CAD Crystal Ball | 20th Anniversary Celebration & Fundraiser

An evening celebrating two decades of Chicago Art Department (CAD)—the Crystal Ball brings together the magic of community to celebrate the past while looking toward the future. All proceeds from the Crystal Ball support the work of CAD and its mission: Providing space and resources for civically-minded artists to grow their practice while questioning the city we live in. This fundraiser will benefit CAD’s 50+ annual free programs and 20+ subsidized studio residencies, along with other opportunities to directly support artists and CAD programming.

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE NOW!

EARLY BIRD TICKETS ON SALE JUNE 1st

Featuring: Just Below the Surface |  Patric McCoy & Diana Solís 

Curated by Cristobal Alday & Carlos Flores

This exhibition will examine several decades of documenting life in Chicago and LGBTQ+ history through their lens. All works will be available for purchase with a portion benefitting CAD along with the artists. Inspired by their portraiture and stories of LGBTQ+ nightlife in Chicago, we will also pay homage to the historic Warehouse all night through house music and space decor.

Silent Auction: Celebrating 20 years of CAD | Trying it, Making it, Sharing it 

Curated by Amanda Cervantes

Including works by CAD residents, partners, and alum, the silent auction will be a visual history spanning two decades, 2004-2024, and will benefit CAD’s mission.

Attire: We encourage guests to draw inspiration from the disco ball—wear your shiniest and bedazzled fits to party the night away while helping raise crucial operating funds for CAD.

Stay tuned for more announcements, experiences, and full event program.