Project Onward Events
Thu, Mar 19Come visit us in New York City for the 2026 Outsider Art Fair!
Fri, Mar 20From text-covered totems to glistening fairy masks, RECLAIM showcases the vibrant range of ceramic work emerging from Project Onward’s studio.
Sat, Mar 21Browse original artwork, meet Project Onward artists, and enjoy live walk-up portraits during the final indoor Green City Market of the season.
Wed, Apr 08A new community arts initiative exploring how creativity can support wellbeing, connection, and care.
Sat, Apr 11Get your portrait drawn live onto a ceramic mug by a Project Onward artist during our one-day Ceramic Mug Portrait Slam.
Fri, Apr 17In Rust, ten Project Onward artists explore deterioration as a generative force. Where collapse, chaos, and neglect give rise to unexpected beauty.
Sat, Apr 18Get your portrait drawn onto a ceramic mug by a Project Onward artist while enjoying a special pop-up exhibition at Pollyanna Brewing.
Past Events
Origins Fall Fundraiser
Project Onward has been a place for Chicagoland artists to advance their careers since its founding in 2004 as a Gallery 37 initiative. Origins, hosted by Project Onward's Junior Board, features and celebrates the organization's founding artists and how their talent and passion inspired Project Onward to become a fully independent nonprofit organization.
The evening will feature new work from Project Onward pioneers, including: John Behnke, Ruby Bradford, Jacqueline Cousins, Louis DeMarco, David Hence, David A. Holt, Blake Lenoir, Molly McGrath, Michael Smith, Shiela Smith, Fernando Ramirez, and George Zuniga.
Venetian Carnevale Spring Gala
Honoring Jan Feldman, Executive Director of Lawyers for the Creative Arts
Project Onward artists created stunning works of art, masks and sculpture depicting Carnevale in Venice. Music by Project Onward's own DHF Express.
Honoring Legendary African American Artists: Distinct Portraits by disAbled Artists
Project Onward artists will honor African American painters, sculptors and installation artists by creating portraits of them during Black History Month.
Please join us for this distinct portraiture exhibit honoring such artists as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Horace Pippin, and Wangenchi Mutu to name a few.
Special Guests include Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Commissioner John P. Daley, Alderman Patrick D. Thompson and Artist Faheem Majeed. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served. This event is wheelchair accessible. Free parking available Northside of Building. Project Onward gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the National Endowment for the Arts and the Chicago Community Trust.
