Temperature Check
Pigment International invites Chicago’s Black visual artists and others in the Black art ecosystem to take part in Temperature Check: Taking the Pulse of Chicago’s Black Visual Artists in a Shifting America. Visual artists have always been documentarians of their time—reflecting movements, mourning loss, inspiring action, and archiving truth.
As America faces political, economic, and cultural shifts, we aim to listen and gather perspectives on how Chicago’s Black artists are navigating this pivotal moment. Pigment International is using its platform to listen, gather perspectives, and better understand how Chicago’s Black visual artists are navigating this pivotal moment. We invite you to share your experiences by answering five questions. Your responses will be collected and shared later this year with other Public Narrative outlets serving Chicago.
Norman Teague and gallerist Rhona Hoffman. Top right second from left, Design Museum Founder and Executive Director Tanner Woodford, Board Chair Wendy Manning and Patricia Andrews-Keenan, Pigment International.
The Design Museum of Chicago hosted its annual gala, Interwoven City, on Thursday evening at Secrist | Beach Gallery, gathering a vibrant mix of designers, collectors, and creative leaders in celebration of Chicago’s design legacy. The backdrop for the evening was an immersive exhibition by textile and installation artist Jacqueline Surdell, whose powerful woven works provided a fitting visual metaphor for the night’s theme — creativity and community, interwoven.
Guests mingled among Surdell’s sculptural tapestries while enjoying food, drinks, and a spirited silent auction featuring design-driven items and experiences from some of Chicago’s most respected creators. Notable attendees included legendary gallerist Rhona Hoffman and industrial designer Norman Teague, whose work also appeared as The Drop 2025 — a limited-edition ceramic vessel created exclusively for the museum.
Kenya Merritt Interim Commissioner Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) in Chicago.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has appointed Kenya Merritt as the interim Commissioner for the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). Merritt, previously serving as Deputy Mayor of Business, Neighborhood, and Economic Development, will fill the role while the city conducts a search for a permanent replacement. WBEZ
Merritt brings more than two decades of experience in municipal government, having held leadership roles within DCASE, the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, the Department of Family and Support Services, and the Office of Budget and Management. WBEZ
Roger Carter brings a powerful, playful, and deeply symbolic dimension to the exhibition through his mixed-media portraits constructed from toys, Legos, and found objects. His practice fuses the accessibility of childhood materials with urgent social commentary. Carter transforms familiar playthings—plastic soldiers, building blocks, action figures—into textured reliefs that interrogate themes of Black identity, resilience, power, and representation.
His work often reimagines iconic Black cultural figures—activists, artists, thinkers—rendering them with layered, sculptural surfaces that shift between nostalgia, disruption, and reverence. The colorful compositions seduce the viewer in, only to reveal complex tensions: who is seen, who is heard, what histories get built or erased. Carter’s aesthetic bridges pop culture and fine art, casting toys as agents in visual storytelling.
Pigment International is the premiere multimedia platform and cultural brand celebrating the global impact of Black fine art and artists. We connect galleries, artists, collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts through signature events, publications,
and educational programs that elevate and celebrate Black fine art and its creators. As an independent, nonprofit established in 2018, we rely on the generosity of funders, sponsors, and donors.
The Pigmented Black Fine Art Faire in Chicago is a unique art fair that unites leading galleries, visionary artists, and influential organizations from the Midwest. As a Black-run fine art fair, it stands out in the national art landscape, offering a chance to experience transformative exhibitions and celebrate the richness of Black artistic expression.
Join us in this cultural renaissance as we elevate Black excellence and shape the future of fine art in Chicago. Pigmented is dedicated to championing self-reliance, recirculating Black dollars, and empowering us to write our own history and shape our future.
ART NEWS & EVENTS
GALLERISTS
As the proud owner of my art gallery, I am dedicated to showcasing the incredible talents of both emerging and established artists. My gallery serves as a vibrant space for creativity, where visitors can immerse themselves in a diverse collection of works that reflect unique perspectives and styles.
ARTISTS
At the Art Showing, we believe that every piece of art tells a story, and our event is dedicated to sharing these narratives with the world. Join us for an unforgettable day filled with stunning displays and the chance to meet talented artists from different backgrounds. This is more than just an exhibition; it’s a celebration of creativity, innovation, and community.
EVENTS
Step into the world of imagination at the Local Event's winter art event! This exciting occasion showcases the incredible talent within our community, with various artists presenting their creations across different mediums. Our goal is to create an interactive experience where attendees can engage with the art and the artists themselves.