100 Years of America’s Route 66 and 40 Years of the Cornelia Arts Building
The Cornelia Arts Building art center celebrates two anniversaries this October; their 40 year anniversary as an artist studio building, and a guest artist show celebrating 100 years of America’s Route 66 highway.
The Cornelia Arts Building October Open Studios, opens Friday October 16, from 5 – 9 pm, and continues Saturday October 17, from 12 to 4 pm. Located at 1800 West Cornelia Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, the family friendly event is free and open to the public. Visitors can shop two floors of dozens of working artist studios open that weekend, and purchase unique gifts of art and crafts at one of the largest artist studio buildings on Chicago’s North side.
On display in the lobby and many hallways, Urban Sketchers, an international organization with chapters throughout the United States, commemorates the 100 Year Anniversary of Route 66 with this traveling exhibit. The Urban Sketchers Route 66 Centennial Exhibition features over 300 sketches from various points along the Route, created by members of the Urban Sketchers chapters in Chicago, St. Louis, Springfield, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque & Santa Fe, and Los Angeles.
Originally an Ice-house, the Cornelia Arts Building has fostered Chicago artist creativity continually since its 1986 conversion to all artist studios. Over 100 artists and artisans work in the building, including painters, sculptors, photographers, ceramic artists, print-makers, jewelers, designers, and much more. Repeat visitors always find something new, as differing artists are open at each of only four open house events held a year.
Located two blocks south of Addison and one block west of Lincoln Avenue, near the borders between Chicago’s Roscoe Village, Lakeview and North Center neighborhoods. The “L” Brown Line Addison and Paulina stops are steps away; as are several bus stops along Addison. Parking available in the building lot and on adjacent streets. Entrance is located along Ravenswood on the east side of the building.
Cornelia Arts Building October Open Studios 2026
& The Urban Sketchers Route 66 Centennial Exhibition
Friday, October 16, 5 pm – 9 pm
Saturday, October 17, 12 – 4 pm
The Cornelia Arts Building – Where Art Works
1800 West Cornelia, Chicago, IL
Entrance on NW corner of Ravenswood and Cornelia.
Two blocks south of Addison Brown Line CTA Station.
Free parking available in lot and in neighborhood.
Website: https://corneliaartsbuilding.com/events/october-2026-open-studios/