Senior Portfolio
In partnership with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) and The Design Museum of Chicago (DMoC), the CPS All-City Visual Arts Senior Portfolio Exhibition offers high school seniors the opportunity to exhibit their artwork while gaining exposure among selected admissions representatives of various colleges and universities. Works of art will be shared as in-person and virtual exhibitions.
Exhibition Deadlines
- Senior Portfolio Application Opens
October 1, 2026 - Senior Portfolio Application Closes
November 22, 2026 - Senior Portfolio Notification of Acceptance
December 4, 2026 - Senior Portfolio Exhibition
January 5th 13th, 2027 - Senior Portfolio Exhibition Opening
Tuesday, January 5th, 2027
PreK-12 All-City Visual Arts Exhibition
In partnership with the Design Museum of Chicago (DMoC), the All-City Visual Arts Elementary and High School Exhibitions showcase 2D, 3D, and time-based artwork by CPS students in grades PreK–12 from any CPS school (including district-managed, charter, contract, and options schools).
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Application Opens: October 14, 2026
- Application Closes: February 21, 2027
- Notification of Acceptance: Week of March 8, 2027
Exhibition Details
- Dates: April 16 – May 21, 2027
- In-Person Location: Design Museum of Chicago (72 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601)
- In-Person Hours: Open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Online Exhibition: Launches Friday, April 16, 2027 at 10:00 a.m.
- Elementary (K–8) Student Reception: Friday, April 16, 2027 from 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- High School (9–12) Student Reception: Friday, April 16, 2027 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Extra/Ordinary
In partnership with the Art Institute of Chicago's Teen Council and the CPS Art Student Voice Committee, Extra/Ordinary: A Showcase of Chicago Public Schools Student Art highlights a diverse array of 3-D pieces by CPS students in grades Pre-K through 12 from across the district.
Submission Dates
- Applications Open: November 3, 2026
- Applications Close: January 8, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. CST
- Notification of Acceptance: Week of January 22, 2027
Exhibition Details
- Dates: April 10 - June 12, 2027
- Location: The Art Institute of Chicago, Ryan Learning Center
Open daily (Closed Tuesdays), 11:00 - 3:00
Enter through the Modern Wing at 159 E. Monroe - Opening Reception: Saturday, April 10, 2027
ART on THE MART
In conjunction with All-City Visual Arts (ACVA), ART on THE MART (AoTM) highlights selected CPS student artwork from across the city in a collaborative exhibition. A shining example of Chicago’s long-standing commitment to public art, ART on THE MART brings cutting-edge video mapping techniques to Chicago’s Riverwalk, displaying projections of contemporary art across the 2.5-acre façade of THE MART.
High school students, teachers or parents/guardians of students from any CPS high school (district-managed, contract, charter, or options) can submit artwork. Elementary teachers can submit class projects.
Submission Dates
- Applications Open: November 3, 2026
- Applications Close: March 26, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. CST
- Pre-Selection Communications*: Week of March 5, 2027
Exhibition Details
- Opening Reception: Thursday, June 3, 2027
- Dates: June 3-6, 2027
- Location: THE MART Plaza
222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza
The show will run Thursday-Sunday at approximately 8:30pm.
*Pre-Selection Communications will be sent to applicants whose art has been selected for TESTING on the facade of THE MART. After this initial test, applicants will be notified if their piece will proceed to the final exhibition.
