Check out our August 2026 Newsletter, listing Luminarts Fellows’ events and accomplishments, at this link.
Check out our August 2026 Newsletter, listing Luminarts Fellows’ events and accomplishments, at this link.
Use the links below to register for our 2026 events!
This fall, Luminarts will hold three Zoom webinars to explain the application process, answer questions, and offer relevant resources for applicants. All webinars will be recorded and available on our website until applications close.
Click on one of the following dates to register for the session.
Thursday, September 24: Zoom Webinar @ 7 PM CST
Thursday, November 12: Zoom Webinar @ 7 PM CST
Saturday, January 9: Zoom Webinar @ 1 PM CST
Friday, October 16th, 2026 at 6:00 PM
The Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604
Join us on October 16th at 6:00 PM for a dazzling evening, celebrating the achievements of our impressive cohort of artistic fellows.
Thank you to our generous Presenting Sponsor Wintrust.
Thursday, September 18th, 2025 at 6:00 PM
The Driehaus Museum, 50 E Erie St., Chicago IL 60611.
Join us for a special collaboration between Luminarts and Artadia as we bring together our artist communities for an evening of presentations, conversation, and connection. This artist-centered event, moderated by Brendan Fernandes, will feature presentations from artists/awardees Melissa Leandro, Breanna Robinson, and Tian Tang.
Taking place at the beautiful Driehaus Museum and inspired by a salon series imagined and initiated by Luminarts Fellow Tian Tang, this salon-style gathering will bring together our artist community in an intimate evening exploring themes of collaboration, mentorship, and interdisciplinary work in contemporary art practice.
Friday, October 17th, 2025 at 6:00 PM
The Arts Club of Chicago, 201 E Ontario St, Chicago IL 60611.
Join us for a dazzling evening of performances from Luminarts Artistic Fellows, plus an elegant cocktail reception and dinner.
Thursday, December 4th, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Café ONE at The Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604
Enjoy an intimate performance by Luminarts Fellows Alyssa Allgood, Ethan Philion, and Julius Tucker. Connect with other art and music lovers over a drink and see the fantastic talent of Luminarts artists!
Suggested donation: $10/guest
We recommend parking in the paid parking garage directly south of the Union League Club at 318 S Federal St. Paid valet parking is also available, starting at $25, if you pull up to the Federal St side of the Union League Club.
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 from 5:30-6:30 PM
The Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604
Join us on February 10th, 2026 from 5:30-6:30 PM at the Union League Club’s Third Floor Gallery for a solo exhibition of the work of Caitlyn Doran, 2021 Luminarts Fellow in Visual Arts.
Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 PM
Chicago Artists Coalition, 1431 W Hubbard St, Suite 201 Chicago, IL 60642
Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM
The Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604
Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 6:00 PM
The Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604
Thursday, May 7th, 2026 at 6:00 PM
The Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604
Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 6:00 PM
The Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604
Join ULCC Distinguished Artist and Pulitzer Prize Finalist Rebecca Makkai in celebrating the talent of Chicago’s emerging creative writers. The event will feature readings from the 2026 Luminarts Creative Writing Fellows, 2014 Luminarts Fellow Julia Fine, and Rebecca Makkai. Book signing to follow.
This event is presented in partnership with the Union League Club of Chicago’s Library Committee.
Check out our July 2026 Newsletter, listing Luminarts Fellows’ events and accomplishments, at this link.
Use the links below to register for our 2025 events!
Luminarts Live: Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 6:00 PM at The Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604
*Arrive early at 5:30pm for an art tour led by the ULCC Docents
Hosted by Becky and Rich Beem
Enjoy an intimate performance by vibraphonist and composer Thaddeus Tukes, 2015 Luminarts Jazz Fellow! Connect with other art and music lovers over a drink and see the fantastic talent of Luminarts artists!
We recommend parking in the paid parking lot directly south of the Union League Club at 318 S Federal St. Paid valet parking is also available, starting at $25, if you pull up to the Federal St side of the Union League Club.
Past events:
Visual Arts Exhibition: Thursday, May 15, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 PM at The John David Mooney Foundation, 114 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
Enjoy a dynamic exhibition of finalists’ work, and celebrate the winners of the 2025 Luminarts Visual Arts Fellowship to be announced at the end of the event. Light snacks and drinks will be provided.
Paid street parking is available but not guaranteed. There are multiple paid parking lots nearby. We recommend using Spothero or a similar app to find parking.
StoryStudio Emerging Writers Awards: Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 6:00 PM at The Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604
Join us to celebrate this year’s outstanding writers and enjoy short readings from StoryStudio Emerging Writers Award winners and Luminarts Creative Writing Fellows. The Emerging Writers Award recognizes and spotlights talented emerging writers singled out by their graduate programs or by Luminarts.This event is presented in partnership with the Union League Club of Chicago and StoryStudio Chicago. Light snacks and drinks will be provided.
We recommend parking in the paid parking lot directly south of the Union League Club at 318 S Federal St. Paid valet parking is also available, starting at $25, if you pull up to the Federal St side of the Union League Club.
Classical Voice Finals: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 6:00 PM at The Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604
Take in an evening of operatic grandeur and virtuosic musicality, as outstanding classical vocalists compete for two unrestricted $15,000 awards. A panel of distinguished judges, including Associate Dean of the Chicago College of Performing Arts Shannon McGinnis, will preside over the auditions. Light snacks and drinks will be provided.
This year’s Finalists:
Lucy Baker (mezzo-soprano)
Erik DeMario (tenor)
Katherine DeYoung (mezzo-soprano)
Christopher Humbert, Jr. (bass)
Sophia Maekawa (mezzo-soprano)
Virginia Mims (soprano)
We recommend parking in the paid parking lot directly south of the Union League Club at 318 S Federal St. Paid valet parking is also available, starting at $25, if you pull up to the Federal St side of the Union League Club.
Jazz Improvisation Finals: Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 6:00 PM at The Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604
Enjoy an evening of jazz improvisation by this year’s finalists, accompanied by a trio of Luminarts Fellows, as they compete for unrestricted $10,000 Luminarts Jazz Fellowships. A distinguished panel of judges, including Chicago’s virtuoso vocalist and songwriter Dee Alexander, will decide the winners of this year’s awards. Light snacks and drinks will be provided.
This year’s Finalists:
Dakarai Barclay (trumpet)
Jimmy Farace (saxophone)
Janelle Finton (trumpet)
Nicholas Olynciw (piano)
Alejandro Salazar (drums)
Eli Sullivan (alto saxophone)
We recommend parking in the paid parking lot directly south of the Union League Club at 318 S Federal St. Paid valet parking is also available, starting at $25, if you pull up to the Federal St side of the Union League Club.
Classical Piano & Strings Finals: Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 6:00 PM at The Arts Club of Chicago, 201 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611
Enjoy the stunning musical selections from three finalists in classical piano and three in classical strings, as they audition for a distinguished panel of judges including acclaimed violinist and Luminarts Fellow Rachel Barton Pine. One outstanding musician in each category will be selected as Luminarts Fellows and receive unrestricted $10,000 awards. Light snacks and drinks will be provided.
Valet will be available at The Arts Club for $16/car (cash or check only). You may also park in one of the paid lots or street parking surrounding The Arts Club.
ULCC Meet the Artist Reception – Cherry Tung: Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 5:30 PM at The Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604
Join us at the Union League Club’s Third Floor Gallery for a solo exhibition of the work of Cherry Tung, 2023 Luminarts Fellow in Visual Arts sponsored by Freeman’s | Hindman Auctions. Kenny Reichert, 2022 Luminarts Jazz Fellow, will provide live guitar accompaniment. Light snacks and drinks will be provided.
We recommend parking in the paid parking lot directly south of the Union League Club at 318 S Federal St. Paid valet parking is also available, starting at $25, if you pull up to the Federal St side of the Union League Club.
Luminarts Live featuring the Kenny Reichert Quartet: Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 6:00 PM at The Union League Club of Chicago
*Hosted by Rebecca and Richard Beem
Check out our May 2025 newsletter, listing Luminarts Fellows’ events and accomplishments, at this link.
Check out our April 2025 newsletter, listing Luminarts Fellows’ events and accomplishments, at this link.
Check out our March 2025 newsletter, listing Luminarts Fellows’ events and accomplishments, at this link.
Check out our February 2025 newsletter, listing Luminarts Fellows’ events and accomplishments, at this link.
Please note that the deadline to submit a Luminarts Fellowship Application has been extended by ONE WEEK!
New deadline: January 17, 2025 at 11:59 PM CST.
Check out our January 2025 newsletter, listing Luminarts Fellows’ events and accomplishments, at this link.
Check out our December 2024 newsletter, listing Luminarts Fellows’ events and accomplishments, and our Gift Guide for thoughtful inspiration tailored to the art enthusiasts in your life at this link.