Running October 23 and 24, the Art Walk will stretch across multiple stops, including Strugglebeard Bakery, Hyatt Place, The Silver Room, Hyde Park Bank, Connect Gallery and Recycled Modern. Each location will feature work by a different artist from the area.

Raven is the featured Artist collaborating with Struggle Beard Bakery where she will showcase original artwork, live paint, and have limited edition prints of her work for sale at 50% off!

The Community is encouraged to gather at The SOPHY Hotel for the remaining hour of the Hyde Park Art Walk for an Artist Talk and drinks.

Struggle Beard Bakery

Join Raven Smith for the MIA Exhibition Closing Mixer 2025

Hosted by Natalie Battles, This evening will bring together artists, actors, musicians, directors, and creatives of all kinds for a vibrant night of connection and celebration. Enjoy live music by Rodney Gipson courtesy of Audible Edge Music, and sounds from DJ Bremarie.

This mixer is not only a closing celebration of the exhibition but also a space to network, collaborate, and continue building community around Black creativity and culture.

Join Melanated in America for their last two events of the M.I.A Exhibition!

Melanated in America Exhibition Artist Talk 2025
Join us for an inspiring Artist Talk as part of the Melanated in America Exhibition, a visual celebration of the Melanated experience in America. This gathering will bring together featured artists to share their stories, creative processes, and the meaning behind their work.

Featuring Artist:

Raven Smith
Keith Conner
Hollie Davis
Venise Keys
Reggie McFly
Adaris N.Y.L.O
Felicia Tolbert
Janessa Tyler
Jeffrey Wallington
Eli Williamson
Warren Woods

If you’re looking for a unique creative event that includes a little taste of everything this event it for you!

Join Raven and the host Mimi Noel at the Lil Shorty’s Shindig on Friday July 18th between 3-9pm.

Lil Shorty’s Shindig highlights authentic and intentional creativity through the showcasing of live music, dddi sets, art displays and the freshest fashion finds!

Raven will be displaying 5 paintings including a few new paintings from her upcoming Casino Chaos project!

Don’t miss the opportunity to support local artists and discover new talent. Mark your calendars and get ready for a week of art and culture at Lil Shorty’s Shindig!

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• Fine Artwork

• Fashion Show

• Performances

• Live DJ

• Food + Refreshments

EVENT TIMELINE

• FRI 7/18 - Conscious Hip Hop, Streetwear Vendors, Original Artwork and Fashion Show at IRIDIUM

  Block 37, 108 N State St. 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL

• SAT 7/19 - Alt Trap x DNB at Shoe Doctor Chicago

  729 Maxwell St, Chicago, IL

• SUN 7/20 - Juke + Dancehall, Skateboard competition, Streetwear vendors, and BBQ at Kenwood Community Park

  1330 E 50th St. Chicago, IL

Fashion show on 7/18 from 7-9pm costs $5 at the door

BBQ plate on 7/20 costs $5 at the door

If you plan on participating in both of those events you can purchase a $10 ticket on Eventbrite at the link below that will cover the fashion show on 7/18 an the BBQ plate at the event on 7/20.

Get your tickets at the link below! Ages 14 and under must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

We hope to see you there!

MELANTED IN AMERICA ANNUAL EXHIBITION

Join us this Saturday, July 12, from 6pm-8pm for the Melanated in America annual exhibition!

This year Raven is participating as the co-curator of the exhibition and will be displaying two paintings in the show!

The Melanated in America Exhibition serves as a visual celebration of the Melanated experience in America. This exhibition embodies the diverse and multifaceted nature of our journey—highlighting the beauty, resilience, joy, struggle, power, and undeniable magic of being Melanated in America.

Art is meant to be seen and sold. Let’s celebrate these artists and get their work into the world. Free and open to the public. Art will be available for purchase.

Exhibition Opening: Saturday, July 12th, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. 

Location: Silverroom - 1506 E 53rd St., Chicago, IL, 60615

Keep your calendar open for these additional programming opportunities paired with the exhibition!

• The Set Open Mic: Friday, July 25th, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. 

• The Sipprov: Wednesday, August 6th, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. 

• MIA Stories Film Screening: Saturday, August 23rd Off-Site 

• The Sipprov: Wednesday, September 3rd, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. 

• Artist Talk: Saturday, September 20th, 3:00- 5:00 pm 

• Closing: Saturday, October 4th, 6:00- 8:00 pm 

We hope to see you there!

Artini at Gallery Guichard

Join us for an exciting evening of art and cocktails at Gallery Guichard in Bronzeville, Chicago, IL. This in-person event will take place on every 2nd Thursday of the month at 6:00 PM(Central Standard Time).

Raven will be displaying two pieces from The Pearls in the Wind series this Thursday!

Immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene of Bronzeville while sipping on delicious cocktails. Discover a diverse collection of artworks, ranging from contemporary to traditional styles, created by talented local and international artists. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a collector, or simply looking for a fun night out, Artini at Gallery Guichard promises to be a memorable experience. Engage with the artists, learn about their inspirations, and perhaps even find the perfect piece to add to your own collection.

Enjoy the collaborative music of DJ Malik Shabazz and live instrumentalist. See you there!

This event is free and can be RSVP’d for below!

JOIN US THIS SUNDAY JUNE 8TH FOR THE CYCLES GROUP EXHIBITION AT CONNECT GALLERY

3PM - 7PM

1451 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615

Raven will be displaying 3 paintings that reflect the cycles of emotions and life. Please join her and the wonderful other artists celebrate and explore creativity through this lease! This event is free for all!

Join us on Saturday, April 12th, from 4-7pm for an intentional celebration marking the close of the Kimball Arts Center Residency.

This “party with purpose” its all about honoring the vibrant work of resident artists Somari Davis-El, Arrington Porter, Raven Smith, and Joshua Cook— while offering a unique opportunity to collect their work. Come for the art, stay for the music, conversation, and community. Support emerging talent and leave with a piece that moves you.

Art is meant to be see and sold. Let’s celebrate these artists and get their work into the world.

FREE and open to the public. Art will be available for purchase.

RSVP today to reserve your spot.

Chibrations presents: THE PORTAL

An artist-led, live event series bringing together colorful creatives organizers and mobilizers to explore new media initiatives to amplify movements of today and the future.

Join us Tuesday March 25th from 7 -10pm at Experimental Station located at 6100 S Blackstone Ave.

"The Cardboard Jungle"; a group show experience with all works being presented on cardboard. Curated by Eliza Fisher & Ewrks

Raven will display two new pieces!

$10 tickets will be sold at the door. We are excited that the Sesh Bus will be parked outside and we will slowly be rolling out sponsors. It is going to be a night to remember! Please RSVP at the link below to ensure we have enough libations to keep the flow going. 

Saturday Feb 22nd (2/22)

5pm - 9pm 

2703 S Pulaski Rd.

Come celebrate the launch of the ILA x AIR Residency at Kimball Arts Center in the Plant Lounge! This dynamic opening reception introduces the incredible works of resident artists Somari Davis-El, Arrington Porter, Raven Smith, and Joshua Cook. Enjoy an evening of art, community, and meaningful conversation as we explore the transformative power of collecting artwork and supporting local creatives.

Event Highlights:

• Light refreshments and mingling with the artists.

• A 30-minute discussion at 5:00 PM on “The Importance of Collecting Artwork in the Community.”

• A showcase of innovative works from four Chicago-based artists.

RSVP today to reserve your spot!

4PM-5PM

Event begins: Attendee arrival and mingling. Light refreshments provided by Kimball Arts Center.

5PM-5:30PM

Discussion: The Importance of Collecting Artwork in the Community

5:30PM-7PM

Artist showcase and networking: Engage with featured artists and presented art

🔥 Rebel With Art

Get ready for an unforgettable night of raw creativity and rebellious expression!

📍 Where: Chicago Billiard Cafe
📅 When: This Friday, December 13th
⏰ Time: 5–9 PM

Experience Chicago’s newest Punk Exhibition, celebrating artists who dare to go against the grain. Enjoy an evening filled with:
🎨 Groundbreaking artwork with a rebellious flair
🍴 Delicious food and drinks to fuel your inspiration
🎉 A chance to connect with local creatives who live and breathe individuality

Don’t miss this electrifying showcase that amplifies voices challenging the status quo. Be part of the movement!

An special evening dedicated to the love of all things art.

Join us as we honor Mr. Van Wade himself by hosting the various

talents of the Chicago area. Art will be available for sale.

Spectrum Activity

Inspiration: Color Psychology is the study of how certain colors affect human behavior and potentially human emotion. Ochers might spark a memory of comfort while Ultramarine the distraught feeling in the unknown. Media has influenced our simple understanding of color and emotion, condensing their complexities. Red is to anger as yellow is to joy. But where on the color wheel do you place loneliness or confusion. What shade of purple is anxiety? Or is it green or maybe even orange? In this series I study myself and others to let color speak for what is understood but unspoken.

Two monochromatic canvases were placed in the center of the Museum. One orange, one blue. Instructions were then given to participants directing them to use black light flashlights to reveal hidden text on the paintings as they ponder the emotional words associated with each color.

Then participants were guided to a separate coloring station to practice the color psychology they just leaned.

The goal for this activity was to merge Color Psychology and Science in a unique way that allowed for exploration of emotions, color theory, and artistic technique. The audience left curious and excited to create on their own.