Chicago Sculpture International

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Chicago Sculpture International

Chicago Sculpture International (CSI) is an affiliate organization of the International Sculpture Center (ISC).

Interpreting Life Through Sculpture for Everyone

In the early 1980s, a cooperative of sculptors created an exhibition on Chicago’s Navy Pier, featuring numerous outdoor sculptures. Inspired by this exhibition’s public appreciation, the cooperative continued to display sculptures around the city. In 2004, the group formed Chicago Sculpture International; founding members are Nicole Beck, Bob Emser, Terry Karpowicz, Christine Rojek, Tom Scarff and Barry Tinsley. Chicago Sculpture International was the first recognized chapter of the International Sculpture Center, which publishes Sculpture Magazine and supports sculptors through exhibitions, conferences, and funding opportunities. Currently, Chicago Sculpture International includes over 200 local, national and international members. Chicago Sculpture International organizes multiple indoor and outdoor exhibitions annually to showcase contemporary sculpture throughout the Midwest. These have included exhibits at Chicago’s International Art Expo, Oakton Community College, and the Elks National Memorial. Outdoor exhibitions are often in collaboration with the Chicago Park District, exhibiting sculpture in parks and conservatories throughout the city, including venues such as the Lincoln Park Zoo. Sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, in conjunction with the Chicago Park District, Chicago Sculpture International exhibited work on the city’s boulevards over the last few years. While hosting the 23rd International Sculpture Conference in 2012, Chicago Sculpture International installed sixty-four sculptures spanning the lakefront from Promontory Point on the south to Belmont Harbor on the north. The Chicago Tree Project was created in partnership with the Chicago Park District in the summer of 2014. This citywide plan invites sculptors to transform dying trees into vibrant public art. The Chicago Tree Project, along with countless other exhibitions, serves as a vital part of Chicago Sculpture International’s mission: to bring sculpture to the community.

10/11/2026

*This is not a CSI-sponsored call but may be of interest to our members*

Call for Artists:
Ogallala’s Western Trails 2026 Veterans Art Project

The Western Trails Creative District and Keith County Area Development invite sculptors and designers to submit proposals for a permanent public artwork honoring veterans in Ogallala, Nebraska. The selected artist will create an original sculpture or architectural work for installation at the Keith County Courthouse, celebrating local veterans while contributing to the community’s public art and cultural landscape.

The project grew from community planning efforts focused on enhancing Ogallala’s public spaces and creating meaningful experiences for residents and visitors. Local veterans were interviewed as part of the development process, helping shape the project’s creative brief and goals. The initiative is supported by funding from the Nebraska Arts Council, Keith County Visitors Committee, Keith County Foundation Fund, Robert F. Hanich Charitable Trust, Roy & Gloria Dinsdale Foundation, Ivy Foundation, and Ogallala Regional Arts Council.

Key Details:

• Location: Ogallala, Nebraska
• Project: Public art sculpture or architectural work honoring veterans
• Application Deadline: November 11, 2026
• Finalists Selected: December 2026
• Final Concepts & Interviews: January 2027
• Artist Selected: Mid-January 2027
• Installation Deadline: Mid-May 2027
• For full guidelines, prospectus and to apply:
https://tinyurl.com/VAPCallApply

Artists interested in applying should review the complete prospectus for project requirements, application materials, selection process, timeline, and other guidelines.

10/06/2026

"Conflict & Unity"
by David Skora
9’7” H × 34” W × 34” D
Welded, fabricated & polychromed steel
Location: West Pullman Park
401 W 123rd St, Chicago, IL

Part of the 2026–2028 Sculpture in the Parks Exhibition Season, presented by Chicago Sculpture International in collaboration with the Chicago Park District.

"Conflict & Unity" explores the tension between opposing forces and the possibility of connection within that tension. Jagged red and yellow steel forms face one another across a narrow space, while suspended black steel spheres create points of contrast, connection, and visual rhythm.

The work invites viewers to consider the balance between separation and connection, tension and cooperation, instability and stability—and to bring their own interpretation to the visual conversation.

Vist www.chicagosculpture.org to learn more about CSI and it's outdoor sculpture exhibition program.

10/02/2026

A few highlights (and more to come!) from VOICES IN FORM, now on view at the IUK Art Gallery at Indiana University Kokomo.

VOICES IN FORM
October 1–November 12, 2026
IUK Art Gallery
Indiana University Kokomo

Featuring 21 sculptors from Chicago Sculpture International, Voices in Form explores the power of sculpture to communicate through form, material, and space. The exhibition brings together intimate reflections, personal narratives, and broader themes that invite conversation and connection beyond words.

Exhibiting Artists: Nikki Renee Anderson, Young-Ly Hong Chandra, Brian Divis, Darlys Ewoldt, Victoria Fuller, Spencer Gale, Ronald Gonzalez, James Hajicek, Azadeh Hussaini, Terrence Karpowicz, Fia Kim, Jill King, Pat Miceli, Bill Mitchell,Brian Monaghan, Jerry Monteith, Nancy Pirri, Marvin Shafer, Cherry Tung, Sishi Wang, and Bruce Webber

Juried by�Carrie Baxter, Art Gallery Director, and the IUK Art and NMAT Faculty

UPCOMING SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Creative Approaches – Two Perspectives
Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 1:30 p.m.
Kresge Auditorium (KA-105)

Exhibiting artists Darlys Ewoldt and Sishi Wang will discuss their artistic journeys and the narratives embodied in their sculptures.

CLOSING RECEPTION
Thursday, November 12 | 4–6 p.m.

The IUK Art Gallery is free and open to the public.

09/30/2026

New CSI Exhihibition opens this Friday!

"Voices In Form"

October 1 – November 12, 2026
IU Kokomo Art Gallery
Indiana University Kokomo

"Voices in Form" explores the power of sculpture to communicate. Featuring works by members of Chicago Sculpture International, the exhibition showcases how artists use form, material, and space to tell stories that resonate beyond words. From intimate reflections to broader societal themes, these sculptures invite viewers to engage with diverse voices and consider the many ways art can inspire dialogue, connection, and understanding.

Exhibiting Artists: Nikki Renee Anderson, Young-Ly Hong Chandra, Brian Divis, Darlys Ewoldt, Victoria Fuller, Spencer Gale, Ronald Gonzalez, James Hajicek, Azadeh Hussaini, Terrence Karpowicz, Fia Kim, Jill King, Pat Miceli, Bill Mitchell, Brian Monaghan, Jerry Monteith, Nancy Pirri, Marvin Shafer, Cherry Tung, Sishi Wang, and Bruce Webber

About the Juror: Carrie Baxter, Art Gallery Director, and the IUK Art and NMAT Faculty served as the jurors.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION:

"Creative Approaches – Two Perspectives
A presentation by Darlys Ewoldt and Sishi Wang"

Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 1:30 p.m.
IU Kokomo Campus
Kresge Auditorium (KA-105)

Join exhibiting artists and IU Bloomington alumnae Darlys Ewoldt and Sishi Wang as they discuss their artistic journeys and the narratives embodied in their sculptures.

CLOSING RECEPTION:
Thursday, November 12, 2026
4–6 p.m.

The IUK Art Gallery is free and open to the public.

Visitor parking is available in the Main Building Parking Lot and the Kelley Student Center Parking Lot (Lots B & D). Event parking passes are available upon request.

Image credit: "Bending to Memory" by Darlys Ewoldt, Bronze and patina, 8 × 11 × 8 in.

09/23/2026

🌳 Newly Installed:
"Log Bench"
by Christine Perri

📍 Location: Outside the entrance of the Calumet Park Cultural Center, at 9801 S. Avenue G in Chicago.

This new sculpture has joined the Chicago Tree Project at Calumet Park.

Christine Perri, a longtime board member and former Outdoor Chair, has played an instrumental role in the Chicago Tree Project since its early beginnings, helping launch and establish the project, contributing to its growth into the ongoing program it is today.

Like the other works in the Chicago Tree Project, "Log Bench" was created from a salvaged tree, giving new life to a tree that would otherwise have been lost. The sculpture also offers park visitors a place to pause, sit, and experience the work in its natural setting.

The Chicago Tree Project continues to celebrate the connection between art, nature, and Chicago’s parks by transforming trees that have been lost to disease, storms, or other causes into works of public art.

To view this and other tree projects visit
www.chicagotreeproject.org

09/18/2026

The 2024–2026 Sculpture in the Parks exhibition season is coming to a close! 🌳🗿

Before the current sculptures make way for a new group of works this October, there’s still time to get out and see them in their park settings.

The sculptures featured in this post are the works you’ll have a last chance to see. For more info on the sculptures, the artists, and locations visit: tinyurl.com/2024-2026-CSI-SITP

Get out, explore the parks, and see the sculptures while they’re still on view!

And stay tuned—new sculptures will be arriving this October.

09/04/2026

As an affiliate of the International Sculpture Center (ISC) and its first recognized chapter, CSI is sharing this reminder September 22nd enrollment deadline reminder with our members:

📣 The 32nd International Sculpture Conference is coming to the Twin Cities!

October 22–25, 2026

With core programming hosted by MCAD, plus parties and pours at the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center and Franconia Sculpture Park, and an afternoon exploring the Northeast Arts District, the conference offers a great opportunity to connect, learn, and explore.

Immerse yourself in sculpture through exhibitions, educational programs, networking events, and visits to local art collections.

⏰ Registration deadline: September 22, 2026

Learn more about registration, pricing, hotel rates, discounts, and the full conference program at:

www.sculpture.org/TwinCities2026

08/31/2026

🦉 Take a stroll through Chicago Women’s Park & Gardens and say hello to the newest snowy owl that just landed in the neighborhood.

"Snowy Owl", is a sculpture by CSI member Stephen Landis and brings a striking presence to the park through Chicago Sculpture International's Sculpture in the Parks program, in partnership with Chicago Park District.

📍 Chicago Women’s Park & Gardens
1800 S. Indiana Ave.
Chicago, IL 60616

Located in the Prairie District/near McCormick Place, just south of downtown. The park is easily accessible by car and public transportation.

🚗 From the Loop: Take Lake Shore Drive south and exit at 18th Street. Head west to Indiana Avenue, then south to the park.

🚇 By CTA: The park is a short walk from the 18th Street Metra station and accessible via several nearby CTA bus routes.

Photos courtesy of Mike Dimitroff

08/27/2026

Final Weekend: “Whispers from the Unfamiliar”

A few more highlights from this group exhibition at CSI Project Space—and the closing weekend is coming up!

Featuring work by Debra Balchen, Roland Biermann, Bethany Cordero, Alexis Di Stefano, Brian Divis, Gertah, Abby Giurfa, Carol Hammerman, Alex Jarus, Nico Kazlauskas, John Kurman, Elizabeth La Bouef, Kim Laurel, Micki LeMieux, Ellen Lustig, Scott Mossman, Marvin Shafer, David Skora, Rich Stewart, Nancy Van Kanegan, and Audrey Yang.

Curated by Stephanie Sailer, the group exhibition brings together artists exploring the unknown—the quiet thoughts, intuitions, memories, and emotions that emerge before they can be put into words.

The gallery is open this weekend:

Friday, 2–6 pm
Saturday, 12–4 pm
Sunday, 1–5 pm

Closing September 4, 2026.

📍 CSI Project Space Gallery
1912 N. Damen Ave., Chicago
Bucktown, at Damen & Cortland

For more information: [email protected]

08/20/2026

A few more highlights from the "Whispers from the Unfamiliar" exhibition at CSI Project Space.

The gallery is open this weekend:

Friday, 2–6 pm
Saturday, 12–4 pm
Sunday, 1–5 pm

“Whispers from the Unfamiliar” is on view at the CSI Project Space Gallery.

Curated by Stephanie Sailer, the group exhibition brings together artists exploring the unknown—the quiet thoughts, intuitions, memories, and emotions that emerge before they can be put into words.

On view through September 4, 2026.

📍 CSI Project Space Gallery
1912 N. Damen Ave., Chicago
Bucktown, at Damen & Cortland

Featuring artwork by: Debra Balchen, Roland Biermann, Bethany Cordero, Alexis Di Stefano, Brian Divis, Gertah, Abby Giurfa, Carol Hammerman, Alex Jarus, Nico Kazlauskas, John Kurman, Elizabeth La Bouef, Kim Laurel, Micki LeMieux, Ellen Lustig, Scott Mossman, Marvin Shafer, David Skora, Rich Stewart, Nancy Van Kanegan, and Audrey Yang.

For more information: [email protected]

Address

1200 W 35th St
Chicago, IL
60609

Website

https://www.chicagosculpture.org/

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