The School of the Art Institute of Chicago Alumni

Congratulations to all of our SAIC community members participating in the 2026 Venice Biennale! Explore the full list of the fair’s exhibitions and participants at the link in our bio.

Image 1: Installation view of Sumakshi Singh’s (MFA 2003) work, “Permanent Address,” at the Indian Pavilion of the Venice Biennale 2026.
Image 2: Sculpture by Nick Cave, Stephanie and Bill Sick Professor of Fashion, Body and Garment, as part of international exhibition “In Minor Keys” at the Venice Biennale 2026.
Image 3: Installation by Alfredo Jaar (HON 2006) as part of international exhibition “In Minor Keys” at the Venice Biennale 2026.

Patrick Cottrell’s (MFA 2012) much-anticipated second novel, Afternoon Hours of a Hermit, releases next week on Tuesday, April 21. The book follows protagonist Dan Moran, a trans author who receives a mis-addressed envelope containing a childhood picture of his dead brother. Who sent this photo? And why? The eve of his brother’s memorial dinner, Dan returns to his hometown, reclaims his brother’s Honda Accord, and begins his investigation.

Read about Patrick’s inspirations while writing Afternoon Hours of a Hermit at the link in or bio!

Image 2 photo credit: Sarah Gerard

EXPO CHICAGO has begun! Explore where to find alums and other members of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago community by checking out our SAIC at EXPO CHICAGO 2026 guide. Link in bio!

Image 1: Via Mortola at the 2026 SAIC Spring Art Fair, .
Image 2: Work by Gabrielle Garland (BFA 2009) at Corbett vs. Dempsey, Booth 312.
Image 3: Installation view of works by Luftwerk (Petra Bachmaier (BFA 1999) and Sean Gallero (BFA 1998)) at SECRIST | BEACH, Booth 319.
Image 4: Installation view of “Daniel G. Baird: Margins” at PATRON Gallery. Courtesy of PATRON Gallery.
Image 5: Installation view of Alice Tippit: Rose Obsolete at DePaul Art Museum. Courtesy of The Visualist.

Cheryl Pope (BFA 2003, MDes 2010) is a Chicago and New York-based interdisciplinary artist known for her dynamic performances, installations, and fiber “paintings.” Her most recent solo exhibition, CHERYL POPE: ALL THERE IS, at Monique Meloche Gallery in Chicago explores the tethered and complex relationship between nature and memory. Be sure the see CHERYL POPE: ALL THERE IS at Monique Meloche before it closes later this spring!

Image 1: Cheryl Pope, courtesy of "The Art Newspaper."
Image 2: Cheryl Pope, WHERE MY HEART BEATS, 2026.
Image 3: Installation view of CHERYL POPE: ALL THERE IS at Monique Meloche Gallery in Chicago, IL.

Three SAIC alums are featured in the 2026 Whitney Biennial, opening to the public this Sunday, March 8 in New York City. Congratulations to Young Joon Kwak (BFA 2007), Isabelle Frances McGuire (BFA 2016), and Zach Blas (PBS 2006)!

Image 1: Young Joon Kwak, "Divine Dance of Soft Revolt (Anna, Travis, Me)," 2024. Photograph by Darian DiCanno/BFA.com, courtesy of Artsy.com
Image 2: Young Joon Kwak, photo courtesy of Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Image 3: Isabelle Frances McGuire, photo courtesy of Lyndon French.
Image 4: Zach Blas, photo courtesy of the artist.

FRIDAY FEB 20 | Join SAIC alumni engagement and President Jiseon Lee Isbara at SAIC Galleries for a reception during the 2026 College Art Association Annual Conference. Conference registration is not required to attend. We hope to see you there!

Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/saic-at-caa-tickets-1981378498426?aff=oddtdtcreator

Five SAIC alums are featured in the Hammer Museum's 2025 Made in L.A. Biennial, an exhibition that showcases contemporary artists working in the Los Angeles area and examines the city’s distinctive cultural landscape. Check out work by Alake Shilling (BFA 2012), David Alekhuogie (BFA 2013), Amanda Ross-Ho (BFA 1998), Na Mira (BFA 2006), and Kristy Luck (MFA 2014) on display now through March 1.

Image 2: Alake Shilling, “C’est la vie, mon ami,” 2025.
Image 3: David Alekhuogie, “Still life with okra, corn, and tomato,” 2022.
Image 4: Amanda Ross-ho, “Untitled Thresholds (Four Seasons),” 2025.
Image 5: Na Mira, “Sugungga (Hello),” 2024.
Image 6: Kristy Luck, “Always Arriving,” 2025.

SATURDAY FEB 7 | Join School of the Art Institute of Chicago Alumni Engagement for light refreshments and an opportunity to reconnect with SAIC alums in Los Angeles at Roberts Projects!

RSVP at the link in our bio by February 1.

Final call for Class Notes submissions for the 2026 Spring Magazine! Send us your news and accomplishments using the link in our bio.

Questions? Contact [email protected]

LMRM, a digital weaving space founded by Hope Wang (BFA 2018), and Mayfield, an art and installation space co-directed by Alberto Aguilar (BFA 1997, MFA 2001), are among the 13 organizations awarded grants by Hyde Park Art Center’s 2025 Artists Run Chicago Fund. These unrestricted grants aim to strengthen diverse and experimental programs and platforms run by independent artists in Chicago. Congratulations to Hope and Alberto!

Image 1: Courtesy of
Image 2: Courtesy of and Chicago Exhibition Weekend