A Community Council for Artists & Creatives in the 47th Ward

Openwall is a volunteer-run initiative that uplifts artists and fosters connection through neighborhood-centered art programming. We’re based out of the 47th Ward Office and open to all creatives. Whether you're a working artist, an arts educator, or someone who simply cares about community culture, we’d love to have you be involved!

Our work includes: transforming civic spaces into galleries for local art, hosting community events, offering professional development and networking opportunities for artists, building partnerships with schools, orgs, and neighbors, and more!

Whether you want to attend events or join the council to help shape projects, we’d love to have you involved. RSVP below to get on our mailing list, and follow us on Instagram at @openwall.chi

upcoming events

Monthly @ The ward office

4243 N Lincoln Ave
Next meeting: December 2nd at 6pm (RSVP here)
Join anytime to help plan our upcoming events and ongoing initiatives

Fall Mixer @ KOVAL Distillery

4241 N Ravenswood
Tuesday, November 4th, 2025 — 6:00 PM
Meet fellow artists and learn about the various ways to get involved in our council. Light snacks provided.

Professional Development night @ TBD

Location: TBD
February 2026 — Stay tuned for the exact date and details
A night dedicated to helping artisis grow their careers and skills. Join us for business workshops, portfolio reviews, headshots, and more.

Artist Salon Night @ TBD

Location: TBD
May 2026 — Stay tuned for the exact date and details
An event for local artists to share in-progress work and talk about their creative process.

GET CRafty @ TBD

Location: TBD
August 2026 — We’re excited to bring this event back for a second year! Stay tuned for the exact date and details.
A celebration of arts and crafts for all ages. Participate in a workshop, donate & swap art supplies, and shop the maker market.

Ward Office Gallery Program

Our flagship program is a rotating exhibit of artwork by local creatives, displayed inside the 47th Ward Office. We feature work by both emerging and established artists from the neighborhood. Exhibits are accompanied by small events or performances in collaboration with the Alderman’s Office.

We’re currently looking for artists for the official relaunch of the program!
Interested in showing your work in our space for about a month at a time? Email: maggie@aldermanmartin.com

(This section will be updated with current artists and exhibitions soon.)