the friends and supporters like you who help Intuit thrive. And we celebrate the exhibitions, events, moments and community that made 2025 a milestone year at Intuit. Looking ahead, we are excited to reveal a new lineup of exhibitions and programs to spark curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love for art and its power to connect us. What keeps us moving forward in this new chapter is simple: you, our friends and advocates. Thank you. IAM yours,
Debra Kerr President and CEO
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Intuit Art Museum champions the diverse voices of self-taught art, welcoming both new and familiar audiences. Located in Chicago's West Town neighborhood, Intuit is a premier museum of self-taught art. The Museum collects and exhibits work by artists who typically work outside the mainstream and have developed a sustained artistic practice. Some artists may have faced societal, economic or geographic barriers to pursuing extensive training in the arts. The Museum's mission is grounded in the ethos that the instinct to create is universal and the arts must embrace, represent and be accessible to all.
1991
1992
From a founding group of eight—Don Baum, Roger Brown, Susann Craig, Marjorie Freed, Ann Nathan, Bob Roth, Judy Saslow and Cleo Wilson—an institution is established celebrating self-taught art, dubbed Society for Outsider, Intuitive and Visionary Art. Its first exhibition, From Chicago, is held at Navy Pier.
The name is changed to Intuit: the Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art.
more than a museum At Intuit Art Museum, we believe that art is not a luxury—it is a human right. At Intuit Art Museum, self-taught art offers a unique mirror to the world, a refuge for the spirit, and a powerful force for connection and understanding
Protecting access to transformative experiences
Celebrating self-taught art
Championing representation and equity in the arts
Self-taught artists show us that art has no boundaries. It’s a human expression we all share. Building a more connected, compassionate community Intuit is more than a museum; it is a gathering place. Guests meet artists. Students meet mentors. Neighbors meet neighbors. Creativity becomes a catalyst for connection.
In a world that feels increasingly fractured, people seek places of reflection and connection. Intuit aims to create experiences that inspire, challenge or simply meet guests where they are.
Self-taught art has long been underrepresented in museums and art history. At Intuit, we preserve, exhibit and celebrate the work of selftaught artists, whose diverse creative practices expand and enrich our understanding of art. Thank you for supporting and engaging with Intuit to advocate for art that is deeply human, profoundly imaginative and urgently necessary.
1999
2002
2007
Intuit purchases 756 North Milwaukee Avenue, its first permanent location.
Intuit makes the decision to become a collecting museum. Art donated includes works by Minnie Evans, Howard Finster and Sister Gertrude Morgan.
Intuit hosts Lonnie Holley for its first artist residency. Holley creates sculptures from materials found in Chicago.
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The big reveal In May 2025, Intuit completed a $11 million transformation of its current building located in Chicago’s vibrant West Town neighborhood. The renovation was made possible by generous donors and a $5 million community development grant from the City of Chicago using American Rescue Plan funds.
Below Installation view of Highlights from the Intuit Art Museum Collection.
This renovation advances Intuit’s vision to be the most welcoming museum in Chicago, with a restored façade, featuring Wallwork (iam an artist), a commissioned artwork by renowned Chicago artist Bob Faust, updated accessibility features, a community gathering space (CLEO), a learning studio and triple the exhibition space.
2008
2018
Intuit recreates Darger’s one-room Chicago apartment and studio from his personal belongings and architectural elements donated by Kiyoko Lerner, Darger’s landlady.
Chicago Calling: Art Against the Flow opens at Intuit. A part of Art Design Chicago, the exhibit highlights 10 Chicago self-taught artists and travels to museums in France , Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
“If there is ever a time when Chicago and the world need direct access to art expressing dignity, inclusion and flat-out inspiration, it would be now. IAM provides this and much more: incomparable experiences of some of the finest and most original art of our time.” — Lisa Stone, Vivian Society Life Trustee
“The building felt completely new and familiar at the same time; it gave me a chance to see the building as a work of art in itself.” — Megan
“The first time I attended Intuit, as I walked in, I said to myself, ‘I belong here’. And [that] has not changed.” — Guest
“I recently visited Intuit Art Museum for the first time and was awestruck by the design, the educational spaces, and the exhibitions on display.” — Emily
“I was very, very impressed and happy with the new exhibitions. I think all the work has been beautifully chosen and installed, and the interpretive texts…offer visitors very meaningful experiences.” — Phyllis
“I’ve loved Darger’s work for years. It is a delight to be in a place so lovingly devoted to his work” — Typed on the Henry Darger: The Room Revealed typewriter
2023
2024
2025
The Museum closes and embarks on a 20-month, $11 million renovation, tripling its space to 18,000 square feet.
The Museum purchases its first commission, Yes, we will find peace, my sister, a collage by Milwaukee-based artist Della Wells, through funds raised by the Young Professionals Board.
Intuit rebrands as Intuit Art Museum and reopens Memorial Day weekend.
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IAM making momentum Since reopening our transformed museum at the newly-named John Jerit Center on May 27, 2025, more people than ever are discovering the power of self-taught art.
A new chapter begins
15,000 64% 1,000 34 56
guests in the Museum’s first 12 months
increase in attendance
free admissions used
average guest age, reflecting our success in engaging the next generation of museum goers
zip codes visited of Chicago’s 60 zip codes
50%
of our visitors traveled from outside Chicago—including guests from across the country and around the world
Learning through art
20 500+ 201 14
Teacher Fellows collaborated with Intuit to bring self-taught art into their classrooms
K–12 students experienced art-infused learning through Teacher Fellow curricula
K-12 students visited Intuit on school field trips
Intuiteens participated in our paid summer arts mentorship program
Connecting through programs
32 20 24
programs connected our community through Slow Looks, Art After Work, Community Days, exhibition tours and more
artists engaged guests through talks and workshops
institutional partners collaborated on programs
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IAM making momentum (cont'd) Together, our community invested more than $10 million to transform IAM into a more welcoming, accessible museum. As a result, more people are giving, and philanthropy is growing, while the organization is using resources responsibly.
78% 2x 67%
growth in individual and foundation support since 2021
growth in our community of supporters— from 302 donors in 2020 to 680 in 2025
growth in membership since 2021, helping build a larger nationwide community around self-taught art
Where every dollar comes from
Individual giving and membership Government grants Foundation grants Fundraising events Programs and earned revenue Investment income
Programs and exhibitions Administration Fundraising
Where every dollar goes
$5,104,992 $2,643,072 46% 45% 62%
total 2025 revenue including construction
total 2025 operational expenses
increase in overall fundraising revenue
increase in number of donors
increase in member revenue
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IAM groundbreaking Catalyst: Im/migration and Self-Taught Art in Chicago May 23, 2025 – Mar 22, 2026 Catalyst: Im/migration and Self-Taught Art in Chicago, the first exhibition to open in Intuit’s newlyrenovated museum, was part of Art Design Chicago, a citywide collaboration initiated by the Terra Foundation for American Art that highlighted the city’s artistic heritage and creative communities. It was the first major exhibition to focus on the importance of immigration and migration in the genre of self-taught art. The exhibition underscored the creative contributions of migrants and immigrants, broadening the scope to include artists deserving of greater attention, while posing questions about access to the art world and how art came to be defined and valued. Considering artists in the context of their migration experience, cultural backgrounds and communities invited new insights into their work. Chicago, a city with a significant and ongoing history of immigration and migration, was fertile ground for investigating the rich array of academic and nonacademic influences—cultural, communal and familial—that enriched artistic production. The exhibition aimed to be inclusive of the experiences of immigrants and migrants while acknowledging social and legal differences. Featuring more than 75 works from both local and national collections, the exhibition spotlighted works by 22 artists in a range of media, including drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, printmaking, textiles, ceramics, woodcarving and installation. Curated by Alison Amick and Dana Boutin
Highlights from the Intuit Art Museum Collection May 23, 2025 – Apr 19, 2026 The first-ever gallery devoted to continually exhibiting the museum’s collection featured works by William Hawkins, Emery Blagdon, Kevin Sampson, Lonnie Holley, Howard Finster, Sister Gertrude Morgan, Martín Ramírez, Nellie Mae Rowe and Milwaukee-based artist Della Wells. Highlights included William Hawkins’ monumental Statute of Liberty (1986); work from an artist-built environment by Emery Blagdon; sculpture by Kevin Sampson and work Lonnie Holley made during a 2007 residency at IAM; paintings and works on paper by Howard Finster, Sister Gertrude Morgan, Martín Ramírez and Nellie Mae Rowe; and a recent commission by Milwaukee-based artist Della Wells. The exhibition acknowledged significant work made by Chicago-based artists such as William Dawson, Lee Godie, Mr. Imagination, Roman Villarreal, Wesley Willis and Joseph Yoakum. Right IAM development associate Nyah Peaches reflects on Port Wine Stains by Kevin Sampson in the exhibition Highlights from the Intuit Art Museum Collection.
Henry Darger: The Room Revealed Ongoing Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the imaginative and complex world of Chicago selftaught artist Henry Darger. Carefully preserved and thoughtfully reimagined, the updated installation introduces new interpretive elements—including projections, audio and archival materials—that offer deeper insight into his life and creative process. Best known for his drawings and writings illustrating the epic narrative of the Vivian Girls, Darger created a vast and imaginative body of work in near-total isolation. The re-creation of Darger’s living and working space includes his personal belongings, artwork, writings and source materials, offering a rare and intimate look into the private environment where he lived and worked for more than 40 years. Left Intstallation view of Catalyst: Im/migration and Self-Taught Art in Chicago Right Installation view of Henry Darger: The Room Revealed
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What We Build To Belong Pooja Pittie’s, What We Build to Belong (May 2025-April 2026), was an evolving site-specific installation in our Center for Learning and Engagement Opportunities (CLEO), built from fragments, memories and quiet gestures. Guests were invited to add something of themselves by writing or drawing their hopes for their community, a word or phrase they’ve carried from another place, or a symbol that feels like home on a paper tag then tie it to the net.
Top Installation views of What We Build to Belong (2025) by Pooja Pittie (American, born in Coimbatore, raised in Bombay, now Mumbai, India, 1977). Site-specific installation with hand-knotted net, cords, readymade nets, crochet, knittings, discarded drawings, wrapped watercolor fragments, residual fiber and paper objects from the artist’s studio, dimensions variable Below Guest contributions to What We Build to Belong.
“It was really exciting to think about offering this kind of space for visitors to come and leave something of themselves. You can really just be whoever you are and want to be. It’s grown beyond my wildest imagination.” — Pooja Pittie, Interview with WTTW Chicago
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IAM Giving to Keep Art Accessible Mounting inspiring exhibitions, public programs, outreach initiatives and research is made possible by a dedicated community of supporters.
January 2025–July 2026 $50,000+ Alphawood Foundation Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Jean and Lewis Greenblatt John C. Jerit° Henry Luce Foundation Illinois Arts Council Debra Kerr ‡ and Steven D. Thompson Scott Lang and JoAnn Seagren Pritzker Traubert Foundation Douglas O. Robson° Robert A. Roth *
$25,000–$49,999 Arts Work Fund for Organizational Development Crown Family Philanthropies Nancy S. Gerrie Eugenie Johnson * Lloyd A. Fry Foundation John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation National Endowment for the Arts Polk Bros. Foundation Ruth Foundation for the Arts Sage Foundation William Swislow and Janet Franz
$10,000–$24,999 Judith and Patrick Blackburn Edward V. Blanchard and Leslie Tcheyan Daniel and Marty Boone Dana Boutin and Sean Fogle Douglas Bristol and Carol Ehlers Ralph Concepcion * and Janet Williams Janet and Craig Duchossois Robert Grossett and Christopher LaMorte Celeste and Stephen Hamilton William B. Hinchliff Anne Kohn Gary Metzner and Scott Johnson David Miller and Dr. Thomas Goska Lois Neuberger and Matthew Gold Phyllis Rabineau and John Alderson Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation Susan Manning Silverstein and Rob Silverstein Judy and Jerry Stefl * Lisa Stone * and Don Howlett Terra Foundation for American Art West Town Chamber of Commerce Karen Zupko and Mike McCahon
$5,000–$9,999
$1,000–$4,999
Polly Allen Paul Angell Foundation Meg Barnhart and Steve Barnhart Moira Collins Griffin and Andrew Griffin, MD Cheri Eisenberg and Milan Kolundzija Marjorie R. Freed * Jenni and Scott Gordon Robert M. Greenberg and Corvova Lee Tracy Holmes Marguerite Juliusson and David R. Montagano James Kaufmann Victor F. Keen ° and Jeanne Ruddy Deborah Kern Elizabeth and Gabriel Kind Carter Lang Ashley ° and Curt Langley Kathi and Tom Lind Anna Rappaport Tyler Roberts and Louisa Potthast Melissa Sage Fadim and Jamey Fadim Tom Shapiro and Madeleine Grynsztejn Jenny Siegenthaler and Philip Cable John and Stephanie Smither Visionary Fund David Syrek and David Lee Csicsko Dale E. Taylor and Angela Lustig Laura Watson Michelle Woods Jim Zanzi Karen Zelden and Ralph Senst
Paula and Gordon Addington Bobette Ash Deborah Bekken and Richard Kron Elaine and Michael Bennett Gabriella Bomben Jill and Sheldon Bonovitz Michelle Boone Barbara and Russell Bowman Nicholas Brand Kathy and Peter Bresler Leslie Kay Buchbinder John Cain Greg Cameron and Greg Thompson Janet Carl Smith and Mel Smith Patty Carroll and Tony Jones Valeriya and Stewart Charles Maria Christina and Guy-Karim Caland Puymartin Diane Ciral † Eleanor and Fred Coe Gidon and Hilary Cohen Melissa Perrett Cook Abe and Ida Cooper Foundation Nora Daley Leah Missbach Day Camila Di Mauri Tracy Dillard Deborah Doyle and David Kemerer Chaz Ebert Deborah and Estia Eichten Kimberly and James Elbaor Steven Elliott Kahil El'Zabar and Lucy Slivinski Max Epperson Allyson Esposito Lori Faversham Dale Fleishmann Ted Frankel Freeman's | Hindman Abby Funk Hans Gallas Heather Gardner Norman J. Girardot and Diane LaBelle Scott and Susan Glazer Madeleine and Joseph Glossberg Nancy Gomez Rachel Goodstein Julie Graber and Mark Premock Vicki Granacki Frederick Green Shawn Grenald Carole Grgich Jan Hammer Kathleen and Charles Harper Joseph Harrington Fay Hartog-Levin Christie Hefner Kristin Jackson
LaShana Jackson and Faheem Majeed Elizabeth and Bruce Jacobs Christopher and Sara Julsrud Just Folk Charles Katzenmeyer Kasia Kay Mark Kelly John Michael Kohler Arts Center Margaret and Neil Koreman Robert Lentz and MK Victorson Denitria Lewis Dennis Lindsay Amy and Bill Lively Gilbert Longoria and Phil Schiavone Lovely Day Fund Frank Maresca ° and Alejandra Russi Kerry James Marshall and Cheryl Lynn Bruce Julie and John Mathias Leah Mayers Stella Lee and Michael McCluggage César Montenegro Warren Munzel Madeline Murphy Rabb Stephanie and Neil Murray Elizabeth Nelson and Adam Kallish Lois Neuberger and Matt Gold Judy Newton Martha Nolin Deborah Oestreicher and Victor Magar Shawn-Laree and Daniel O'Neil Linda Ortega Susan and Rich Padula Mia Park Maya Patel Atul Patel Pepper Construction Lloyd Perlow and Kate Thomas Anthony Petullo and Beverly Trier Robert Ramin and Denise DeConcini Emily and Bud Rodecker Laurie and Regan Romei Nathalie Rosado Ortiz Leisa Rundquist and Julia Hodges Margaret S. and Philip D. Block Jr. Family Fund John Salvino Alán Sánchez Ellen and Richard Sandor Toni Sandor Smith Judy Saslow * Tim Schapker Marcia and Clark Semmes Leslie Shad and Joseph Brennan Eugenie Shields Deirdre Shore Sherry Siegel and Robert Alter Emily Slabe and Onur Aysev
Nick Stankey and Lindsay Mauer Nikki W. and Fredric Stein Susan Stephenson Sam Strauss Liz and Paul Streicher Gerald Swislow Minna and Charles Taylor Dee and Ron Tevonian Shannon Traylor Alisa Caron and Bill Trumbull Gianna Volonte Jessica and Bryan Wain Rachael Wasaff Barbara and Victor Weisskopf Stacy Wells and Rick Farrell Michael Werner Elyssa Westby Cleo Wilson * Rebecca Korach Woan and Peter Woan Tom Yoder
Donations in Honor
Donations in Memory Gifts of $1,000+ Grey L. Carter Linda Ortega Jan Petry Polly Allen Eugenie Johnson Anna Rappaport Eugenie Shields John and Stephanie Smither Visionary Fund Jerry Stefl Dale Taylor and Angela Lustig Carol "Corky" Wolk Deborah and Estia Eichten
Scan for a complete list of cumulative giving from $500+
Gifts of $1,000+ Dana Boutin Susan Stephenson Cheri Eisenberg Madeleine and Joseph Glossberg Scott Lang Debra Kerr and Steven D. Thompson Rebecca Korach Woan and Peter Woan Meg Barnhart and Steve Barnhart Maya Patel Atul Patel
Board of Directors * Vivian Society ° Strategic Advisory Council Young Professional Board † Deceased ‡ Staff
Cleo Wilson Greg Cameron and Greg Thompson Janet Franz and Bill Swislow Robert Grossett and Christopher LaMorte Christie Hefner Marguerite Juliusson and David R. Montagano Debra Kerr and Steven D. Thompson Julie and John Mathias Leah Mayers Michael and Stella McCluggage Madeline Murphy Rabb Phyllis Rabineau and John Alderson Ellen and Richard Sandor Judy and Jerry Stefl Fredric and Nikki W. Stein Laura Watson Tom Yoder Michelle Woods Heather Gardner
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IAM present Board of Directors Kahil El’Zabar, chair Meg Barnhart Patrick Blackburn Dana Boutin Doug Bristol Cheri Eisenberg James Elbaor Lewis Greenblatt Shawn Grenald Robert Grossett Tracy Holmes Anne Kohn Scott Lang Rob Lentz César Montenegro Elizabeth Nelson Javier Otero Maya Sonal Patel Phyllis Rabineau Tyler Roberts Jenny Siegenthaler William Swislow David Syrek Vincent Uribe Adam Wolford Michelle Woods Fabiola Yep Shreya Rey, MBA Board Fellow Khushi Surana, MBA Board Fellow Kevina Xiao, MBA Board Fellow
Strategic Advisory Council Scott Lang, Chair Benedicta Badia Susan Baerwald John Jerit Ashley Smither Langley John Maizels Frank Maresca Douglas Robson Kevin Sampson † Leslie Umberger Jeffrey Wolf † Kevin passed away in March 2026.
Young Professionals Board Emily Slabe, president Gabriella Bomben Max Epperson Nathalie Rosado Orti Alán Alejandro Sánchez Deirdre Shore Nick Stankey Shannon Traylor Rachael Wasaff Gianna Volonte
Vivian Society Lifetime Trustees
Staff
Richard Bowen † Tim Bruce Kevin Cole Ralph Concepcion Susann Craig † Harriet Finkelstein Marjorie Freed Carl Hammer Eugenie Johnson Ann Nathan † Jan Petry † Robert A Roth Judy Saslow Jerry Stefl Lisa Stone Cleo Wilson
Debra Kerr, president and CEO Mary Amelia, guest experience associate Alison Amick, chief curator and senior director of exhibitions and collections Julie Blake, store manager Claire Fassnacht, development director Riley Gunderson, guest experience associate Tina Horton, operations manager Caroline Lee Liu, registrar Amy Huske, store sales associate Anika Jeyaranjan, guest experience associate Lisa Lindvay, COO and senior director of learning and engagement Alexa Marines, guest experience associate Julie Panossian, grant writer Nyah Peaches, development associate Xochitl Ramirez, administrative assistant and Intuiteens facilitator Christina Stavros, chief registrar and assistant curator Danny A. Wieder, public programs coordinator Joshua Willis, lead museum educator
Catalyst Exhibiton Advisors Gabrielle Christiansen Katherine Kelaidis Barbara Kozuchowska Patric McCoy Aram Han Sifuentes Katherine Smith Lisa Stone
Catalyst Program Advisors Kalif Dinkins Rachelle Hill Manwah Lee Ellen Tritschler Carina Yepez
Special thanks April 7's Arts of Life Judith Racht Gallery Patric McCoy Wes Meador Mercy Housing Lakefront Pepper Construction Project Onward SkyART Span Jason Schettler Donna Speigel Lisa Stone VSG Contemporary Jess Wain
As of July 2026
Volunteers January-December 2025 Jay Adams Julie Adams Paula Addington Nick Albertson Isabel Axon-Sanchez Kenneth Burkhart Milo Christie Cameron Coday Kevin Conlon Lucy Cowen Lisa DeLuca Gordon Engelhard Amber Flowers Martha Henry Eliza Huang Chris Julsrud Catherine Kenyon Aurora Kerr Christine Krus Chrissy Kuczaba Ryan Lucas Patric McCoy Miranda Monarch Cameron Phillips Shreya Ray Rebecca Sanders Jason Schettler Rachel Schettler Emily Q. Slavin Ellie Sharp Marcia Semmes Khushi Surana Lily Szymanski Marvin Tate Cassie Tighe-Hansen Kevina Xiao
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IAM on view Drawing With Metal: Sculpture by Bill Brady On view through March 21, 2027
Life is an Art: The Collection of Jan Petry On view through March 21, 2027
Drawing inspiration from his sketchbooks, William “Bill” Brady, Jr. constructs whimsical, elegant sculptures made with tin-plated steel and welding rods. Brady creates hanging mobiles and standing sculptures of airplanes, spaceships and abstract designs, hammering and soldering metal into works that are invigorated with life and motion.
Jan Petry’s collection brings together paintings, drawings and sculptures by major figures in American self-taught art, including Emery Blagdon, James Castle, Ulysses Davis, Martín Ramírez and more. This exhibition reveals Petry’s eye for works shaped by folk traditions, design, furniture and maritime themes, reflecting the breadth and individuality of her collection. She once remarked: “part of the pleasure of collecting is sharing it with everyone. ”
Curated by Alison Amick
Impressions of a City: Drawings by Marvin Young On view through Aug 23, 2026 Marvin Young, a lifelong Chicago South Side resident, explores the complexities of daily life as experienced and remembered through vibrant, large-scale cityscape drawings filled with people and vehicles in motion, using graphite, colored pencils, crayons, pens and markers. Curated by Christina Stavros
Curated by Alison Amick
Monumental: Sculpture by Dr. Charles Smith On view through April 25, 2027 Dr. Charles Smith’s sculptures reclaim African American and Black histories often excluded from American narratives. Through the lens of anti-monumentalism, this exhibition challenges who is commemorated, who is remembered and who gets to tell the story. Curated by Christina Stavros
Cutting and Pasting a World: The Paper Craft of Henry Darger On view through Jan 31, 2027 Presented as part of Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026, a nationwide initiative led by Craft in America to mark America’s Semiquincentennial, this exhibition considers the ways turn-of-the-century practices of making paper dolls and paper dollhouse scrapbooks may have shaped Henry Darger’s evolution as an artist and maker. Curated by Dr. Mary Trent, College of Charleston
Karla Wong: Journeys of Being On view from Sept 3, 2026, to Jan 10, 2027 Karla Wong’s work is a love letter to her Mexican culture, drawing on her life experiences, her identity as a trans woman and the landscape of her dreams. Her paintings are a vivid blend of traditional Oaxacan elements with Victorian style influences; Surrealist in nature, the work explores themes of life and death, gender identity, self-discovery, and dream-like portal archways leading to mysterious places.
The Collection Ongoing Intuit’s growing collection, spanning works from the late 19th century to the present includes paintings by William Hawkins, Howard Finster and Minnie Evans; sculpture by Georgia Blizzard, Kevin Sampson and Dr. Charles Smith; gelatin silver prints by Eugene Von Bruenchenhein; and a sizable collection of works on paper by artists James Castle, Thornton Dial, Sr., Hiroyuki Doi, Martín Ramírez, Nellie Mae Rowe, Scottie Wilson, Purvis Young and more. The IAM Henry Darger Room and Collection includes more than 1,600 objects from the home studio of the world-renowned Chicago artist, including art supplies, smaller works (collages, tracings, hand drawn maps), personal items, furniture, scrapbooks, source imagery and materials, and small portions of writings.
Curated by Christina Stavros
Left to right William “Bill” Brady (American, b. 1943). Untitled, n.d. Roofers tin and welding rods, 32 x 30 x 3 in. Collection of the artist. Photo courtesy of Fred Scruton Installation view of Impressions of a City: Drawings by Marvin Young Unidentified artist. Untitled (Man with bird, woman with big hair), n.d. Pair of carved wood figures, man: 12 1/2 x 5 x 2 1/2 in, woman: 13 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 in. Collection of Intuit Art Museum, gift of Jan Petry, 2025.41a&b Installation view of Monumental: Sculpture by Dr. Charles Smith Karla Wong (Mexican, b. 1974). The Catrina Comes to Chicago (La catrina llega Chicago), 2026. Oil on canvas, 48 x 36 in. Collection of the artist
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IAM for you Throughout the year Intuit Art Museum (IAM) hosts talks, performances, screenings, workshops and more interactive experiences. Dive deeper into art in our new Center for Learning and Engagement (CLEO), galleries and Learning Studio. Art After Work Every third Thursday, IAM stays open late until 8 pm. Drop in after hours to explore the Museum with a friend, partner or on your own. Each Art After Work offers something different, from gallery activations and art-making activities to artist talks and more. Community Day Free admission encourages guests of all ages to discover art together through conversations and activities. Explore the Museum, learn about the art on view, and work with museum educators and community partners to create your own work of art while building connections with one another. Teacher Fellowship Each school year, Intuit Art Museum welcomes a cohort of Chicago Pre-K–12 teachers to explore the history and contemporary practices of self-taught artists and design a high-quality visual arts curriculum. The program culminates in an exhibition at the Museum celebrating their students’ work. Intuiteens Intuiteens is expanding from a paid summer mentorship program into a year-long opportunity for Chicago teens ages 15–19 from across the city to come together and explore self-taught art. At IAM, teens work with artists, educators and peers to develop their creative practices, engage in conversations about art and activism, explore Chicago’s arts community, and collaborate on experiences that shape the Museum and connect with the public New things are always happening at the Museum. Explore the full calendar of events at Art.org/events.
Right Student artist views their work in the annual Teacher Fellowship Student Exhibition alongside their parent. Lead facilitator Xo supports a teen creating a written reflection about Dr. Charles Smith’s sculpture. Lower right The Intuit Store
You never knew a museum could be like this
The Intuit Store Explore the Intuit Store online or in person and uncover rare art books, unique objects, jewelry, exclusive IAM merchandise and one-of-a-kind art, all while supporting artists and the Museum’s mission to make art accessible. Scan to shop online, or visit the Intuit Store Wednesday–Sunday, 11 am–6 pm.
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IAM creating a legacy As someone who believes in the ability for self-taught art to connect us, your Intuit support helps build a vibrant, inclusive future. There are no-cost ways to create your legacy at Intuit that reflect your values and deepen your impact. These options require no immediate donation, allow you to change your mind at any time, and let you support both your loved ones and Intuit.
Above Intuiteen reflects on Della Wells (American, b. 1951). Yes, we will find peace, my sister, 2024. Collage on masonite, 48 x 24 in. Collection of Intuit Art Museum, museum purchase made possible by the Young Professionals Board, 2024.1 Cover Installation view of What We Build to Belong by Pooja Pittie.
Consider joining Intuit’s Legacy Society by notifying us of your intention to make a planned gift—through a bequest, IRA charitable distribution or beneficiary designation. Your commitment ensures Intuit’s cultural and educational resources are available to Chicago communities—and beyond—today and into the future. For more information, please contact Debra Kerr, president and CEO P 312.624.9487 E Deb@art.org
Click Art.org Contact 312.624.9487 Visit 756 N Milwaukee Ave Chicago, IL 60642