February 2026 Newsletter
News | Exhibitions | Opportunities
Board News
It is with sadness we announce some of our long-standing CSI Board Members have decided to resign including Stephanie Sailer, Patrick Wilson and Gina Lee Robbins. Helen Dannelly and Stella Moon have also decided to step down in the span of this past year.
Stephanie Sailer has been part of the board as secretary for many years, and gave CSI so much support with her forward thinking and positive attitude, even when times were not going so smoothly. Steph worked for countless hours on the CSI monthly newsletters and formulating minutes for our annual meetings just to mention a few of her many contributions over time.
Patrick Wilson held committee chair positions in Outreach and Development and also served to help out various other committees at points during his many years on CSI’s board. In the past year Patrick remained devoted by acting as board member at large where he offered insightful feedback with thoughtful engagement, to help foster success of this nonprofit.
Gina Lee Robbins most recently volunteered at CSI as a board member at large, although has provided valuable opinions from her long tenure at the organization. She made many efforts within the indoor exhibits committee, and will continue to do so as she can. Gina has spent many years helping out CSI’s function and always provided valuable and instructive ideas.
Helen Dannelly came in this past year to help boost a progressive platform, but life obligations forced Helen’s focus outside of CSI.
Stella Moon began as CSI’s education chair but other commitments prevented her from continuing in this role as well.
Chicago Sculpture International wants to send our deepest thanks to these individuals for the time they spent volunteering for our organization. If any of you choose to return to serve time on the board again, we would be happy and excited to have you back. Thank you all again!
Chicago Sculpture International is looking to fill volunteer positions on our board. If you are a CSI member (or would like to be), please e-mail info@chicagosculpture.org to learn more.
Welcome our New Board Member!
It is our pleasure that Rich Stewart has joined the CSI volunteer board team to act as Board Member at Large –Interim Secretary. Rich hails from Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin and has served as advisory member for four different boards, offering many years of experience in various areas including fundraising and related marketing. He is a sculptor who works in metal casting, glass blowing and integrates performative elements in his artistic oeuvre. He has developed relations with Milwaukee Makerspace and comes to CSI as having already spent time volunteering at Gallery Space, and looks forward to helping with indoor exhibitions. On behalf of CSI, we welcome Rich to the team!
CSI is waving annual membership fees for anyone interested, and can prove their devotion by offering time to help out in any of the committees on our board an leadership page: www.chicagosculpture.org/board-leadership.
Check it out and start learning about the progress of our nonprofit organization today!
CSI Exhibitions
Breaking the Mold: CSI Inclusion Fellowship Exhibit
CSI Project Space Gallery
Opening Reception: Friday, March 6 from 6-9PM
Exhibition Dates: March 6 – 27, 2026
Chicago Sculpture International is proud to announce the 2025-2026 CSI Inclusion Fellowship Exhibit, Breaking the Mold. The exhibit promotes greater equity and representation within the sculptural arts. This initiative welcomes six ALAANA- or BIPOC-identifying artists into our organization through yearlong fellowships that support emerging talent and expand the diversity of voices shaping our community. These artists bring exceptional promise and vision to the field, and CSI looks forward to spotlighting their contributions throughout the year.
Exhibiting Artists: Lulu Luyao Chang, Nanxi Jin, Stella Moon, Rial Rye, Natia Ser, Jose Trejo-Maya
ALAANA – African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, Native American
BIPOC – Black, Indigenous, People of Color
CSI Project Space Gallery is located at 1912 N Damen Ave. in Chicago
Gallery hours: Fri. 2-6 pm*; Sat. 12–4 pm; Sun. 1-5 pm or by appointment
*Open until 8PM on the first Friday of every month.
Inquiries: projectspace@chicagosculpture.org
CSI Call for Entry
Image credit: Happy Family by John Kurman, Welded steel, dimensions variable
Not Normal
Juried show for CSI artists at Forum 301 Gallery
Submission Deadline: April 5, 2026
Exhibition Dates: May 1 - June 5, 2026
Artwork Dropoff: April 27, 2026
Jurors/Curators: Victoria Fuller and Spencer Gale
The theme for this exhibition is open ended in scope and allows for many possibilities. Many kinds of art may fit into this broad category.
"Not normal" refers to anything that goes against established norms, represents an unexpected change, or deviates from accepted collective reality. For the purposes of the exhibition, depictions of ‘not normal’ are those that depart from standard norms. For example, Dada and Surrealism depict fantastical, odd, or distorted realities that differ from our collective everyday experience. "Not normal" can also refer to atypical or unusual occurrences—a flamboyantly dressed person or someone dressed as a superhero on a commuter train full of people in business attire, or events that interrupt daily life, such as a train derailment or hacked cellphone service. In politics, a government perceived as failing to protect its citizens is not normal. Likewise, a government that threatens to invade an otherwise allied nation is also not normal.
What is considered normal in one society may not be recognized as normal in another. Norms include societal rules of established behavior; ways of being and expression; political, racial, social, gender, psychological, and physical norms; as well as conventions of etiquette. Beyond social norms, there are technological and global anomalies, climate anomalies (such as red rain or boiling lakes), biological abnormalities, and other bizarre natural or physical phenomena, including UAP sightings. In physics, a particle can also exist as a wave, further challenging our sense of reality.
Physical or cognitive disabilities may also be perceived as atypical, depending on societal expectations - a sensory crossover where a person might ‘feel’ sounds in specific parts of their body or see colors while playing music—is not normal. Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that can involve hallucinations, such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not present.
What is considered normal changes as society changes. Historical shifts over the past 80 years illustrate this: previous generations considered it normal for eight-year-olds to care for younger siblings for months without adult oversight. Smoking on airplanes was common in the late 20th century, but is now strictly prohibited. Homosexuality, once considered a disorder, and tattoos, jogging, and single parenthood—once deviant—are now common. Yet even today, some of these societal changes face sustained efforts by certain groups to challenge or reverse them—and that, too, is not normal.
Click HERE to apply.
Image Credit: Happy Family, artist John Kurman
Member News
Image: Michelle Corazzo, Wrapped Up, clay and underglaze, 2024.
Pictures of You
January 16th through March 6, 2026
Opening Reception: January 16th, 7-10PM
Pictures of You is a juried exhibit about portraiture, including CSI members Michele Corazzo, Set Gozo, and Dawn Liddicoat and curated by CSI member Marci Rubin.
About the Exhibit:
Portraits encompass many forms, including traditionally posed portraits, candid portraits, environmental portraits, conceptual or symbolic portraits, and self-portraits. Representations of real or imagined individuals, couples, families, groups, etc.., in which their images are the primary focus are portraits.
Artistically inspired portraits strive to capture the subject’s personality, mood, essence, and character to communicate their uniqueness, story, voice or importance.
Actual physical likenesses to interpretative resemblances expressed via an artistic vision reveal the narrative and character of the subject. Historically to current artistic practices, the portrait is represented in every visual artistic style, movement, genre and media.
Bridgeport Art Center
4th Floor
1200 W, 35th St.
Chicago, IL
The following are not CSI sponsored projects
But may be of interest to our members
Arts Midwest Free Webinar Series: “Building Your Creative Career”
Arts Midwest is offering a hands-on webinar series for artists looking to build visibility, funding, and momentum. The webinar series is designed to help artists build a creative career and connect their work with new audiences and navigate planning and the ongoing effort involved. While there is no single standard approach, shared experiences from other artists can provide useful context.
This free webinar series includes artists and creatives from across the Midwest discussing practical skills that support creative work outside the studio. Topics include presenting work, seeking funding, and managing visibility across different platforms.
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Writing for Impact: Artist Grants that Speak to Reviewers
February 11 at 5:30pm CT
This webinar offers artists practical tools to craft grant applications and proposals that resonate with decision makers. Anitra Budd will blend the essentials of strong writing with insights into how reviewers evaluate applications, helping you write with confidence and clarity. Facilitator: Anitra Budd, Copywriter and editor
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Artist Documentation: 2D, 3D, Video
February 18 at 7:00pm CT
Documentation is often the first way audiences and funders encounter your work. In this panel session, artists and documentation specialists Mariah Moneda, Christopher Selleck, and Seth Dahlseid discuss approaches for capturing 2D, 3D, and video artwork for portfolios, applications, and digital platforms, from DIY setups to professional techniques. Facilitators: Mariah Moneda, Christopher Selleck, and Seth Dahlseid
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Stop the Scroll: Video Tactics for Artists on Social Media
February 25 at 3:00pm CT
Social media doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or inauthentic. Artists Jennifer Meeker, Ramona Muse Lambert, and Akwi Nji discuss different ways to use video to share your work and process to connect with online audiences. Drawing from both artistic practice and communications strategy, this conversation offers adaptable ideas you can use across platforms. Facilitators: Jennifer Meeker, Ramona Muse Lambert, and Akwi Ji
Click Here to Register
Click here for more information about Arts Midwest
North Charleston Annual National Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition
Entry deadline: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Exhibition: April 29, 2026 - March 14, 2027
Public Reception and Awards: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Sculpture artists from across the nation are invited to participate in the 20th Annual National Outdoor Sculpture Competition & Exhibition, opening in conjunction with the 2026 North Charleston Arts Fest. Up to 14 sculptures will be juried into the exhibition and compete for cash prizes totaling up to $25,500, an increase over previous years. All selected artists will receive a $1,500 honorarium to assist with transportation, installation, and related expenses. Awards include Best in Show ($2,000), Outstanding Merit ($1,000), and up to three Honorable Mentions ($500 each). Applications are accepted online only at www.NorthCharlestonArtsFest.com/apply. A $35 application fee allows submission of up to four entries.
For additional information, contact the Cultural Arts Department at (843) 740-5854, culturalarts@northcharleston.org, or www.NorthCharlestonArtsFest.com.
Image: (left) Bridge Beyond Time II by Corinna Sephora (2025/26 Best in Show), (right) Celestial Motion by Hanna Jubran (2025/26 Honorable Mention)
St. Charles’ Sculpture in the Park 2026-2027 Call for Entries
Entry deadline: March 6, 2026
Deliver works: May 4 - 8, 2026, installed by May 15, 2026
Removal of work: First week of May 2027
Artists’ Reception: July 17, 2026 at Mt. St. Mary Park
The 20th Anniversary Sculpture in the Park Exhibit (2026–2027) invites sculptors to submit work for a year-round outdoor exhibition presented by the Sculpture Committee in partnership with the St. Charles Park District and St. Charles Park Foundation. Sculptures will be installed in Mt. St. Mary Park along the Fox River in downtown St. Charles, Illinois, with one additional work selected for the veranda garden at the Baker Community Center. Substantial, durable sculptures suitable for continuous public display are required. All works must be installation-ready, available for sale, and appropriate for a public setting. Accepted media include metal, stone, and other materials capable of withstanding weather and public interaction. Recognition plaques and online listings will include artist information, materials, and sale price.
All sculptures will be mounted to concrete pads using approved bolting systems, with specific size, weight, and safety requirements strictly enforced. Final approval at installation rests with the Construction Supervisor, and the Committee retains the right to require removal of any work deemed unsafe.
A $25 non-refundable entry fee is required per submission. Each accepted sculpture will receive a $1,500 honorarium, and one artist will be awarded a $500 Committee Award for originality, durability, and execution. The Committee will collect a 30% commission on works sold or commissioned during the exhibit period. Insurance coverage of up to $10,000 per sculpture will be provided during the exhibition period, with coverage outside that window remaining the responsibility of the sculptor. The exhibit is hosted by the St. Charles Park District in partnership with the St. Charles Park Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization.
Please apply online: https://www.stcsculpture.org/application
This is not a CSI-sponsored call but may be of interest to our members.
Rock Falls Tourism: 9th Annual Art in the Park Sculpture Walk
Entry deadline: June 1, 2026
Selection notification: July 1, 2026
Deliver artwork: August 28, 2026
Show runs: August 2026 - August 2027
With the continued success of our previous eight years of Art in the Park Sculpture Walk, Rock Falls Tourism is making preparations for our 9th year of bringing amazing sculptures to our RB&W District. We are now accepting submissions for sculpture art to be on display at the RB&W District Park along the Rock River. This open space park is used by many organizations putting on events and draws people from surrounding communities and states, which will ensure a high amount of visibility for your art throughout the year. The RB&W District is also security monitored, 24 hours a day. The Art in the Park Sculpture Walk is also featured on the Otocast application for smartphones which provides an additional layer of exposure. Artists will be asked to record an audio component for this application, should their sculpture be chosen.
The Rock Falls Tourism Department has opened the selection process to all sculpture artists. The sculptures will be installed at the RB&W District, on August 28, 2026. Artists will be given a $1,250 stipend and will be able to make their sculpture available for purchase. Artists are encouraged to promote their sculpture throughout the year.
What we expect:
• No offensive or inappropriate content
• Sturdy sculptures that can withstand all types of weather
• Base dimensions to stay within 4ft x 4ft
• No electrical components to the sculptures
• Able to deliver and install the work on August 28, 2026
• Artist must submit pictures of the work they want to display
• Artist must make transportation arrangements for the sculpture to the park
• Artist will contact the Department of Tourism in August 2027 to arrange for un-installing their sculpture
• Artist will be the one to install the sculpture and must provide all bolts and any other necessary equipment to do so. The City of Rock Falls may, upon request, be on hand to help assist in placing sculptures on concrete pads
• Artist to record audio component for Otocast application.
What you get:
• $1,250 stipend for sculpture to remain for 1 year
• One night stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites for the night of August 28, 2026, only
• Artist bio and sculpture/artwork information on the Otocast App
• Ability to sell and promote your artwork
• Constant exposure for you and your sculpture/artwork
• Digital exposure on the Visit Rock Falls website
• Upon request, we can provide manpower to assist getting your sculpture placed onto the pedestals (must notify RF Tourism by August 1, 2026). NO boom, lift or crane will be available unless you request by August 1, 2026.
Please review the included documents and submit everything (including photos) on or before June 1, 2026, either by mail or as an email attachment to director@visitrockfalls.com.
On the artist agreement, you only need to fill out page 3 (top with your name, address, etc.) and then page 4 of the sculpture name and specifications. The rest of the agreement can/will be filled out at a later time if your piece is selected.
Click the links below to download a submission form and artist agreement:
Rock Falls sculpture submission info letter
Rock Falls artist agreement
Contact info:
Rock Falls Tourism
603 W 10th Street
(815) 622-1106
Submit Your News
Have any news to share?
Shows, awards, residencies etc? Submit here and we'll include them in an upcoming newsletter.
While you're at it, your profile and images on CSI’s website are important. When CSI applies for grants and upcoming shows, images are solely chosen from those you have uploaded to our website. Please take a minute to look over what you have posted and make sure you are presenting the best work. Please contact info@chicagosculpture.org with any questions or assistance you would like or need.
CSI projects are partially supported by a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events.
Chicago Sculpture International acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency for CSI programming including exhibitions and funding for Project Space Gallery.
CSI is a proud recipient of the Driehaus Foundation Arts and Culture Grant to help support funding and programming.
Chicago Sculpture International acknowledges support from the National Endowment for the Arts
Above: (right) Ron Gard’s sculpture The Struggle Against Death; (right) Ron in 2014 working in Lincoln Park on one of three tree sculptures, Dying to Survive Nos. #3, #6 & #9.
In Memory of Ron Gard
Chicago Sculpture International acknowledges Ivy Gard, who in 2020 graciously donated ongoing exhibition space (CSI Project Space) to CSI and its members in memory of Ron Gard and his achievements in sculpture and dedicated service for several years as treasurer of the organization.
Ron’s exquisite and exacting craftsmanship, along with his vast knowledge of materials and methods, is widely regarded and revered by CSI and his circle of peers.
Land Acknowledgement
The City of Chicago, and its surrounding areas, have always been and always will be, home to numerous Native American communities. As a team dedicated to the uplifting of Indigenous People's sovereignty everywhere, we recognize that each program and exhibition associated with this project is taking place on the traditional homelands of the Council of Three Fires - the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa - as well as the Menominee, Miami, and Ho-Chunk Nations. Further, we acknowledge that Chicago is home to one of the largest urban Native American communities in the US. We therefore invite each of our non-Indigenous colleagues to learn more about the forced removal of many of the communities listed above from the state of Illinois and to incorporate Indigenous knowledge into their line of work. To provide immediate assistance to Native American Communities in Chicago, you can send donations to the city's American Indian Center here
Cover image:
Z of3 (Zoscape), by Ellen Lustig, Mixed media, LED, Dimensions variable
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