Studio Sessions
June 26 - August 1, 2026
We are please to present this special exhibition by ENGAGE Projects at SoNa Chicago Contemporary Art. Studio Sessions invites artists to transform the gallery into an extension of the studio. Featuring finished works alongside works in progress, the exhibition offers visitors a deeper understanding of artistic process, material experimentation, and the evolving nature of a practice. Rather than a performative studio reconstruction, Studio Sessions creates space for intimacy, conversation, and close looking—encouraging collectors, curators, and the broader community to engage with artists beyond the finished object. Each participating artist will present one to three completed works alongside a developing piece from the studio, offering insight into the decisions, revisions, and thinking that shape the work over time.
Participating artists include Nick Albertson, bARBER, Matthew Girson, Noel Mercado, and Margaret Welsh. Throughout the exhibition, ENGAGE Projects and SoNa Chicago will host a series of public programs, including artist conversations, panel discussions, and special events designed to further expand dialogue around artistic practice and studio culture. Participating artists will also be invited to take part in week-long Instagram takeovers on the ENGAGE Projects account, offering additional opportunities to share process, inspiration, and perspectives from the studio.
About ENGAGE Projects: In pursuit of the continued study of the arts and support of community-led progress, ENGAGE Projects’ vision is centered around engagement with artists, communities, and patrons.
About SoNa Chicago Contemporary Art: SoNa Chicago highlights primarily contemporary artists from Chicago. Although we will put a spotlight on Chicago artists, we want the dialogue between artists in the gallery to be global. We view our space as a venue for conversation, community, and a celebration of the arts.
Participating artists include Nick Albertson, bARBER, Matthew Girson, Noel Mercado, and Margaret Welsh. Throughout the exhibition, ENGAGE Projects and SoNa Chicago will host a series of public programs, including artist conversations, panel discussions, and special events designed to further expand dialogue around artistic practice and studio culture. Participating artists will also be invited to take part in week-long Instagram takeovers on the ENGAGE Projects account, offering additional opportunities to share process, inspiration, and perspectives from the studio.
About ENGAGE Projects: In pursuit of the continued study of the arts and support of community-led progress, ENGAGE Projects’ vision is centered around engagement with artists, communities, and patrons.
About SoNa Chicago Contemporary Art: SoNa Chicago highlights primarily contemporary artists from Chicago. Although we will put a spotlight on Chicago artists, we want the dialogue between artists in the gallery to be global. We view our space as a venue for conversation, community, and a celebration of the arts.
NICK ALBERTSON
Photo Spray 27 and 17, 2017
Epson Ultrachrome K3 inks on Epson Hot Press Paper
unique
22 x 17 in
55.9 x 43.2 cm
each
Photo Spray 27 and 17, 2017
Epson Ultrachrome K3 inks on Epson Hot Press Paper
unique
22 x 17 in
55.9 x 43.2 cm
each
MARGARET WELSH
Daphne's Prayer, 2026
house paint on raw muslin
55 x 41 in
139.7 x 104.1 cm
Daphne's Prayer, 2026
house paint on raw muslin
55 x 41 in
139.7 x 104.1 cm
MATTHEW GIRSON
The Other Night (Still Lives at 4:00am) #1 and #2, 2026
oil on Yupo, oil on canvas
20 x 20 in
50.8 x 50.8 cm
each
The Other Night (Still Lives at 4:00am) #1 and #2, 2026
oil on Yupo, oil on canvas
20 x 20 in
50.8 x 50.8 cm
each
BARBER
Him and Her (Bill and Stacia), 2020
collage-painting on paper
23 x 35 in
58.4 x 88.9 cm
Him and Her (Bill and Stacia), 2020
collage-painting on paper
23 x 35 in
58.4 x 88.9 cm
NICK ALBERTSON
Photo Spray 23, 2017
Epson Ultrachrome K3 inks on Epson Hot Press Paper
unique
22 x 17 in
55.9 x 43.2 cm
Photo Spray 23, 2017
Epson Ultrachrome K3 inks on Epson Hot Press Paper
unique
22 x 17 in
55.9 x 43.2 cm
BARBER
Lady (da folk lore of) Mama, 2025
collage-painting on paper
35 x 26 in
88.9 x 66 cm
Lady (da folk lore of) Mama, 2025
collage-painting on paper
35 x 26 in
88.9 x 66 cm
NOEL MERCADO
Inheritance, 2026
Fabric and leather sourced in Guadalajara with leather hangs
54 x 92 in
137.2 x 233.7 cm
Inheritance, 2026
Fabric and leather sourced in Guadalajara with leather hangs
54 x 92 in
137.2 x 233.7 cm
MARGARET WELSH
Ebb and Flow 1 & 2, 2026
house paint on paper drop cloth
28 x 71 in
71.1 x 180.3 cm
Ebb and Flow 1 & 2, 2026
house paint on paper drop cloth
28 x 71 in
71.1 x 180.3 cm
MATTHEW GIRSON
The Other Night (Still Lives at 4:00am) #18, #9, #10, 2026
oil on canvas. oil on Yupo
20 x 20 in
50.8 x 50.8 cm
The Other Night (Still Lives at 4:00am) #18, #9, #10, 2026
oil on canvas. oil on Yupo
20 x 20 in
50.8 x 50.8 cm
NOEL MERCADO
Bum A Smoke, 2022
Vintage metal Marlboro sign cut in half on two vintage Herman Miller metal stacking bases
36 1/2 x 23 x 14 in
92.7 x 58.4 x 35.6 cm
Bum A Smoke, 2022
Vintage metal Marlboro sign cut in half on two vintage Herman Miller metal stacking bases
36 1/2 x 23 x 14 in
92.7 x 58.4 x 35.6 cm
BARBER
Flor of Jana Mora, 2026
collage-painting on stretched paper
18 x 18 in
45.7 x 45.7 cm
Flor of Jana Mora, 2026
collage-painting on stretched paper
18 x 18 in
45.7 x 45.7 cm
