by Summer Coleman Channel Sweat-shirt Some stories aren't meant to stay on gallery walls. The Channel Collection began as a series of textile masks inspired by my grandmother's sewing practice and my ongoing exploration of ancestral memory, African masking traditions, and cultural identity. As the work evolved, I found myself asking a simple question: What if these conversations could be worn? The Channel sweatshirts and T-shirts are an extension of my studio practice—transfo

by Summer Coleman There are moments when you read something and feel truly seen. The 2025 Curatorial Forum Research Fellow Report, written by Wisdom Baty and A. Martinez, is one of those moments. Beautifully written, thoughtful and deeply reflective, the report captures the work being created through WILD YAMS. Celebrating all of the elements of the community that makes it possible. Reading the article reminded me that this journey has always been about more than making art.

by Summer Coleman 701 E. 79th St., Summer Coleman Every time I drive down 79th Street and see this mural, I'm reminded of how powerful design can be. It was an incredible honor to contribute to Mahalia's Mile, a project celebrating the life and legacy of the incomparable Mahalia Jackson and the rich cultural history of Chicago's South Side. Creating artwork for a place that means so much to our community is something I'll always be proud of. Public art has the power to tell o