New Satellite Art Fair Launches in Chicago During Expo, Milwaukee Museum Hosts Widline Cadet Solo Show

A new satellite art fair called Neighbors will debut during Expo Chicago in April 2026. Organized by collector Mirka Serrato and dealer Jonny Tanna, the event will occupy a 1,200-square-foot apartment in the Gold Coast, featuring works from galleries including Gathering (London), Hans Goodrich (Chicago), Post Times (New York), Shanghai Seminary (Chicago), and Tureen (Dallas). The Milwaukee Art Museum will present "Currents 40: Widline Cadet," the artist's first U.S. museum solo exhibition, showcasing her long-term project "Seremoni Disparisyon (Ritual [Dis]Appearance)" from May 8 to August 9. The exhibition explores themes of migration, memory, and belonging through photography, video, and installation. In Chicago, the Nelson Algren Committee will hold its 36th annual birthday celebration for the author at the Green Mill on March 29, featuring readings, musical performances, and the presentation of the Nelson Algren Award to Robert Loerzel. The Chicago Critics Film Festival will take place at the Music Box Theatre starting May 1, with selections chosen by the Chicago Film Critics Association. Additionally, the Driehaus Museum and Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association announced a chamber concert series at Murphy Auditorium beginning April 28. In the craft beer industry, several Chicago-area breweries have recently closed, including Alarmist Brewing, Flapjack Brewery, Casa Humilde, Whiner Beer Co., and Illuminated Brew Works, attributed to declining consumption and rising costs. Half Acre Beer Co. and Maplewood Brewing & Distillery plan to merge. A new restaurant called Arla is set to open in the former Barneys space on Rush and Oak, led by the team behind Adalina. The Arc Music Festival will return to Union Park over Labor Day weekend with a four-day electronic music lineup. Legal disputes include a lawsuit between Chance the Rapper and his former manager Pat Corcoran over unpaid commissions, and concerns about foreign funding in the Warner Bros. Discovery deal involving Paramount. Arts funding and gentrification were also discussed, with Illinois cultural organizations advocating for increased state support and Pilsen artists facing affordability challenges.