In this dynamic presentation, masters such as Toulouse-Lautrec and Rembrandt Van Rijn to 21st century artists Maya Lin and Kehinde Wiley from the College of DuPage Permanent Art collection will be in conversation with works by notable contemporary Chicago artists including Theaster Gates, Sam Jaffe, Christopher James, Troy Lehman, Riva Lehrer, José Lerma, Britni Mara, Audrey Niffenegger, Julia Phillips, Jeffrey Swider-Peltz, Taylor Smith and Amanda Williams.

Hooking Up: Meet the Collection offers a rare opportunity for visitors to draw links between disparate works of art while connecting with others within the museum and beyond. A locally commissioned mural, activities for visitors of all ages, collaboration with Glen Ellyn’s Common Good Cocktail House and other programs foster a community of conviviality against an inviting backdrop of compelling artworks both familiar and new.

For this exhibition, the museum’s gallery space will be transformed into a creative gathering space where visitors are encouraged to sketch, write and converse while taking inspiration from a wide range of artworks. Visitors are encouraged to participate by hanging their own work on a dedicated wall next to those of famous artists like Joan Miró, entering a piece of writing or visual art for publication in the Prairie Light Review and writing letters that will be delivered to artists featured in the exhibition.