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Quick Search
Search selected databases below (*) all at once.
Related Art Databases
Use these resources from home, school, and work with a Chicago Public Library card.
*Oxford Art Online »
From scholarly encyclopedia articles to quick definitions, find a wide range of backgrond information on topics in art.
*Biography Resource Center » teen pick
Find biographical overviews of artists from reference works such as Contemporary Artists, Contemporary Designers, Contemporary Photographers, and others.
*Chicago Tribune (1985-Present) »
Chicago Tribune Historical Archive (1849-1986) »
The Chicago Tribune is an excellent resource for locating information about local and national artists. Find gallery reviews, obituaries, feature articles, and more.
*ProQuest Magazines & Journals »
Find articles on a wide range of topics in such magazines as American Artist, Antiques and Collecting Magazine, Artforum, and Scholastic Art.
For additional resources, see the Art, Architecture, and Fashion page in the Online Research section.
Search in the Library
Featured Chicago Public Library Collections
- The Chicago Artists' Archives: Since the 1940s, the Art Information Center has kept records of visual artists living or working in the Chicago area. The Archives maintain records in the form of biographical information, artists' applications, statements, reproductions of artwork, exhibition catalogs, gallery announcements, reviews, articles, etc.
Helpful Websites
- Artcyclopedia »
Artcyclopedia is an extensive index to artists' works appearing on museum web sites and other online resources.
- Exploring Chicago: Visual Arts »
Find out what's happening in the City's museums, art centers, galleries, cultural centers, and much more.
- Loop the Loop Audio Tours: Art Loop »
Download this audio walking tour of public art in the Loop from the Chicago Loop Alliance.
- Chicago Artists Resource »
Chicago Artists Resource is an online community for artists in a variety of fields (visual, performing, literary) sponsored by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. Find business opportunities, studio space, educational resources, and more.
- Encyclopedia of Chicago »
Find a wealth of articles on the history of art in the city—from Industrial Art and Design to the Hyde Park Art Center—in this online encyclopedia. In addition to the wealth of articles on art in the city, the "arts and education" column of the timeline will also be of interest to persons exploring city's artistic heritage.