Current & Upcoming Events at the Smart
Unless otherwise noted, all events are free, open to the public and located at the Smart Museum of Art.
August
3 Wednesday, 12 – 3 pm
Art Afternoon
Join museum staff each week this summer for a free hands-on art activity for children of all ages. All young guests must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited; groups larger than six must schedule a separate visit. Call 773-834-1066.
7 Sunday, 1:30 pm
Centers and Edges
Public Tour: “Utility and Aesthetics in Modern Ceramic Traditions”
Led by a University of Chicago docent.
10 Wednesday, 12 – 3 pm
Art Afternoon
Join museum staff each week this summer for a free hands-on art activity for children of all ages. All young guests must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited; groups larger than six must schedule a separate visit. Call 773-834-1066.
17 Wednesday, 12 – 3 pm
Art Afternoon
Join museum staff each week this summer for a free hands-on art activity for children of all ages. All young guests must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited; groups larger than six must schedule a separate visit. Call 773-834-1066.
24 Wednesday, 12 – 3 pm
Art Afternoon
Join museum staff each week this summer for a free hands-on art activity for children of all ages. All young guests must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited; groups larger than six must schedule a separate visit. Call 773-834-1066.
28 Sunday, 4 – 6 pm
Centers and Edges
Collectors Series Tea
Fellow level members and above receive invitations
Our long-running Collectors Series at a new time with a new format. Richard A. Born, Smart Museum Senior Curator, and Rolf Achilles, Associate Professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, will discuss the history of design and production in 1920s and 30s German and Austrian ceramics, focusing on works in the exhibition and additional ceramics, metalwork, and textiles from Mr. Achilles’ private collection. Following the discussion, enjoy a selection of teas and delicate snacks served in vintage ceramic services from the Achilles Collection. For membership and program information, call 773.702.2368.
31 Wednesday, 12 – 3 pm
Art Afternoon
Join museum staff each week this summer for a free hands-on art activity for children of all ages. All young guests must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited; groups larger than six must schedule a separate visit. Call 773-834-1066.
September
8 Thursday, 5 – 7 pm
Members Appreciation Night
Galleries open to members and their guests only
Meet the Smart's new director Anthony Hirschel during this special after-hours evening of activities for museum members of all ages. Join the director on an intimate tour of the museum's permanent collection, take part in exhibition talks with curators, make art with your family and friends, and enjoy complimentary refreshments and double-discounts at our Museum Shop. RSVP by September 5 to 773.702.2368 or smart-membership@uchicago.edu.
17 Saturday, 1 – 1:45 pm
University of Chicago Orientation Tour
Discover the Smart's collection, learn about current and upcoming exhibitions, and find out about programs and opportunities for the University of Chicago community. Led by a University of Chicago docent.
18 Sunday, 1:30 pm
Centers and Edges
Curator Tour
Join Senior Curator and exhibition organizer Richard A. Born for a lively tour of Centers and Edges, discussing the interface between individual studio pottery and the functional ceramic design of industry.
18 Sunday, 3 pm
Centers and Edges
Lecture: "Women and Ceramics"
After the Curator Tour, learn more about the role of women in the history of modernist ceramics during a lecture by Moira Vincentelli, Lecturer in Art History and Curator of Ceramics at the School of Art, the University of Wales. The author of Women and Ceramics: Gendered Vessels (Manchester University Press, 2000), Ms. Vincentelli is an influential writer, educator and curator, and is responsible for the development of the Ceramic Collection and Archive at Aberystwyth, one of the major holdings of studio ceramics in Britain.
23 Friday, 4 – 6 pm
Student and Faculty Open House
University of Chicago students and faculty are invited to learn more about the resources and opportunities available at the campus art museum. Take a look at great art with museum staff and the Smart's own UC student docents, learn about the Smart Museum Activities Committee (SMAC, a student organization affiliated with the museum), find out about student job opportunities at the museum, and enjoy great snacks during this afternoon party for the university community.