Congratulations to all of our SAIC community members participating in the 2026 Venice Biennale! Explore the full list of the fair’s exhibitions and participants at the link in our bio.
Image 1: Installation view of Sumakshi Singh’s (MFA 2003) work, “Permanent Address,” at the Indian Pavilion of the Venice Biennale 2026.
Image 2: Sculpture by Nick Cave, Stephanie and Bill Sick Professor of Fashion, Body and Garment, as part of international exhibition “In Minor Keys” at the Venice Biennale 2026.
Image 3: Installation by Alfredo Jaar (HON 2006) as part of international exhibition “In Minor Keys” at the Venice Biennale 2026.
We’re so grateful to Blair Disbrow (BFA 2014), Group Director at CHANEL, for speaking with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago community at last week’s CAPX Career Talk!
In case you missed it, here are some top tips for SAIC students and early-career creatives exploring fashion positions ↓
→ Your path doesn’t have to be linear. Blair moved across PR, merchandising, and editorial, and eventually to CHANEL, by staying open and following opportunities rather than a fixed plan.
→ Networking is everything, but make it intentional. Many of Blair’s opportunities came from reaching out to people directly and asking specific questions, especially fellow SAIC alums.
→ Understanding the brand matters. Knowing the company’s history and finding a personal connection to it are important for both interviews and long-term success.
→ Creative careers still require business skills. Understanding tools like Excel, knowing your industry’s software, and thinking strategically and with data are just as important as creative ability.
CHANEL is coming to SAIC next month! 👜
This CHANEL Career Talk offers a rare look inside the creative culture that drives it today. Blair Disbrow (BFA Fashion 2014), Group Director at CHANEL, will guide attendees through the brand’s history, core values, lasting influence on the luxury market, and how SAIC students and alums can get involved.
Students can register on Handshake (🔗 in bio).
Blair will share how CHANEL approaches craft and brand experience, offering insight into the systems that support its signature aesthetic and the collaborative work behind each collection. She will highlight the skills and mindsets that help emerging creatives thrive within the company and explain what students should know when exploring CHANEL’s internships and early-career roles.
About the speaker:
After graduating from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Blair moved to Manhattan and gained experience with brands such as Miu Miu and The Zoe Report. Over the past 12 years, she has held a range of roles within the house of CHANEL, contributing to fashion education, styling, content creation, developmental programming, and strategy and innovation.
This event is hosted in partnership with SAIC’s Fashion Department.
Career and Professional Experience (CAPX) events are open to SAIC students, alums, faculty, and staff. For access requests, including ASL interpretation or audio description, visit saic.edu/access.
Patrick Cottrell’s (MFA 2012) much-anticipated second novel, Afternoon Hours of a Hermit, releases next week on Tuesday, April 21. The book follows protagonist Dan Moran, a trans author who receives a mis-addressed envelope containing a childhood picture of his dead brother. Who sent this photo? And why? The eve of his brother’s memorial dinner, Dan returns to his hometown, reclaims his brother’s Honda Accord, and begins his investigation.
Read about Patrick’s inspirations while writing Afternoon Hours of a Hermit at the link in or bio!
Image 2 photo credit: Sarah Gerard
EXPO CHICAGO has begun! Explore where to find alums and other members of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago community by checking out our SAIC at EXPO CHICAGO 2026 guide. Link in bio!
Image 1: Via Mortola at the 2026 SAIC Spring Art Fair, @Krom_kruach .
Image 2: Work by Gabrielle Garland (BFA 2009) at Corbett vs. Dempsey, Booth 312.
Image 3: Installation view of works by Luftwerk (Petra Bachmaier (BFA 1999) and Sean Gallero (BFA 1998)) at SECRIST | BEACH, Booth 319.
Image 4: Installation view of “Daniel G. Baird: Margins” at PATRON Gallery. Courtesy of PATRON Gallery.
Image 5: Installation view of Alice Tippit: Rose Obsolete at DePaul Art Museum. Courtesy of The Visualist.
TODAY 3:00 PM CT | Join alum Amy Smeed (BFA 1997), Head of Animation at Walt Disney Animation Studios, as she breaks down how major animated features like Encanto, Frozen 2, WISH, and Raya and the Last Dragon come to life.
Register for this virtual event and learn more on Handshake (🔗 in bio)!
Cheryl Pope (BFA 2003, MDes 2010) is a Chicago and New York-based interdisciplinary artist known for her dynamic performances, installations, and fiber “paintings.” Her most recent solo exhibition, CHERYL POPE: ALL THERE IS, at Monique Meloche Gallery in Chicago explores the tethered and complex relationship between nature and memory. Be sure the see CHERYL POPE: ALL THERE IS at Monique Meloche before it closes later this spring!
Image 1: Cheryl Pope, courtesy of "The Art Newspaper."
Image 2: Cheryl Pope, WHERE MY HEART BEATS, 2026.
Image 3: Installation view of CHERYL POPE: ALL THERE IS at Monique Meloche Gallery in Chicago, IL.
SAIC is heading to the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) this weekend at McCormick Place. 💥 If you’re a current student or alum roaming around C2E2’s Artist Alley, showcasing your own work, or just taking it all in, come say hi at the SAIC booth!
We’ll be hosting live drawing sessions, sharing student work, connecting with creatives, and celebrating all things comics, animation, storytelling, and beyond. Stop by to chat or take a quick break with us!
Three SAIC alums are featured in the 2026 Whitney Biennial, opening to the public this Sunday, March 8 in New York City. Congratulations to Young Joon Kwak (BFA 2007), Isabelle Frances McGuire (BFA 2016), and Zach Blas (PBS 2006)!
Image 1: Young Joon Kwak, "Divine Dance of Soft Revolt (Anna, Travis, Me)," 2024. Photograph by Darian DiCanno/BFA.com, courtesy of Artsy.com
Image 2: Young Joon Kwak, photo courtesy of Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Image 3: Isabelle Frances McGuire, photo courtesy of Lyndon French.
Image 4: Zach Blas, photo courtesy of the artist.
Happy Giving Day!
Make your gift today at the link in our bio.
P.S. Gifts of $25 or more will receive a limited-edition SAIC wall calendar featuring student artwork as a heartfelt thank you.
Save the Date: SAIC Giving Day is Wednesday, March 4!
As we celebrate 160 years of creativity and resilience, your support expands access to an unparalleled arts education and empowers students to challenge convention, influence culture, and lead across creative fields.
Mark your calendar for March 4 and join us in shaping the next 160 years.
For your gift of $25 or more, you'll receive a limited-edition SAIC wall calendar as a token of our appreciation. Give now at the link in bio.
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