Inspiring Creativity

Museum of Science + Industry Chicago’s Black Creativity program includes a juried exhibition for professional and student artists.

- ROCHELLE BELSITO

For the past 50 years the Museum of Science + Industry Chicago has paid tribute to the culture, heritage and contributions of African American artists with its Black Creativity event. Initially called Black Esthetics—and conceived and organized by a group of local Black artists and key staff members of the Chicago Defender—it has grown from its original Juried Art Exhibition to include a slate of educational programs and a gala. In 1984 the program changed names to Black Creativity and expanded to include science and technology, a cornerstone of the museum. The Juried Art Exhibition is the highlight of the programming and is one of the longest-running shows featuring Black artists in the United States. As the show has grown, the impact of the exhibition has only flourished. This year more than 700 submissions were received and the four-person jury had the difficult task of selecting the artwork to exhibit based on merit, quality, technique and messaging. There is no cap to the number of works that can be selected, so each edition is unique. This year 133 pieces by professional artists will be on display through July 5.

The range of artwork in the exhibition is one of its hallmarks because there are no limitations on theme, medium or style of pieces the artists can submit. This year viewers will be treated to paintings, mixed media, photography, sculpture and even fashion. Since the show is juried, the artists who have works on view changes each year, so every time someone attends the event it’s a brand-new experience.