All that Glows in the Dark of Democracy
● Installation
● Additional Images
● Public Programs
● Press
Explore
● Curator's Note
● Resources
● Interactive Exhibition Guide
● Take Action
Participate
● Aram Han Sifuentes, The Official Unofficial Voting Station: Voting for All Who Legally Can’t, 2016–ongoing
● Ariana Jacob, The American Society for Personally Questioning Political Questions, 2012/2022
Jul 29–Oct 1, 2022
Alejandro T. Acierto, Kandis Friesen, Hannah Givler, Aram Han Sifuentes, Ariana Jacob, Aay Preston-Myint
Presented in collaboration with the ACLU of Illinois, this exhibition will kick off the organization’s Engagement Series on Democracy: We the People, an effort to counter the “us versus them” mentality that has permeated the current political climate by asking: Do not tell us what you are against; tell us what you are for.
All that Glows in the Dark of Democracy, installation views at Weinberg/Newton Gallery, 2022; photography by Evan Jenkins
Aram Han Sifuentes, The Official Unofficial Voting Station: Voting for All Who Legally Can’t, 2016–ongoing
Curator’s Note
Pushing beyond the rhetoric, All that Glows in the Dark of Democracy does not presume there is a universal definition of democracy. Instead the artists offer various entry points into the elusive term via different modes of sensory engagement – light, sound, text and touch – presenting the viewer with tangible ways not only to reflect, reconsider, and respond, but also to listen to a diverse range of viewpoints with diligence and care.
The flag, video, sculpture, and interactive installations in this group exhibition invite us to think critically about and imagine alternate realities for our elections, our national symbols and monuments, our public as well as our private spaces. In challenging the status quo, All that Glows in the Dark of Democracy demonstrates an unflagging commitment to hope fueled by an insistence on action. It reminds us that progress is ongoing, that it takes many forms, and its light flares on multiple planes, from the living room to the city block, from the national to the global stage, both on the ground and in the collective imaginary.
— Kasia Houlihan
Public Programs
All events are free and open to the public. Advance registration required. For everyone’s health and safety, masks are required for visitors age 2+.
Opening Reception
Fri, Jul 29, 5–7pm
Celebrate the opening of All that Glows in the Dark of Democracy.
Family Day
Sun, Jul 31, 1–3pm
In-person at Weinberg/Newton Gallery (mixed indoor/outdoor)
Look, make, and talk about art! Weinberg/Newton Gallery Family Days feature hands-on art making activities for all ages created and led by artists, educators, and activists.
Explore our current exhibition All that Glows in the Dark of Democracy, learn about the ACLU of Illinois, and make buttons and handheld fabric flags inspired by the work of exhibiting artist Aay Preston-Myint!
All materials will be provided, in addition to light refreshments and snacks.
Milwaukee Avenue Art Stroll
Thur, Sep 15, 5-7pm
Join us for an evening filled with exhibitions and art making across four participating venues. Attendees who visit all four spaces receive a gift with merch from each institution. Pick up a punch card from any of the participating venues the day of the art stroll and enjoy!
No registration necessary. More information via this link.
All that Glows: A Night of Storytelling on Democracy
Wed, Sep 21, 6–7:30pm; Doors open at 5:30pm
Hybrid event (in-person and virtual) with 2nd Story
Join us for a special performance of first-person stories that examine our individual understanding of democratic values, how we put democracy into practice, and what we can do to activate democracy as part of our everyday lives. The personal narratives will reflect a wide range of perspectives, and all are welcome to participate either in-person or virtually.
Advance registration is required via this link.
Banned Books Week
Sep 18–24
Every year the ACLU marks Banned Books Week, an annual event that celebrates the freedom to read and calls attention to the wealth of creative expression that is stifled when books can be forbidden from library shelves. The ACLU has always vigilantly defended the First Amendment and the right to free speech. The organization believes in an educated citizenry and a society where ideas are openly disseminated, discussed, and debated. And throughout its history, it has worked to protect the right to access information and the right to make up your own mind.
Join us in celebrating Banned Books week by learning about the books that recently have been removed from school curricula and libraries. Participate in the Take Action Book Drive by donating books to local nonprofit organizations working to get books in the hands of Chicago youth. And make your Banned Books Week swag at our Family Day event on Saturday, September 24.
Learn more here.
West Town Art Walk
Fri, Sep 23, 5–8pm
Sat, Sep 24, 10am–5pm
Established in 2011, the West Town Art Walk is organized by the West Town Chamber of Commerce and a committee of West Town business owners to celebrate the diverse community of businesses in West Town while highlighting Chicago artists. The mission is to showcase West Town as a rich cultural hub that has much to offer residents, visitors, and business owners alike. Over the years West Town has become known as a thriving arts district with many galleries and home and garden design retailers.
Learn more about West Town Art Walk and all participating venues via this link.
Family Day
Banned Books Week Edition
Sat, Sep 24, 10am–1pm
In-person at Weinberg/Newton Gallery (mixed indoor/outdoor)
Look, make, and talk about art! Weinberg/Newton Gallery Family Days feature hands-on art making activities for all ages created and led by artists, educators, and activists.
Explore our current exhibition All that Glows in the Dark of Democracy, learn about the ACLU of Illinois, and make your own Banned Books Week swag including, one-sheet mini books, bookmarks, buttons, and totes.
All materials will be provided, in addition to light refreshments and snacks.
Advance registration is encouraged via this link.
We the People: A Conversation on Democracy
Thu, Sep 29, 6–7pm
Virtual event hosted by the Next Generation Society of the ACLU
Hear directly from ACLU of Illinois Executive Director Colleen Connell, ACLU of Illinois Springfield Chapter President Ken Page, All That Glows in the Dark of Democracy exhibition artist Aram Han Sifuentes, and ACLU of Illinois Director of Communications and Public Policy Ed Yohnka on the state of our democracy, how to get involved at the local level, and why art is so critical to helping us find hope and understand the moment we are in. There will be opportunities for audience members to engage in the discussion and ask questions throughout the event.
Advance registration is required via this link
Resources
Read
● Information about voting in the 2022 Illinois Election
● Defending Our Right to Learn
● 10 Books Politicians Don’t Want You to Read
Watch
● Jamira Burley, Activist and Social Impact Strategist, on How to Achieve Systemic Equality in Classrooms
● Destin Jenkins, Assistant Professor of History Stanford University, on How to Achieve Systemic Equality in Infrastructure
Listen
● At Liberty Podcast – The State of Our Democracy With Anthony Romero
● Ask An Expert – Free Speech Podcast Series
● Talking Liberties with the ACLU of Illinois Podcast – Banned From Changing Your Name
● At Liberty Podcast – How Dismantling Roe Puts Interracial Marriage at Risk
Take Action
● Join the ACLU of Illinois’ Action Alert e-mail list to stay informed about current issues and campaigns, upcoming events, and how you can get more involved in the fight to protect and expand civil liberties.
● Sign up to join People Power, the ACLU’s volunteer program and grassroots advocacy tool
Partner
The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois has been the principal protector of constitutional rights in the state since its founding in 1926. It is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the liberties guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, the state Constitution, and state/federal human rights laws. The ACLU accomplishes its goals through litigating, lobbying, and educating the public on a broad array of civil liberties issues. Its advocacy is legendary in the areas of racial justice, religious liberty, freedom of expression, the rights of children and people with disabilities, criminal justice reform, fairness for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender individuals, and reproductive justice.
All that Glows in the Dark of Democracy, installation views at Weinberg/Newton Gallery, 2022; photography by Evan Jenkins
All that Glows in the Dark of Democracy
● Installation
● Additional Images
● Public Programs
● Press
Explore
● Curator's Note
● Resources
● Interactive Exhibition Guide
● Take Action
Participate
● Aram Han Sifuentes, The Official Unofficial Voting Station: Voting for All Who Legally Can’t, 2016–ongoing
● Ariana Jacob, The American Society for Personally Questioning Political Questions, 2012/2022
Jul 29–Oct 1, 2022
Alejandro T. Acierto, Kandis Friesen, Hannah Givler, Aram Han Sifuentes, Ariana Jacob, Aay Preston-Myint
Presented in collaboration with the ACLU of Illinois, this exhibition will kick off the organization’s Engagement Series on Democracy: We the People, an effort to counter the “us versus them” mentality that has permeated the current political climate by asking: Do not tell us what you are against; tell us what you are for.
Curator’s Note
Pushing beyond the rhetoric, All that Glows in the Dark of Democracy does not presume there is a universal definition of democracy. Instead the artists offer various entry points into the elusive term via different modes of sensory engagement – light, sound, text and touch – presenting the viewer with tangible ways not only to reflect, reconsider, and respond, but also to listen to a diverse range of viewpoints with diligence and care.
The flag, video, sculpture, and interactive installations in this group exhibition invite us to think critically about and imagine alternate realities for our elections, our national symbols and monuments, our public as well as our private spaces. In challenging the status quo, All that Glows in the Dark of Democracy demonstrates an unflagging commitment to hope fueled by an insistence on action. It reminds us that progress is ongoing, that it takes many forms, and its light flares on multiple planes, from the living room to the city block, from the national to the global stage, both on the ground and in the collective imaginary.
— Kasia Houlihan
Public Programs
All events are free and open to the public. Advance registration required. For everyone’s health and safety, masks are required for visitors age 2+.
Opening Reception
Fri, Jul 29, 5–7pm
Celebrate the opening of All that Glows in the Dark of Democracy.
Family Day
Sun, Jul 31, 1–3pm
In-person at Weinberg/Newton Gallery (mixed indoor/outdoor)
Look, make, and talk about art! Weinberg/Newton Gallery Family Days feature hands-on art making activities for all ages created and led by artists, educators, and activists.
Explore our current exhibition All that Glows in the Dark of Democracy, learn about the ACLU of Illinois, and make buttons and handheld fabric flags inspired by the work of exhibiting artist Aay Preston-Myint!
All materials will be provided, in addition to light refreshments and snacks.
All that Glows: A Night of Storytelling on Democracy
Wed, Sep 21, 6–7:30pm; Doors open at 5:30pm
Hybrid event (in-person and virtual) with 2nd Story
Join us for a special performance of first-person stories that examine our individual understanding of democratic values, how we put democracy into practice, and what we can do to activate democracy as part of our everyday lives. The personal narratives will reflect a wide range of perspectives, and all are welcome to participate either in-person or virtually.
Advance registration is required via this link.
Banned Books Week
Sep 18–24
Every year the ACLU marks Banned Books Week, an annual event that celebrates the freedom to read and calls attention to the wealth of creative expression that is stifled when books can be forbidden from library shelves. The ACLU has always vigilantly defended the First Amendment and the right to free speech. The organization believes in an educated citizenry and a society where ideas are openly disseminated, discussed, and debated. And throughout its history, it has worked to protect the right to access information and the right to make up your own mind.
Join us in celebrating Banned Books week by learning about the books that recently have been removed from school curricula and libraries. Participate in the Take Action Book Drive by donating books to local nonprofit organizations working to get books in the hands of Chicago youth. And make your Banned Books Week swag at our Family Day event on Saturday, September 24.
Learn more here.
West Town Art Walk
Fri, Sep 23, 5–8pm
Sat, Sep 24, 10am–5pm
Established in 2011, the West Town Art Walk is organized by the West Town Chamber of Commerce and a committee of West Town business owners to celebrate the diverse community of businesses in West Town while highlighting Chicago artists. The mission is to showcase West Town as a rich cultural hub that has much to offer residents, visitors, and business owners alike. Over the years West Town has become known as a thriving arts district with many galleries and home and garden design retailers.
Learn more about West Town Art Walk and all participating venues via this link.
We the People: A Conversation on Democracy
Thu, Sep 29, 6–7pm
Virtual event hosted by the Next Generation Society of the ACLU
Hear directly from ACLU of Illinois Executive Director Colleen Connell, ACLU of Illinois Springfield Chapter President Ken Page, All That Glows in the Dark of Democracy exhibition artist Aram Han Sifuentes, and ACLU of Illinois Director of Communications and Public Policy Ed Yohnka on the state of our democracy, how to get involved at the local level, and why art is so critical to helping us find hope and understand the moment we are in. There will be opportunities for audience members to engage in the discussion and ask questions throughout the event.
Advance registration is required via this link
Resources
Read
● Information about voting in the 2022 Illinois Election
● Defending Our Right to Learn
● 10 Books Politicians Don’t Want You to Read
Watch
● Jamira Burley, Activist and Social Impact Strategist, on How to Achieve Systemic Equality in Classrooms
● Destin Jenkins, Assistant Professor of History Stanford University, on How to Achieve Systemic Equality in Infrastructure
Listen
● At Liberty Podcast – The State of Our Democracy With Anthony Romero
● Ask An Expert – Free Speech Podcast Series
● Talking Liberties with the ACLU of Illinois Podcast – Banned From Changing Your Name
● At Liberty Podcast – How Dismantling Roe Puts Interracial Marriage at Risk
Take Action
● Join the ACLU of Illinois’ Action Alert e-mail list to stay informed about current issues and campaigns, upcoming events, and how you can get more involved in the fight to protect and expand civil liberties.
● Sign up to join People Power, the ACLU’s volunteer program and grassroots advocacy tool
Partner
The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois has been the principal protector of constitutional rights in the state since its founding in 1926. It is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the liberties guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, the state Constitution, and state/federal human rights laws. The ACLU accomplishes its goals through litigating, lobbying, and educating the public on a broad array of civil liberties issues. Its advocacy is legendary in the areas of racial justice, religious liberty, freedom of expression, the rights of children and people with disabilities, criminal justice reform, fairness for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender individuals, and reproductive justice.