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OH Art Foundation

About

ABOUT US

OH Art Foundation (OHAF) is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit rooted at the Zhou B Art Center in Bridgeport. We are dedicated to strengthening the social fabric of our communities through an integrated ecosystem of arts education, professional exhibitions, and intergenerational cultural programs. Grounded in the belief that art is a universal connector, we maintain a "full-circle" organizational structure where creative learning, professional practice, and public celebration support and sustain one another.

Recognized as a leading organization by Culture Forward Chicago for our contributions to the history and culture of communities of color, OHAF is committed to creating accessible, non-traditional spaces. Our mission is activated through a year-round cycle of cross-cultural exchange that begins with our foundational art programs—serving as an entry point for creative dialogue—and expands into curated exhibitions. These efforts culminate in our signature public festivals, including the Black History, Asian Pacific American, and Latinx Festivals of the Arts, providing a high-impact platform where community stories are celebrated in the public square.

OUR MISSION + VISION

Our Mission

To strengthen communities through an interconnected ecosystem of accessible arts education, professional exhibitions, and intercultural programs. By connecting artists, youth, and local partners, we create "full-circle" spaces for dialogue and creative learning that amplify underrepresented voices and center lived experience.

Our Vision: The "Open Horizon"

OH Art Foundation envisions a vibrant and inclusive cultural landscape where every community member has access to meaningful artistic experiences and diverse voices are celebrated across generations.

Rooted in the concept of the "Open Horizon," we inspire individuals to expand their creative perspectives by engaging with art from diverse traditions. By fostering the courage to explore beyond familiar boundaries, we empower communities to dismantle barriers, deepen mutual understanding, and imagine new possibilities—contributing to a more connected, compassionate, and equitable world.

"Open your horizons and give a creative bounce to your life."

-InJung Oh, Founder.

OUR CURRENT

Exhibitions

2nd Floor Gallery

OUR OFFERINGS

What We Do

Education

Arts Education: Cultivating the Next Generation

At the OH Art Foundation, we believe that exposing youth to diverse cultures from an early age is vital to creating a healthy, compassionate society. By offering students various means to explore and express their unique identities, we enhance the social and emotional development necessary for lifelong success. Our education department serves as a foundational "entry point" in our full-circle ecosystem, where creative learning directly feeds into our broader mission of intergenerational and cross-cultural exchange.

Our weekly K-12 group classes and immersive summer camps offer hands-on art-making opportunities rooted in the exploration of global traditions and diverse cultural contexts. We celebrate this year-round journey with our Annual Student Art Exhibition in December—a signature event that brings families and community members together to honor the creative growth of our youth.

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Exhibitions/Events

Exhibitions & Festivals: A Platform for Connection

We are committed to bringing high-quality art experiences to the community while providing essential platforms for underrepresented and marginalized artists to showcase their work. As a key part of our "full-circle" ecosystem, our annual exhibitions and festivals celebrate diversity and inclusivity through cross-cultural dialogue and intergenerational exchange.

Our signature seasonal programming—including our Black History, Women’s History, Asian Pacific American, and Latinx Festivals, alongside our foundational OH Art Family Month—serves as a bridge between professional practice and community celebration. These festivals include not only visual art exhibitions, but also live multidisciplinary performances in music, dance, and collaborative media. We believe that these intersections bring the community together by fostering a deep understanding of diverse cultures, perspectives, and shared lived experiences.

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Incubation

Artist & Curator Incubation: Empowering the Professional Journey

Launched in 2019, the OH Art Foundation Incubation Initiative provides the essential professional infrastructure for emerging talent to transition into the global art world. While the program is rooted in the creative energy of the Zhou B Art Center, its mission is independent: to dismantle the barriers that prevent underrepresented voices from entering and thriving in the professional industry.

This initiative began with a dedicated, intimate studio space—an "additional room" of our own that we transformed to meet the urgent needs of emerging artists. By providing this vital physical anchor alongside high-visibility curated exhibitions, the Incubation program serves as a critical bridge in our full-circle ecosystem.

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Our Team