Three SAIC Alums Receive Prestigious Next Level Award
Three School of the Art Institute of Chicago alums—Riva Lehrer (SAIC 1993–95), Andy Slater (BFA 2015), and William Estrada (MAAE 2015)—received the prestigious Next Level Award, receiving a combined total of $30,000 in grant money. The Next Level Award, established by 3Arts, aims to recognize artistic excellence and bridge gaps in resources for artists with disabilities, women artists, and artists of color. This award honors individuals excelling in the visual and teaching arts, such as Slater’s introspective sound pieces, Lehrer's painting and writing, and Estrada's community-based art education. In a highly competitive industry, the Next Level Award fosters accessibility and empowers artists to advance their careers at their own pace.
Celebrating a decade of the Low-Residency MFA program at SAIC, which stands out for its flexible yet rigorous format.
Image Courtesy of Guadalupe Rosales, Photo by Michael Oliver.
Tumbados (2024) is a long-term public artwork on the Storefront facade by Los Angeles artist Guadalupe Rosales with Dallas artist Lokey Calderon.