Events › The Joy of Gesture: An Abstract Art Making Program

Brought to us by our Gallery Activation friends at the Art Institute of Chicago, this art making program is inspired by two exhibitions, Willem de Kooning Drawing and Beyond Form: Abstraction at Midcentury, both on view at the Art Institute in Summer 2026. These exhibitions feature artists around the globe who, at midcentury (1940-1970s), in the aftermath of World War II and other life-altering historical and political events, turned to the experience and transformative power of abstraction to grapple with their new realities. Looking to action and gesture-based abstraction, this workshop explores energetic and spontaneous mark-making as a mode of personal expression ad liberation.

Accessibility
Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.