TODAY & Upcoming Events at SoNa Chicago

TODAY - bARBER and Upcoming Events

Studio Sessions - an innovative group show that brings the artist studio into the gallery

Dear Friends,

Guests have been enjoying the current exhibition, “Studio Sessions,” conceived by ENGAGE Projects and presented in partnership with SoNa Chicago, which opened June 26. Join us TODAY, Saturday, July 18 from 12-4 IN the gallery when the artist bARBER will be sharing about his artistic process.

The concept for this exhibition is that we will engage the public in artist conversations, panel discussions, and special events designed to further expand dialogue around artistic practice and studio culture.

Participating artists include Nick Albertson, bARBER, Matthew Girson, Noel Mercado, and Margaret Welsh.

Margaret Welsh and Noel Mercado will be in the gallery on Sat., July 25 to share about their work.

A panel discussion with the artists will be moderated by Jennifer Armetta on Friday evening, July 24. More on that below.

See you at the gallery!

Laura Botwinick & Molly O’Donnell

bits of paper with images of volcano and dots and figures

Panel Discussion & Reception - Fri., July 24

Join participating artists for a panel moderated by Jennifer Armetta of ENGAGE Projects on Friday, July 24 from 5-7 pm.

5:00–5:30 p.m. Cocktails

5:30–6:30 p.m. Artist Panel Discussion

6:30–7:00 p.m. Stay to mingle with the artists, continue the conversation, and explore the exhibition.

Artists in the Exhibition & Artist Hours

The five artists in the exhibition are Nick Albertson, bARBER, Matthew Girson, Noel Mercado, and Margaret Welsh.

In addition to the panel on July 24, we are offering Artist Hours with three of the artists participating in the exhibition. These informal gatherings offer a chance to spend time with the artists to discuss the ideas, materials, and evolving practices behind their work in an intimate gallery setting. The schedule is:

Saturday, July 18 | 12–4 p.m. Artist Hours with bARBER.

Saturday, July 25 | 12–4 p.m. Artist Hours with Margaret Welsh & Noel Mercado.

About ENGAGE Projects

ENGAGE Projects’ vision is centered around engagement with artists, communities, and patrons in pursuit of the continued study of the arts and support of community-led progress. Learn more about ENGAGE Projects here

The Director of ENGAGE Projects, Jennifer Armetta, is a leader in the Chicago arts community. An art dealer and art advisor, she also sits on numerous boards including the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago; the Museum of Contemporary Photography, Chicago; the Chicago Artists Coalition; The Chicago History Museum Costume Council, Artists in Public Schools, and most recently was appointed Executive Director of the Chicago Architecture Biennial.

She is assisted by the incredibly talented artist and curator, James Schenck.

We are pleased to be working with Jennifer and James on this show!

Upcoming Exhibitions at SoNa Chicago

We are pleased to host the Industry of the Ordinary Summer Exhibition once again this year. Mark your calendars - the main event when all the artists will be on-site activating their art and performance pieces is Saturday, August 22 from 5-8 pm. The title of this year’s show is “World Without Promises.” An Artist Walkthrough will be Sat., Aug 29 from 5-7 pm. That week we will also have a performance by The Feast Theater Collective!

The exhibition after that will be a solo show by Laleh Motlagh, with the opening reception on Saturday, Sept 12 and an Artist Talk on Sat., Sept 19. See her wonderful work opening at Epiphany Center this Sunday in a show called “The Jade.” Then come view all new work in her show at SoNa in Sept as part of Chicago Exhibition Week 2026, presented by Gertie, Sept 14 - 20. We also will have an opening reception for Laleh’s show for Gertie attendees on Sept 17.

Gallery Annex

In the Gallery Annex you can view works by SoNa Chicago Gallery artists, Mirentxu Ganzarain, Loralyn Kumlin, Jack Poker, and Tom Robinson.

Image: Gallery Annex view featuring ceramic sculptures by Mirentxu Ganzarain and painting by Tom Robinson, 2026; photo credit: Mirentxu Ganzarain (click photo for pricing)

New SoNa YouTube Channel

Check out SoNa’s new YouTube Channel! There you can find recordings of the four artist talks from our recent shows.

Check out SoNa’s Purchase Site

Purchase work from previous shows at SoNa Chicago here.

image: Value Added, by Jack Poker, Mixed media on wood, 2026 6” x 6”, $250

collage with a central flower, a wild flower, and collage elements of zeros and text saying "Part of America"

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