Spearheaded by Leon Golub, the group of artists dubbed the Monster Roster established the first unique Chicago style. Monster Roster, organized by the Smart Museum of Art, brings together approximately 60 major paintings, sculptures, and works on paper in order to provide the definitive account of the movement.

Join us for this first-of-its-kind exhibition and a free public opening celebration. Free and open to all. Featuring: 

Josh Berman Trio 

Improvised in-gallery performance inspired by the creative ferment of the Monster Roster era. Josh Berman (cornet), Jason Roebke (bass), and Frank Rosaly (percussion).

Memento

In-gallery spoken word prose and poetry inspired by the exhibition from the performance ensemble of Memoryhouse, a UChicago literary magazine.

Docent-led tours

Tours of exhibition highlights and docent favorites, with stops at Memento performances in-situ

A Monster history

A short video on the Monster Roster by Steve Rosofsky, son of artist Seymour Rosofsky

Plus...

Handcrafted cocktails designed for the occasion

Arcade Brewery Rye Resolution, a porter with crisp Midwestern rye bite, paired for Monster Roster by Chris Tourre, founder of the Chicago-based craft brewery

Food with a Monster twist

Seymour Rosofsky, Patient in Dentist's Chair (detail), 1961, Oil on canvas. Smart Museum of Art, The University of Chicago, Gift of the Rosofsky Estate, 2014.16.