Next Up at SoNa Chicago

Alan Emerson Hicks: Better World

| Opening Reception, Fri., June 6

Dear Friends,

Our next exhibition features the work of Alan Emerson Hicks. Alan transforms found materials into sculptures, collages, and fashion that challenge conventional ideas of value. His work elevates the ephemeral into something lasting, meaningful, and profound and invites us to consider deeper questions about the ecological impact of our choices.

Join us for the opening reception on Fri., June 6th from 6-10 pm.

June 6th is also First Fridays in Wicker Park Bucktown (WPB). Pick up your copy of the WPB Arts Guide in the gallery and visit other galleries in the neighborhood that evening.

Our regular hours are Fridays from 5-7 pm, Saturdays, 12-4 pm, and by appointment by calling Laura at 773.513.4436.

The gallery is located at 1527 N. Ashland Ave. in the Wicker Park/ Bucktown / West Town neighborhood of Chicago.

Refreshments will be served!

See you at the gallery!

Laura Botwinick & Molly O’Donnell

Better World: exhibition description

SoNa Chicago is proud to host the exhibition, Better World, featuring the artwork of Alan Emerson Hicks. See the show description here. The show title references a 1970s commercial produced by the Plastics Council of America that promised a brighter future through plastics. Alan’s work responds to this false optimism, reflecting on the environmental and cultural consequences of single-use plastic production in contemporary American society.

Image: Natural Selection, found objects, stickers, and paint on board by Alan Emerson Hicks

Trashion Fashion

How fun to display Alan’s wonderful dresses made of “trash” in the windows of the gallery! For the opening on Fri. June 6, there will be live models in the windows wearing the dresses! The dress pictured here is made from chips bags, and the one in the other window and featured on the postcard for the show is made from Mariano’s grocery store brown plastic bags. Come check out the fun on June 6th from 6-10 pm, or just drive by and take a look.

Image: SoNa Chicago Contemporary Art, storefront window, 2025.

SoNa Gallery Annex

The gallery annex features a selection of artwork by gallery artists. Recently added are selected works of Pinar Aral and Mirentxu Ganzarain. See also works by Sharon Bladholm, Monica J. Brown, Alan Emerson Hicks, Loralyn Kumlin, Laleh Motlagh, Tom Robinson, Nicholas Sistler, and Paul Somers.

Image: Sculpture by Mirentxu Ganzarain, white porcelain, 2024, available on our Purchase site.

Event Space Available

Check out our gallery space for your business meetings or special events.

Hours: Fridays 5-7 pm, Saturdays 12-4 pm, and by appointment; call 773.513.4436