05/18/2026
What a weekend.
Thank you to every artist, writer, attendee, volunteer, and supporter who helped make the Festival of Independent Artists such a powerful experience. Over 100 independent artists filled the historic halls of Stan Mansion with creativity, vulnerability, conversation, and connection,and, you could feel it in every room.
A special thank you to our Art Speaks writers, whose words brought new life and perspective to the artwork throughout the evening, we could not have done this without you and your talent. Special mention to for being the most excellent MC and put together an amazing opening number!
We also want to recognize the artists who participated in Saturday’s Artists Speak sessions, sharing their stories, inspirations, struggles, and personal journeys with such honesty and heart. Your willingness to open up and speak about your work added an entirely new layer of meaning to the weekend.
And thank you to Stan Mansion for once again opening your incredible space to the Chicago creative community. Your venue provided the perfect backdrop for a weekend centered around art, storytelling, and human connection.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who showed up, shared their work, supported artists, purchased art, spoke with creators, and helped prove how alive and important independent art truly is.
Until next time.
-VibrantCast
