America has always had a fascination with exploration and the outdoors. We’ve memorialized it in paintings, history books & statues where proud explorers pose heroically—their foot propped on the prow of a canoe or rocky precipice, surveying the American west. But there’s one thing all of these artworks have in common:
They’re of white men.
In partnership with Chicago Voyagers, a nonprofit whose mission is to empower local, underrepresented youth through outdoor adventure therapy programs, seven Chicago-based artists will present a two-part exhibition that visualizes the future of American exploration: one where adventure knows no gender or color.
The show includes new work that features the portrait of a youth who currently participates in the Chicago Voyagers program. A youth is using outdoor exploration as a means to become a leader and impact the world in a positive way.
The exhibition at Brushwood opening May 18, 2025 is the first part of this two-part endeavor. There we will get a first look at studies for the larger portraits that will be unveiled at the final exhibition in Chicago at the Epiphany Center for the Arts, opening on August 8, 2025. A portion of the proceeds from artwork sales will be donated to Chicago Voyagers.
Featured Artists: