The article presents a curated list of five notable art exhibitions in the Chicago area for May 2026. Highlights include a solo show of monumental sculptures by Dr. Charles Smith at the Intuit Art Museum, exploring anti-monumentalism and African American historical representation; a 50th-anniversary group exhibition at Zolla/Lieberman Gallery featuring over 140 artists; and a two-part cosmic-themed group show at the Renaissance Society. Other featured shows include drawings by late Imagist Suellen Rocca at Corbett vs. Dempsey and a waterscape-themed group exhibition at Grove Gallery in Evanston.
This roundup matters because it provides a concise guide to significant visual art events in the Chicago region, spotlighting both established institutions and long-running galleries. The inclusion of Dr. Charles Smith's work at Intuit underscores ongoing dialogues about race, representation, and monumentality in public art, while the Zolla/Lieberman anniversary show highlights the enduring role of commercial galleries in sustaining artistic communities.