Chicago Alliance
of Visual Artists
Small Works Exhibition
May 30–June 26, 2026
@ Elmhurst Artists’ Guild Gallery
(located inside the Elmhurst Art Museum), 150 South Cottage Hill, Elmhurst, IL 60126.
Opening Reception: June 12, 2026, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
The Chicago Alliance of Visual Artists (CAVA) is pleased to present our juried Small Works Exhibition at the Elmhurst Artists' Guild Gallery this coming spring, from May 30 – June 26. Small artwork often conveys greater meaning by encouraging intimacy, compelling detailed observation, and fostering emotional connection. Small artworks are often perceived as a "treasure," inviting viewers to look closer to discover its secrets. CAVA artists were encouraged to apply to this juried show with works in all media not exceeding 24" in any one direction (including frame).
AWARDS: Best of Show $200 | 3 Awards of Excellence $100 | 3 Honorable Mentions $50 Blick Gift Certificate
JURORS: Dan Addington, artist/owner, Addington Gallery
Andrew Sobol, Designer; Chair, Dept. of Art & Design, Elmhurst University
EAG GALLERY HOURS
Wednesday & Thursday, 12:00–5:00 p.m. | Friday, Saturday, Sunday 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. | Closed Mondays & Tuesdays
Important Dates:
• Accepted artwork drop-off: May 9, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 noon
Installation is the same day, 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Volunteers needed to help install! Help us create a fantastic viewing experience for visitors to Small Works. The show manager will provide guidance, hanging hardware, and some tools. Extra hammers, levels, pencils and measuring tape will be a great help to speed things along.
Note: The museum will be CLOSED May 10–May 30
• CAVA's Small Works Exhibition opens May 30.
• Opening Reception: June 12, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
• Osio-Brown Presentation: June 18, 7:00–8:30 p.m.
(Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for informal social time before the formal presentation)
• Artwork Pick-up date: June 27, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 noon
May 16, 2026
12:00–3:30 p.m.
at the Cornelia Arts Building
1800 W. Cornelia Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60657
Spring 2026 | Artists' Studios Visits
Join fellow CAVA artists for a group visit to the Cornelia Arts Building in the Ravenswood Arts Corridor. We'll meet in front just a few moments before 12:00 noon, and visit the studios of three of the resident artists: Jason Messinger; James Broughton; and Michelle Thomas.
You can look forward to lively discussions on their artistic process, inspiration, and the chance to view their latest work-in-process.
After our three focused visits, participants can choose to visit additional Cornelia open studio artists, or adjourn to Frasca for discussion and refreshment (just a 7 minute walk from Cornelia Arts).
This guided tour event is FREE for CAVA members, but space is limited.
RSVP to save your spot by emailing to: events@wearecava.org
NOTE: Studios we plan to visit are on both first and second floors, accessible via stairs.
There is no elevator in the Cornelia Arts Building.
Spring Critique Night
May 21, 2026 | 6:00–9:00 p.m.
@ Birch Road Cellar, 1113 West Armitage Avenue, Chicago
Meet up with fellow CAVA artists for the next Salon Night at Birch Road Cellar.
We'll start out with a social hour from 6:00–7:00 p.m., where all are welcome to bring small works to display on tables for casual sharing and discussions
(bring a table-top easel for your piece). At 7:00 p.m. we'll begin the formal presentations by 12 CAVA artists, including time for feedback and discussion.
Space is limited, so RSVP to one of the options below to reserve your space at this fun event!
This event is FREE for CAVA members, $10 for guests (waived if you join at event). Light refreshments will be available.
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>> Want to be one of the presenters? Send an email to the event manager at
shelvm@aol.com to reserve your time slot between 7:00–9:00 p.m.
>> Coming to listen and mingle?
Those wishing to bring work to display at the social hour and hear about others'
artistic techniques and inspiration, but not formally present work,
RSVP to save your spot to events@wearecava.org
The Importance of Digitally Archiving Artwork:
How Giclée Printing Can Enhance Your Art Career
June 18, 7:00–8:30 p.m. Presented by Adam Brown,
Owner, Osio-Brown Editions & Studio
at the EAG Gallery, (located in the Elmhurst Art Museum)
150 South Cottage Hill, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Adam Brown of Osio-Brown Editions will present helpful and detailed information on digital documentation, and the process of high-quality fine art archival giclée printing, followed by a Q&A. Mr. Brown will bring samples showing results of digitizing art and different types of giclée output, and answer your questions about how these processes can benefit your art career.
Don't miss this informative opportunity! PLUS~ attendees will be entered for a door prize/raffle of a free fine art scan and a 16" x 20" giclée print of one of their works— a $125 value!
Osio-Brown Editions & Studio is a fine art printing company with over twenty years of fine art reproduction and museum quality giclée printing. This event is free and open to the public. Enter through the EAG's PINK DOORS.
Space is limited! If you plan to attend, RSVP to: events@wearecava.org
Our artists use many mediums & disciplines to create fine art, including: painting (oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel), encaustic, drawing, collage, assemblage, photograph, printmaking, sculpture, metalwork, ceramic, jewelry, and fiber. We are proud to collaborate with some of the finest visual arts organizations, galleries, and art centers in Chicago, and its surrounding vicinity, where we are able to host our diverse, eye-popping, color-saturated fine art exhibitions, including: Bridgeport Art Center, ALMA Gallery, Evanston Art Center, MANA Contemporary, Dwell Studio, Elmhurst Artist Guild, Chicago Cultural Center, Leslie Wolfe Gallery, the Mayslake Peabody Mansion, Zhou B Art Center, The Art Center of Highland Park, Epiphany Center for the Arts