The exhibition *Legacies* emphasizes the enduring impact of artists, collectors, galleries, and institutions in shaping the Museum’s collection. Featuring over one-hundred paintings, sculptures, photographs, textiles, furniture, and works on paper, this exhibition highlights the diverse ways in which art collections are built, preserved, and shared across time. It also honors the vital role that generosity plays in sustaining the life and mission of a museum.

Since its founding, the Elmhurst Art Museum has been shaped not only by curatorial vision, but also by the generosity of those who believe in the power of art to educate, inspire, and connect communities. The collection focuses primarily on Midwestern artists with a concentration of, but not limited to, late 20th Century American Art and Mid-Century Design. Many of the works in this exhibition entered the museum’s collection through gifts from neighbors, family members, friends, and artists who sought to ensure their work, or the work they valued, would be accessible to future generations. These acts of giving are profound gestures of trust, partnership, and belief in the importance of public cultural institutions.

Collectors, in particular, have helped define the museum’s identity through their discerning eye and commitment to stewardship. Their donations often reflect decades of thoughtful engagement with artists and art history, and their gifts provide public access to works that might otherwise remain unseen in private hands. At the same time, artists who donate their own work are contributing to a broader legacy—placing their creative vision within the context of a museum collection where it can spark dialogue, influence peers, and reach new audiences.
Legacies showcases the results of these contributions, drawing connections across generations, media, and artistic movements. Whether reflecting personal narratives or responding to broader social issues, the selected works reveal the many dimensions of legacy: as influence, as inheritance, as memory, and as an ongoing act of care.

As the Elmhurst Art Museum continues to deepen its commitment to contemporary art and architecture practices, the permanent collection remains a cornerstone of its mission. This exhibition is both a celebration of what has been given and a call to consider how future legacies are made—through creativity, generosity, and a shared belief in the enduring value of art.

Legacies features artwork gifted to the Museum from the following people:
Raymond J. and Sally J. Allen, Phyllis Bramson,Greg Cameron in honor of his mother Jean Cameron,
Funds donated in memory of Ben and Alice Hostetler, Cleve Carney, Tarrant Clements, Carole and Dick Cline, Holly Cohn, Mary McKean and Friends of Sandra Jorgensen, Elmhurst Fine Art & Civic Center Foundation, Frank W. England Fund, Dudley Fisher, Doug Fogelson, Lee and Brena Freeman,
Glynna and Lee A. Freeman Jr., Yvette Kaiser Smith, Eleanor King Hookham. Harry and Marie Hostetler, John P. McMorrow, John Peloza, David C. and Sarajean Ruttenberg Arts Foundation
Ruttenberg '52 Collection, Frederick R. Sauerbier, Casmir Sliwa, Peter Stanfield, and anonymous donors.

This exhibition is generously supported by 
![smallest Explore Elmhurst](//images.ctfassets.net/df2y673eghyz/M6PIY67V1govX5tENlibI/6562bff45c374194b61003b351078e1b/exploreelmhurst_smallest.png)![K&T Colors](//images.ctfassets.net/df2y673eghyz/4VsCeeOnEDh9YLiTFphQiX/f8967d0c7f62e33de2750e3bc7676fe3/kt_logo_small.png)

Image: Bernard Williams, *Zotom* (detail), 2006, enamel on wood, 11.75 x 14.75 x 12.25 inches

Legacies: Selections from the Elmhurst Art Museum Permanent Collection

*Please note: The full exhibition includes artwork both inside the galleries and out in the park.

*CROSSINGS* traverses the Museum’s campus and features several dynamic vehicle sculptures by Bernard Williams in Wilder Park, Hostetler Gallery and large paintings in the McCormick House. Through the artworks on view, the artist addresses the concept of mobility as both the physical movement forward and the human aspiration to rise to better circumstances.

The Chicago-based artist has been making public murals and sculptures for over thirty years. Bold thick lines and generalized, flat shapes common in graphic illustration define his unique and playful sculptural style. Williams often researches and highlights little known or forgotten narratives in history to make his sculptures, paintings and murals, which offer new perspectives on the engineering innovations of the past and how they impact contemporary culture. The works are also a tribute to Black achievement in transportation and agriculture throughout American history. Pilot Bessie Coleman, NASCAR driver Wendell Scott, and the recent Black Farmers’ Settlement are some of the histories being honored in this exhibition. For Elmhurst, Williams also recognizes the lifetime achievements of the local NASCAR winner, Fred Lorenzen (1934-2024). 

*CROSSINGS* runs concurrently with the exhibition [*Legacies: New Views of the Elmhurst Art Collection*](https://elmhurstartmuseum.org/exhibitions/Legacies:%20Selections%20from%20the%20Elmhurst%20Art%20Museum's%20Permanent%20Collection), which features Williams’ small sculptures from the collection of Cleve Carney, along with dozens of other artists in the Museum’s collection. 

Curated by Allison Peters Quinn.

The exhibition CROSSINGS by Bernard Williams is generously supported by:
![lsblogohorizontal-hires dc04d0ef-0c53-42f2-bfc7-fde8ae623ed0 (3)](//images.ctfassets.net/df2y673eghyz/2QaoGQv0Q39Rosh4kDP5xZ/7a0910db157f3415343d45a680cd4e05/lsblogohorizontal-hires_dc04d0ef-0c53-42f2-bfc7-fde8ae623ed0__4_.png)![smallest small Explore elmhurst](//images.ctfassets.net/df2y673eghyz/9jshm4201AsHDwDKeZ7M0/8aab333a1262091f39286f05614634ca/exploreelmhurst_smallest_2.png)
![JCS small](//images.ctfassets.net/df2y673eghyz/61uJvPJEgxNvV2aOcd90X8/20e72a3fcb99261ee1da860be6adea81/small_JCS_Dupage_Foundation_logo_pairing_.jpg)

![Sculpture Sponsors](//images.ctfassets.net/df2y673eghyz/31scrIsrqahRQDC7GDWrqn/68dcfaa07822cd16c3a38833c968bfd3/sculpture_sponsors.jpg)

Image: Bernard Williams, Route 27, painted plywood, aluminum, 6 x 6 x 20 feet. Photography by Michelle W.C. Anderson

CROSSINGS by Bernard Williams

The [Elmhurst Artists' Guild](https://www.elmhurstartistsguild.org/) presents their Summer Members' show from May 31st through June 27th. The Opening Reception is Friday, June 6th and is free and open to the public.

Participating Artists:  Joe Abboreno, James Ambrose, Judie Anderson, Lauren Anhalt, Dianne Batzkall, Kera Bjerga, Tania Blanco, John Brudek, Paul Callahan, Benjamin Calvert III, Bethany Cordero, David Cyl, Elaine Davis, Jane Erlandson, Mijeong Field, Jeanne Garrett, Gary Schirmer, Maribel Hambric, Fletcher Hayes, Joan Heitmanek, Nancy Hlavacek, Susan Janssen, Louie Jones Jr., Joan Ladendorf, Kim Laurel, Karen Lecker, Katie Luo, Lynn Mackenzie, Kristina Monkel, Fred Moss, Susan Nester, John Nester, Sharon Peters, Janet Roller-Schmidt, Rebecca Russow, Terri Shimkus, Jennifer Starchvill, Anna Toberman, Debra Vaccaro, Marlene Vitek, Maryann Wattelle, Bruce Webber, Rosalie White, Charles Williams, Jr., Serene Wise

Above image:  *Sorrento* by Kristina Monkel
[Learn more](https://www.elmhurstartistsguild.org/)

Elmhurst Artists' Guild Summer Members' Show

Opening Reception: Friday, May 9, 4-6pm 

Additional viewing hours: Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11, 12-3pm.* 

This annual exhibition highlights artwork created by students from District 205 schools in our galleries. Over 100 Artists from 11 different elementary and middle schools in the Elmhurst area showcase their work from the 2024-2025 school year. 

Admission is free and open to the public.

*The exhibition is not available to be viewed during other days or times.

This exhibition is sponsored in part by:
![D205 Sponsor](//images.ctfassets.net/df2y673eghyz/5241UVMG3MuYpbUjIlWiQt/0e3554266286e0f3886f27cebf25ba1d/unlimited-web_plmzsw_gmi05d.jpg)


D205 Student Art Show

The [Elmhurst Artists' Guild](https://www.elmhurstartistsguild.org/) presents their Spring Member show with Featured Artist, Beth Chien from March 30th to April 27th. The EAG gallery is event is free and open to the public.

Participating Artists: Joe Abboreno, Judie Anderson, Bernard Bahr, Peter Bialecki, Kera Bjerga, Tania Blanco, Dorothy Bury Shaw, Paul Callahan, Benjamin Calvert III, Beth Chien, Paul Demers, Judy Druschitz, John Duffy, Jane Erlandson, Jeanne Garrett, Maribel Hambric, David Hammer, Fletcher Hayes, Nancy Hlavacek, Gail Karet, Monica Kupisch, Joan Ladendorf, Kim Laurel, Katie Luo, Lynn Mackenzie, Kristina Monkel, Fred Moss, Jennifer Myers, Susan Nester, Ann Pasteur, Sharon Peters, Gary Schirmer, Jennifer Starchvill, Ted Strandt, Karen Sugay, Anna Toberman, Debra Vaccaro, Marlene Vitek, Ana Vitek, Maryann Wattelle, Bruce Webber, Rosalie White

Above image by  Beth Chien.

[Learn more](https://www.elmhurstartistsguild.org/)

Elmhurst Artists' Guild Spring Members' Show

"We Are Our Volunteers" is the current exhibit from the [Elmhurst Artists' Guild](https://www.elmhurstartistsguild.org/), which runs through March 28th. EAG Members who have volunteered in the last year entered their artwork which was voted on by the patrons of the opening reception with a People's Choice Ballot. 

Artists include:  Joe Abboreno, Paul Callahan, Benjamin Calvert, Katy Costello, John Duffy, Cherylyn Gnadt, David Hammer, Fletcher Hayes, Alan Johnson, Louie Jones, Joan Ladendorf, Kim Laurel, Lynn Mackenzie, John Nester, Janet Roller-Schmidt, Gary Schirmer, Terri Shimkus, Jennifer Starchvill, Ted Strandt, Karen Sugay, Debra Vaccaro, Ana Vitek, Marlene Vitek, Maryann Wattelle & Jeanne Yargicoglu

[Learn more](https://www.elmhurstartistsguild.org/)

We Are Our Volunteers

*Shakkei: Work by Mayumi Lake and Bob Faust* presents the first major museum exhibition for these two Chicago-based artists whose colorful kaleidoscopic artworks create an immersive optical experience. Featured in separate galleries, recent large-scale work by each artist will transform the space. Lake’s imagery is based on the symbolic floral motifs found in antique Japanese kimonos. Faust’s wallpapers and prints incorporate digital photographs he gathers for each project sourced from the natural surroundings of the location where he is showing the work. Lake and Faust will also collaborate on new work for this exhibition, introduced in the center gallery, combining their love of organic patterning and spatial design. 

The exhibition is curated by Liz Chilsen, Manager of Exhibitions & Collections at EAM,  and prompts conversations around cultural heritage, language, design, and pattern, addressing both the relatable patterns of everyday life and deeply embedded cultural and social histories. 

The Japanese principle of Shakkei (“borrowed scenery”), is a design philosophy that integrates natural landscapes with architectural elements, incorporating existing natural features into architectural designs. The artists interpret the eastern concept broadly as a metaphor for empathy and adaptability, and for the ability to hold multiple viewpoints of “inside” and “outside” simultaneously. Each brings their own perspective to the concept, reflecting their unique experiences and history. 

About the artists:

Working in the space between art and design, __Bob Faust__ (b. Illinois, 1967) crafts artwork with typography at its core and viscerality on its surface. Faust has over 30 years of experience as the principle and creative director of the eponymously named cultural branding studio, Faust. He makes his work with purpose first—to inform, empower and/or instigate in the service and celebration of human difference. Text, patterns, and the ideas of surprise and discovery emerge as throughlines throughout his conceptual art practice that defies categorization and genre. 

Faust has been recognized nationally and internationally for his inimitable creativity through many prestigious honors including a University of Illinois, College of Fine & Applied Arts, 2022 Distinguished Legacy Award and City of Chicago, 2022 Mayor’s Medal of Honor. Exhibitions have included Mass MoCA BY The Numb3r5 (Mass MoCA), For And Nor But Or Yet So (Poetry Foundation), WA/ONDER (167 Green), with all, and still... (The Peninsula Chicago), Rapt on the Mile (The Magnificent Mile Association), Ways and Means (Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and The Chicago Transit Authority), About Face: Stonewall, Revolt and New Queer Art (Wrightwood 659), Great Ideas of Humanity: Out of the Container (Chicago Design Museum), guilty / Innocent (MASS MoCA); Unfolded: Made with Paper (Chicago Design Museum), Betweens (Riverside Arts Center), and CHGO DSGN (Chicago Cultural Center). He has also received recognition from The New York Times, Fast Company, the Chicago Tribune, Newcity, NBC 5 News, the Chicago Sun-Times, CBS Evening News, and T: The New York Times Style Magazine.

In addition to his own work, Faust is also the professional and personal partner of artist Nick Cave. Together they founded the non-for-profit Facility: a multi-use creative space in Chicago that seeks to build community and change the world through art and design. 

__Mayumi Lake__ (b.Osaka, 1966) is an interdisciplinary artist and educator whose work explores the ideas of time, memory, and floating between the real and imaginary. With a foundation in photography, she integrates digital images of nature and Japanese textiles into her collages, sculpture, sound, moving images, and installation to expand the narrative of the work and form conceptual layers. 

Lake’s artwork has been exhibited nationally and internationally at venues including Miyako Yoshinaga Gallery, Asia Society, Art in General, and Artists Space in New York; Chicago Artists Coalition and Hyde Park Art Center in Chicago; Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan City; Fotografie Forum International in Frankfurt; Cornelius Pleser Galerie in Munich; Galleria PaciArte in Brescia; FOTOAMERICA in Santiago; Witzenhausen Gallery in Amsterdam; and the Setouchi Triennale in Takamatsu. She has published two monographs, Poo-Chi and Ex Post Facto, with Nazraeli Press. Her work is included in the collections of the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, the Art Institute of Chicago, Asia Society, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE)/City of Chicago, the McCormick Place Art Collection/Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA), Video Art World, the Joy of Giving Something Foundation, and Facebook. Lake received her MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. 

Images: On the left: Mayumi Lake,* Unison (Hadron Clouds)* (detail), 2025, archival print on Japanese washi paper, PVC, rhinestone, 14ft x 5ft x 1in, courtesy of the artist. On the rigt:
Bob Faust,* heavy wait* (detail), 2025, wallwork on paper, dimensions variable, courtesy of the artist.

Exhibitions

Legacies: Selections from the Elmhurst Art Museum Permanent Collection

CROSSINGS by Bernard Williams

Upcoming Exhibitions

Shakkei: Work by Mayumi Lake and Bob Faust

Past Exhibitions

Elmhurst Artists' Guild Summer Members' Show

D205 Student Art Show

Elmhurst Artists' Guild Spring Members' Show

We Are Our Volunteers

Mon - Tues	closed
Wed - Thurs	12 – 5
Fri - Sun	11 – 5