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All-City Visual Arts

All-City Visual Arts (ACVA) provides unique opportunities to showcase student achievement in visual and media arts by exhibiting their work in highly visible, public exhibition spaces in Chicago.

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).

PreK-12 All-City Exhibition Dates

  • Exhibition Opening Reception:
    Friday, May 1, 2026, 4-7pm
    The Design Museum of Chicago (DMoC)
    72 East Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601
  • Exhibition Dates:
    May 1 - May 30, 2026
    The Design Museum of Chicago (DMoC)
    72 East Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601
    Open 10am-6pm Daily
    Please note: The Design Museum is closed on Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day.
  • 2026 Honorable Mention Virtual Exhibition Launch:
    Friday, May 1, 2026, 10am
    https://cpsallcityvisualarts.org/

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.

Extra/Ordinary Exhibition Deadlines for School Year 25/26

  • March 5–June 5, 2026
    The Art Institute of Chicago, Ryan Learning Center
    Enter through the Modern Wing at 159 E Monroe
    Open Wednesday–Monday, 11:00am–3:00pm

Explore the Honorable Mention Exhibition

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.

ART on THE MART Exhibition Dates

Exhibition Opening Reception
Thursday, May 21, 2026

Exhibition Dates
May 21 - May 31, 2026
THE MART Plaza - 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza
The show will run Thursday-Sunday at approximately 8:30pm.

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.

Read the Submission Guidelines

los reglamentos de solicitud en español

Senior Portfolio Exhibition Deadlines for School Year 25/26

  • Senior Portfolio Application Opens
    October 1, 2025
  • Senior Portfolio Application Closes
    November 23, 2025
  • Senior Portfolio Notification of Acceptance
    December 5, 2025
  • Senior Portfolio Exhibition
    January 7th - 14th, 2026
  • Senior Portfolio Exhibition Opening
    Wednesday, January 7th, 2026

SY24/25 Events

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