Formerly known as Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art, the newly revitalized Intuit Art Museum has reopened its doors as a premier destination for self-taught art. Dedicated to collecting and exhibiting works by artists outside the mainstream—many of whom have faced societal, economic, or geographic barriers to formal training—Intuit continues to champion the creative voices of underrepresented communities.

Following a transformative $10 million renovation and expansion, the museum has tripled its footprint, dramatically enhancing its gallery, programming, and learning spaces. The renovation was made possible in part by a $5 million Community Development Grant from the City of Chicago, awarded in 2022 as part of then-Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot’s Chicago Recovery Plan.

To mark this exciting new chapter, the museum has launched its inaugural special exhibition, Catalyst: Im/migration and Self-Taught Art in Chicago—the first major show to explore the powerful impact of immigration and migration on self-taught art. On view through January 11, 2026, the exhibition is co-curated by Intuit Chief Curator Alison Amick and independent curator Dana Boutin.

Catalyst features 22 artists and more than 92 works, representing a broad spectrum of media including drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, printmaking, textiles, ceramics, woodcarving, and installation. Among the participating artists is Chicago-based Alfonso Piloto Nieves Ruiz, who is expected to attend the exhibition.

*Some quick corrections*

Thomas Kong died in 2023

Henry Darger lived from 1892-1973.

For more information, visit: www.art.org

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