Art Encounter Public and Member Programs
Our Public and Member Programs provide lifelong learning and connection to art-lovers in Chicago and beyond through expertly guided, behind-the-scenes explorations of artist studios, private collections, galleries, and museums. These discussion-based programs include in-person local tours, domestic and international art trips, and online meetings. All of our programs are built around our unique, interactive discussion method, which enables the development of a community among participants by emphasizing each individual’s unique perspective. Whether you’re an expert or an art novice, our programs are meant for everyone!
Art Encounter members receive discounts on Public and Member Programs. Visit our membership page to learn more about becoming a member.
Want to see what’s coming up next? Use the button below to view our online programs and events calendar.
SERIES PROGRAMS
Winter Series
Join us for two sets of programs led by Joanna Pinsky this winter! During the coldest time of year, stay warm in the comfort of your own home and meet us on Zoom to investigate work by recently recognized female artists from the twentieth century. Then, in February, explore two exhibits featuring artists from different regions in the Americas, focusing first on women artists from South America and the Caribbean at the DePaul Museum and then on artists from the Caribbean diaspora at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.
Expanding Visions
Explore exclusive art collections and unique artist studios while engaging in interactive, stimulating discussions with collectors and artists, all led by Joanna Pinsky. This members-only program meets weekly for eight weeks each spring and fall.
Night Visions
Enjoy an evening of lively conversation with a local artist as we gather to discover their personal vision and technique while experiencing a live demonstration of their craft.
Summer Visions
Join Art Encounter Co-Founder and Artistic Director Joanna Pinsky to delve into stimulating art exhibits in three different areas of Chicago. Discover new spaces and established galleries to see works by diverse national and international artists depicting a wide range of ideas.
Artist Critique Group
Develop your ideas through in-depth group discussion of your work and the work of the other artists, led by Art Encounter’s Artistic Director and co-founder, Joanna Pinsky. This series covers exhibition opportunities, presentation of work, gallery information, discussion of current art controversies, and interesting art journal readings. Critique Series participants have free access to all Art Encounter Weekend Art Walks. All mediums and skill levels welcome.
SINGLE PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
River North Design District Tour
Experience the convergence of art and design by some of the brightest talents in Chicago this fall at Art Encounter's 4th annual tour of the River North Design District Gallery Walk! Each participating showroom has partnered with an interior designer to curate a special exhibition of work by an artist of their choosing. Artist and sculptor Jill King will lead the group through interactive discussions at this one-of-a-kind event's most exciting spaces.
EXPO CHICAGO Tour
Find out why EXPO CHICAGO and other international art fairs have become increasingly important in establishing the latest trends in contemporary art. Let Art Encounter’s Artistic Director Joanna Pinsky guide you through highlights of this global market, featuring art from leading galleries, selected by an international committee of premier gallerists.
Weekend Art Walks
Each Weekend Art Walk includes a visit to a collection of galleries within a Chicago neighborhood, giving participants the opportunity to view and discuss contemporary art in Chicago. Free for Friends-level members and above!
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Special Member Experiences
To show our thanks for their support, we offer a number of special, free experiences for our members, including our annual Members Appreciation Event, our annual Friends Appreciation Event, and our Lunchtime Art Chats. Visit our Special Member Experiences page for details.
Custom Tours & Events
We love working with schools, organizations, and businesses to create custom arts programming, in person or online. Whether you’re looking for a week-long program or a one-day event, we want to hear from you!
“I truly feel that Art Encounter enriches my life more than any cultural activity I participate in. The array of art that is presented and the venues the participants visit art–from artists' studios to private homes to galleries and museums–is absolutely incomparable. There is always something new, something I've never seen or heard of before and the visits…are imbued with infinite possibilities.”
-Bonnie McGrath, Art Encounter Member, Board Member and Program Participant
For a closer look at our Public and Member Programs, here is a short video from our 2021 virtual benefit featuring Joanna Pinsky, Art Encounter’s Co-founder and Artistic Director.