100 Years of America’s Route 66 and 40 Years of the Cornelia Arts Building

40 Years of the Cornelia Arts Building and 100 Years of America’s Route 66

The Cornelia Arts Building art center celebrates two anniversaries this October; their 40 year anniversary as an artist studio building, and a guest artist show celebrating 100 years of America’s Route 66 highway.

The Cornelia Arts Building October Open Studios, opens Friday October 16, from 5 - 9 pm, and continues Saturday October 17, from 12 to 4 pm. Located at 1800 West Cornelia Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, the family friendly event is free and open to the public. Visitors can shop two floors of dozens of working artist studios open that weekend, and purchase unique gifts of art and crafts at one of the largest artist studio buildings on Chicago’s North side.

The Urban Sketchers Route 66 Centennial Exhibition

The Urban Sketchers Route 66 Centennial Exhibition

On display in the lobby and many hallways, Urban Sketchers, an international organization with chapters throughout the United States, commemorates the 100 Year Anniversary of Route 66 with this traveling exhibit. The Urban Sketchers Route 66 Centennial Exhibition features over 300 sketches from various points along the Route, created by members of the Urban Sketchers chapters in Chicago, St. Louis, Springfield, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque & Santa Fe, and Los Angeles.

Originally an Ice-house, the Cornelia Arts Building has fostered Chicago artist creativity continually since its 1986 conversion to all artist studios. Over 100 artists and artisans work in the building, including painters, sculptors, photographers, ceramic artists, print-makers, jewelers, designers, and much more. Repeat visitors always find something new, as differing artists are open at each of only four open house events held a year.

 

Located two blocks south of Addison and one block west of Lincoln Avenue, near the borders be- tween Chicago’s Roscoe Village, Lakeview and North Center neighborhoods. The “L” Brown Line Addison and Paulina stops are steps away; as are several bus stops along Addison. Parking available in the building lot and on adjacent streets. Entrance is located along Ravenswood on the east side of the building.

Cornelia Arts Building 

October Open Studios 2026 

Friday, October 16, 5 pm - 9 pm
Saturday, October 17, 12 - 4 pm
The Cornelia Arts Building – Where Art Works 

1800 West Cornelia, Chicago, IL

Entrance on NW corner of Ravenswood and Cornelia.
Two blocks south of Addison Brown Line CTA Station.
Free parking available in lot and in neighborhood.

Website: corneliaartsbuilding.com

The Urban Sketchers Route 66 Centennial Exhibition

Celebrate 40 Years of the Cornelia Arts Building at their May Open Studios 2026

Celebrate 40 Years of the Cornelia Arts Building at their May Open Studios

The Cornelia Arts Building art center celebrates their 40 year anniversary as an artist studio building. Originally an Ice-house, the building has fostered Chicago artist creativity continually since its 1986 conversion to all artist studios. Celebrate at the Cornelia Arts Building May Open Studios, on Friday May 15, from 5 - 9 pm, and on Saturday May 16, from 12 to 4 pm. 

Located at 1800 West Cornelia Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, the building has undergone extensive renovations recently, and has a modernized interior. Visitors can shop two floors of over two dozen artists open that weekend, and purchase unique gifts of art and crafts at one of the largest artist studio buildings on Chicago’s North side. Guests of all ages are welcome.

Over 100 artists and artisans work in the building, including painters, sculptors, photographers, ceramic artists, print-makers, jewelers, designers, and much more. Repeat visitors always find something new, as differing artists are open at each of only four open house events a year. 

"I Can Do That" by Angie Redmond

The May front lobby guest artist is
Angie Redmond, sharing her new series of joyful oil paint- ings, capturing moments of human emotional interactions and individual dignity in the Black community.

"Whenever We Get Together" - Angie Redmond

"Sweet Treats Make Losses a Little Better" Angie Redmond

Located two blocks south of Addison and one block west of Lincoln Avenue, near the border between Chicago’s Roscoe Village, Lakeview and North Center neighborhoods. The “L” Brown Line Addison and Paulina stops are steps away; as are several bus stops along Addison. Parking available in the building lot and on adjacent streets. Entrance is located along Ravenswood on the east side of the building. Events are free and open to the public.

Cornelia Arts Building May Open Studios 2026 

Friday, May 15, 5 pm - 9 pm
Saturday, May 16, 12 - 4 pm

The Cornelia Arts Building – Where Art Works
1800 West Cornelia, Chicago, IL 
Entrance on NW corner of Ravenswood and Cornelia. 

Two blocks south of Addison Brown Line CTA Station. 

Free parking available in lot and in neighborhood.

Website:
https://corneliaartsbuilding.com/events/may-open-studios-40-years-in-the-arts/ 

 

New Artists & Familiar Favorites at the Cornelia Arts Building March Open Studios

New Artists & Familiar Favorites at the Cornelia Arts Building March Open Studios

Discover new artists and visit familiar favorites at the Cornelia Arts Building March Open Studios. Located at 1800 West Cornelia Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, the all-artist studio building opens its doors to the public on Friday March 20th from 5 - 9 pm, and on Saturday March 21st from 12 noon to 4 pm.

Visitors can shop two floors of over two dozen artists open that weekend, and find unique gifts of art and crafts at one of the largest artist studio buildings on Chicago’s North side. Guests of all ages are welcome.

Over 100 artists and artisans work in the building, including painters, sculptors, photographers, ceramic artists, print-makers, jewelers, designers, and much more. Different artists open at each of the four events a year, so repeat visitors always find something new. 

The front lobby for March is showcasing the returning guest artist Daniel Nelson, exhibiting his joyous and realistic sky-filled paintings of people and animals.

by Daniel Nelson

by Daniel Nelson

Celebrating their 40 year anniversary, the art center, in a former ice-house, has fostered creativity continually since 1986. Located two blocks south of Addison and one block west of Lincoln Avenue, near where Chicago’s Roscoe Village, Lakeview and North Center borders meet.

The “L” Brown Line Addison and Paulina stops are steps away; as are several bus stops along Addison. Parking available in the building lot and on adjacent streets (no permit required). Entrance is located along Ravenswood on the east side of the building. Events are free and open to the public.  

Cornelia Arts Building March Open Studios
Friday, March 20, 2026, 5 pm - 9 pm
Saturday, March 21, 2026, 12 noon - 4 pm

The Cornelia Arts Building – Where Art Works
1800 West Cornelia, Chicago, IL
Entrance on NW corner of Ravenswood and Cornelia.
Two blocks south of Addison Brown Line CTA Station.
Free parking available in lot and in neighborhood.

Corneliaartsbuilding.com