College of DuPage’s Cleve Carney Museum of Art (CCMA) and McAninch Arts Center’s (MAC) are hosting what may be the most significant arts experience ever to hit DuPage County: a comprehensive and multifaceted exhibition featuring the work of art superstar Andy Warhol.
The immersive and highly engaging “Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop | Works from the Bank of America Collection” comprises 94 pieces on loan through Bank of America’s Art in Our Communities® program and over 100 works from the College of DuPage Permanent Art Collection. Attendees will be treated to 10,000 square feet of exhibit space encompassing a biographical photo essay of Warhol’s life, an interactive cloud installation, a children’s print factory, Studio 54 nightclub recreation, and a Central Park outdoor café, giving them insight into the life of one of the most famous and influential artists of all time.
Enthusiasm abounds as the CCMA captures the zeitgeist of an era that introduced bold colors, simple shapes and everyday items as fine art. Restaurants, libraries, downtown alliances, shops, civic groups, businesses, and organizations are all catching Andy fever. The casual observer will notice novel activities and visual offerings throughout the community. Warhol will be celebrated through art workshops, lectures, parades, and concerts, while soup can replicas and vibrantly painted murals adorn the streets.
Naperville is one of more than two dozen local municipalities that rose to “The College of DuPage Warhol Public Pop Art Challenge: 15 Minutes of Fame.” Upon accepting the challenge, headshots of Naperville notables Lucy Westlake, Trisha Prabhu, Stefan Holt, and James Holzhauer were submitted to the MAC and transformed into a colorful Warhol-stylized mural that found its home on an exterior wall of the Nichols Library, 200 West Jackson Avenue.
Naperville Art League (NAL), 508 North Center Street, is jumping in with a gallery exhibit featuring the original work of its members inspired by Warhol. Opening in June, “A Pop of Warhol” will also include themed gift items available for purchase. As a part of its “Art Around Town” program, the League is partnering with Naperville’s Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea, 110 S. Washington Street, on a display of member-created Andy Warhol-like pieces that will run from July through September.
Additionally, NAL is adding Warhol-related art classes for adults and children to the calendar. Check naperartleague.com for more details.
Naper Settlement is getting on the Andy bandwagon and tying a Warhol component to its Naper Night series. Attendees can look forward to brightly-colored branding and a cabaret bar reminiscent of the 70s disco scene.
With Andymania running rampant, audiences can easily find complementary events throughout the summer. CCMA posted a full listing of happenings and programming on its website which will be updated regularly. Check theccma.org/warhol-events often so you don’t miss out.
“Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop – Works from the Bank of America Collection”
June 3 thru Sept. 10, 2023
Cleve Carney Museum of Art – McAninch Arts Center
425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
theccma.org/warhol
