July Fireworks with NEW Gallery!

Check out what the gallery is up to this month! We have new calls for art, new exhibiting artists, and general updates. Thanks for reading!

7/10/20256 min read

Happy Fourth of July!

We hope you had a fun and safe holiday this July 4th weekend! Although our gallery was closed for the holiday, we still hope you had a creative day! Join us for a festive Paint & Sip at Art City or buy some festive art at our art booth at the Andersonville Galleria, located at 5247 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640


Our NEWEST Call for Art: Small Works

Continuing a cherished tradition now in its fourth year, our Small Works exhibition returns to celebrate the power of scale and the intimacy of detail. This juried show invites artists to explore creativity within a compact format, showcasing both 2-D and 3-D works no larger than 18 inches in any direction. From intricate sculptures to finely detailed paintings, drawings, and mixed media pieces, Small Works proves that size doesn't limit impact.

This unique exhibition offers collectors and art lovers an accessible entry point into the world of original art while highlighting the impressive talent and imagination of our creative community. Whether minimalist or richly layered, whimsical or profound, each piece in Small Works delivers a concentrated burst of expression that invites close, thoughtful engagement.

Key Details:

  • Deadline July 27th, 2025

  • Show Opening August 8th at Art City (1400 N Halsted Ave.)

  • $26 per submission

  • All information must be included in our submission form

  • All submitted images must be labelled following this format: LastNameFirstNameTitleOfWork (ex: DoeJane_Title)

To Apply:
Please fill out our form with all the required information, submit high-resolution images of your work, a brief artist statement (max 300 words), and pay the submission fee. We can’t wait to see your interpretation of this theme!

Call for Art: Fresh Terrain
Exploring Environments Real and Imagined

We invite artists to submit work for Fresh Terrain, a juried exhibition that delves into the theme of environment—both familiar and fantastical. This show seeks artwork that interprets landscapes, cityscapes, and the spaces we inhabit or dream about. From the natural world to urban jungles, serene seascapes to surreal dreamscapes, Fresh Terrain celebrates the diversity of place and the emotional, cultural, and imaginative connections we form with our surroundings.

Whether rooted in observation or invention, the work may capture a moment in time, map a psychological space, or envision a speculative future. Submissions can reflect a broad range of perspectives, including—but not limited to—climate, memory, identity, displacement, architecture, and the passage of time.

All mediums are welcome: painting, drawing, photography, digital art, sculpture, installation, and mixed media.

Key Details:

  • Deadline: July 19th, 2025

  • Eligibility: Open to artists

  • Submission Fee: $26 per piece

  • Exhibition Dates: August 1st - September 9th

  • Venue: 2623 W Chicago Ave. Chicago, IL

We encourage bold interpretations and invite both established and emerging artists to contribute to this exploration of place, presence, and possibility.

To Apply:
Please submit high-resolution images of your work, a brief artist statement (max 300 words), and pay the submission fee. We can’t wait to see your interpretation of this theme!

We STILL Want Your Prints! Call for Printed Artwork

CFAS is looking for artists with prints that are made and ready to sell! CFAS participates in art festivals around the Chicago area year-round and can sell your artwork at our booth or table, to make it available to more customers. Some festivals we participate in include the Andersonville Galleria, West Loop Art Festival, West Fest, Wells Street Art Festival, Mayfest, and more. Artists who submit to our Call for Prints are also eligible to be part of our Featured Artists group, with an opportunity for inclusion in a group show or solo show.

Submission Requirements

  • $26 per Image

  • Images must be at least 300 DPI

Submit your artwork and its’ information through our Call for Prints Submission Form, located under the Call for Artists tab on our website! Our updated deadline is now July 27th, 2025 (changed from 7/1). We can’t wait to see your work!


Discover Your Creative Side: Art Classes & Events at CFADrawing

At CFADrawing, we believe everyone has the potential to create something beautiful. Whether you're just starting your artistic journey or you're looking to refine your skills, we offer a wide variety of classes and events to cater to all levels of experience. From private lessons to fun, social Paint n Sip events, there's something for everyone.

Private Drawing & Painting Lessons (Tuesday to Friday)

For those looking for one-on-one instruction, we offer private drawing and painting lessons every weekday from 11 AM to 2 PM. These sessions are designed to cater to your individual artistic goals, whether you're working on a personal project or simply looking to improve your technique.

Pricing Update: The rate for private lessons is now $75 per hour. If you'd prefer a 2-hour session, it’s $150. Live models can be arranged for an additional fee should you wish to explore figure drawing or add another layer to your practice.

Academic Beginners Drawing & Painting Classes (Tuesdays & Wednesdays)

We also offer academic drawing and painting classes for beginners, held every Tuesday and Wednesday evening from 6 PM to 9 PM. These classes are perfect for those who are just starting out and want a structured approach to learning.

Pricing Update: The price for these classes is now $100 per session for a 3-hour class. All materials are included for the first month. We also offer a 5-week package for $400 (with one week free), which is a great way to commit to your artistic development and save!

Dive into the basics of drawing, shading, color theory, and more with expert instruction to help guide you on your creative journey

Friday Night Art Party - Paint n Sip (7-9 PM)

Need a fun way to unwind at the end of the week? Our Friday Night Art Party is the perfect opportunity to socialize and explore your creative side. From 7-9 PM, join us for our BYOB Paint n Sip event, where you’ll enjoy a laid-back atmosphere, sip your favorite drink, and create a painting with step-by-step guidance from our instructors. It’s the perfect way to kick off your weekend!

Saturday Night Paint Your Date (6-8 PM)

Looking for a unique and fun date night? Our Paint Your Date event, happening on Saturday from 6-8 PM, is the ideal way to bond with your partner while creating art together. You’ll work on a painting that reflects your relationship, and the best part is you don’t need to be a seasoned artist to have a great time!

Weekend Paint n Sip Sessions (Saturday & Sunday, 2-4 PM)

If you're free during the weekend, we offer Paint n Sip sessions on both Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 PM. Whether you want to relax with friends, meet new people, or just have some fun while sipping on your favorite beverage, these sessions are designed to be an enjoyable and stress-free way to express your creativity. It's a perfect weekend afternoon activity!

Special Workshops and Drop-in Sessions:

  • Art City/CFAD Drop-in Figure Drawing: Every Saturday from 11 AM to 1 PM, come by for a figure drawing session at Art City/CFAD. These open sessions are perfect for those looking to practice their drawing skills in a supportive environment.

  • Andy's Beginners Oil Painting: Every Sunday in March from 6-9 PM, Andy will be teaching Beginner's Oil Painting. This class is perfect for anyone wanting to learn the basics of oil painting, and it's a great opportunity to develop your skills with expert guidance.

CFADrawing: Focus on Private Lessons and Beginner Workshops

In the coming weeks, CFADrawing will be my main focus, with a stronger emphasis on private lessons and beginner workshops. These offerings will be an integral part of the studio's future direction, providing students with high-quality, personalized instruction.

Private Lessons Update: The price for private lessons will remain at $75 per hour (with a 2-hour session for $150). Whether you're looking for individual guidance on specific techniques or want to explore your artistic practice further, these lessons are designed to help you achieve your creative goals.

Beginner Workshops Update: The Evening Beginners Drawing and Painting Workshops on Tuesday and Wednesday nights will now be 3 hours long, running from 6-9 PM. The cost for these workshops is $100 per session, and all materials are included for the first month. We are also offering a 5-week package for $400 (with one week free), which is a great deal for those who want to dive deeper into their artistic development.

Get Involved

Ready to unleash your inner artist? Register for our upcoming classes or events today. If you have any questions or would like more information, don’t hesitate to reach out. We can’t wait to see what you create!

See You in August!

Thanks for reading this month's blog for NEW Gallery, CFAS, and Art City. Stay tuned for our August blog and our upcoming events!