OH Art Foundation
We serve community, We celebrate diversity
OUR MISSION
OH Art Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization currently housed in Zhou B Art Center in the Bridgeport neighborhood in Chicago, IL.
The mission of the OH Art Foundation is to strengthen Chicago communities by offering accessible art education, exhibitions & events, and programs that promote understanding of diverse cultures through art.
We believe in the power of art to bring people together, creating spaces for dialogue and understanding. By providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, we aim to foster a more inclusive and equitable society.
OUR VISION
“Open your horizons and give a creative bounce to your life.” -InJung Oh, Founder.
“OH” stands for “Open Horizon.” We inspire our community members to expand their creative horizons by engaging in the creation and appreciation of diverse arts from various cultures. By deepening our understanding of different cultures, we cultivate open-mindedness, welcome fresh ideas, and embrace the exploration of new possibilities. This mindset allows one to step outside of their comfort zones and cherish new experiences. It empowers individuals to dismantle barriers and surpass limitations, fostering more comprehensive awareness of the world. With the improved mutual understanding, the world becomes a better place.
“OH” stands for “Open Horizon.” We inspire our community members to expand their creative horizons by engaging in the creation and appreciation of diverse arts from various cultures. By deepening our understanding of different cultures, we cultivate open-mindedness, welcome fresh ideas, and embrace the exploration of new possibilities. This mindset allows one to step outside of their comfort zones and cherish new experiences. It empowers individuals to dismantle barriers and surpass limitations, fostering more comprehensive awareness of the world. With the improved mutual understanding, the world becomes a better place.
WHAT WE DO
As one of the very few organizations in the near-southside region of Chicago offering fine arts programming, we are committed to providing affordable, high-quality art experiences to underprivileged communities while supporting underrepresented artists and curators. Our programs are aimed at fulfilling these objectives.
EDUCATION
We believe exposing children to diverse cultures from an early age and offering them various means to explore and express themselves enhance their social skills and emotional development, which is vital in creating a healthy society. Our weekly group class (K-12) and summer camp offer hands-on art-making opportunities in the context of learning about other cultures. We celebrate its year-round art class with an annual student art exhibition in December, a great opportunity to bring families together. We offer sliding scale scholarships to ensure financial inclusivity. Our monthly workshops are open to community members of all ages and backgrounds.
EXHIBITIONS/EVENTS
We are committed to bringing high quality art experiences to the community while providing opportunities for underrepresented and marginalized artists to showcase their works. Some of our annual exhibitions and festivals that celebrate diversity and inclusivity are Black History Month, Women’s History Month, AAPI Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and our very own OH Art Family Month. These festivals include not only visual art exhibitions, but also live performances of music, dance, and any genre of art. We believe that these exhibitions and festivals bring the community together through the understanding of diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences.
INCUBATION
Artist/Curator Incubation program is an initiative enacting long-term change to promote diversity and inclusivity in the industry. “Back To the Scene” is designed to support female artists of BIPOC who have been distanced from the art scene for various reasons such as immigration or other family obligations. By providing comprehensive care, we empower them, bring them back to the art scene and help them to re-establish their career as an artist. “Welcome To the Scene” is a curator incubation program aimed to provide opportunities for new, emerging and/or under-represented curators to present their perspectives and ideas in the art world.