What is CAVA?
The Chicago Alliance of Visual Artists (CAVA) is a volunteer, nonprofit organization founded in 1988 to support and connect visual artists aged 50 and older throughout the greater Chicago area. CAVA provides exhibition opportunities, educational programming, networking, and community-building experiences for artists working in a wide range of media.

What is CAVA’s mission?
CAVA’s mission is to support and promote artists aged 50+ by creating opportunities to exhibit artwork, engage in lifelong artistic growth, and connect with a vibrant community of peers. The organization recognizes that creativity continues to evolve throughout life and seeks to celebrate the experience, vision, and artistic contributions of older artists.

Who can join CAVA?
Membership is open to visual artists and supporters of the arts who are aged 50 and older. CAVA welcomes artists at all stages of their creative journey, from emerging artists to established professionals, and includes members working in painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, mixed media, fiber art, digital art, printmaking, and more.

How much does membership cost and how long does it last?
CAVA memberships are annual. Current membership rates are approximately $50 per year, with a discounted auto-renew option available. Membership includes eligibility for exhibitions, events, and other member programming throughout the year.

How do I join CAVA?
Artists can join online through the CAVA Join Page using a credit card, Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal, or by downloading and mailing in a membership form with payment by check. Annual memberships are valid for one full year from the date of payment.

What are the benefits of joining CAVA?
CAVA members have opportunities to:
      >> Exhibit in annual member exhibitions 
      >> Apply to juried exhibitions such as Later Impressions 
      >> Participate in themed and media-focused exhibitions 
      >> Attend artist salons, critique events, studio visits, workshops, and the annual CAVA Symposium 
      >> Connect with a large community of fellow artists throughout the Chicago region 
      >> Receive updates through newsletters and member communications 
CAVA emphasizes both artistic growth and social connection, recognizing that creating art can often be a solitary pursuit.

What kinds of exhibitions does CAVA produce?
CAVA organizes multiple exhibitions each year, hosted in prominent Chicago-area venues, including:
      >> an Annual Members Exhibition 
      >> Juried exhibitions such as Later Impressions  
      >> Themed and media-specific juried exhibitions 
Typically, CAVA hosts four exhibitions a year. Three are juried and one is open to all members. Exhibitions showcase a broad range of artistic styles and media and are open to the public.

Are CAVA exhibitions juried?
Some exhibitions are juried while others are curated or non-juried and open to all participating members.
CAVA’s premier exhibition, Later Impressions, is a juried show featuring selected works chosen by professional artists, curators, and arts educators. Other exhibitions 

Are there additional fees to participate in exhibitions?
Some exhibitions may include entry or participation fees to help support exhibition expenses, venue costs, and administration. Fee details and submission guidelines are provided with each individual call for entries.

Where are CAVA exhibitions hosted?
CAVA exhibitions are hosted at respected venues throughout the Chicago area, including spaces such as the Evanston Art Center, Bridgeport Art Center, Mana Contemporary, Chicago Cultural Center, Zhou B Art Center, and The Art Center Highland Park. Venues vary from year to year and are selected to provide members with professional exhibition opportunities across the region.

What other activities does CAVA offer?
In addition to exhibitions, CAVA offers a variety of educational and social programming, including:
      >> Critique salons and artist discussions 
      >> Studio visits 
      >> Workshops and lectures 
      >> Member networking and social events 
      >> Intergenerational and collaborative projects 
      >> The annual CAVA Symposium 
All CAVA's activities are designed to encourage artistic development, foster community, and create meaningful connections among artists.

​

Who runs CAVA?

CAVA's exhibitions and events are administered and managed by an all-volunteer 13-member Board of Directors. The Volunteer Board works on development, fundraising, exhibition and events, membership, exhibit installation, and community partnerships. Board appointments are for two years, and any CAVA member may nominate themselves or another member to run for an open board position.

​

CAVA Board Meetings are open to all members, on the second Monday of each month, 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. at Birch Road Cellar, 1113 West Armitage Ave. in Chicago's Lincoln Park (unless otherwise specified.)