Curator's Note

Work was drawn from nine Chicago galleries. Many of the artists are well recognized and represented in museum collections. Most notable among the represented artists are Luis Gonzalez-Palma, Tremain Smith, and RES.

Beyond works in the featured Crossroads exhibition visitors can enjoy pieces that are part of the hotel’s permanent collection, including screen prints by Robert Rauschenbserg, color etchings by Tony Fitzpatrick, and a large scale painting by Wesley Kimler.

Commissioned works by local artists Sara Schnadt and Jay Ryan are also noteworthy. Wander the Museum wing and spend time with Network Hub, installation by Sara Schnadt. Schandt works with networks, fibers, and the concept of mapping to create web-like structures in space. Her piece, titled Network Hub, maps arrivals and departures from Chicago, and relates directly to the exhibition’s theme, Crossroads. In 2007 work by Schnadt was featured in Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art.

Be sure not to miss the obvious- works in guest rooms by printmaker Jay Ryan. Ryan has been screen-printing concert posters in Chicago since 1995. Known for his hand-drawn text, computer-free design technique, and humorous animal subjects, Ryan has worked for thousands of "indie rock" bands -- including Fugazi, Shellac, the Flaming Lips, Andrew Bird, the Melvins, the Decemberists, and Hum.