On View March 14 - April 19, 2026
Opening Reception Sunday, March 29, 1-4 pm
This exhibition will be the first of three for the COMPASS Curator Residency that provides an emerging curator with an opportunity to curate three shows in the Evanston Art Center’s Lobby Gallery space. The EAC’s Lobby Gallery is a space dedicated to exhibiting emerging and underrepresented artists/curators, and responds to current and social events. This dynamic and inclusive space draws in new curators, artists, and audiences.
The 2026 COMPASS Resident is Azul Alberto Nogueron. Azul Alberto Nogueron is a queer non-binary multidisciplinary artist from Chicago, IL. They began their career as an artist in Chicago, where they worked with organizations like After School Matters, Fulton Street Collective, and the National Museum of Mexican Art. They received their BA from Monmouth College and received their Master's of Fine Arts from Maryland Institute College of Art. Their current practice reflects the relationship between grief and love. Inspired by surrealism and fauvism, they are interested in the role of color and how it operates in the whimsical connection between the artist and the subject. In addition, their work addresses the dichotomy between religious beliefs and the queer experience. They are exploring their conflicting beliefs and use their own experience as a trans person to create stories of acceptance, fear, and curiosity in their paintings.
LA Jaula De Oro
Inspired by Los Tigres Del Norte song, this exhibit asks artists to respond to the illusion of the American Dream from the perspective of marginalized artists, using personal narratives of immigration, assimilation, and acceptance of identity. Artists heavily affected by ICE are featured and respond to the question of “What does it mean to be disillusioned?”. The artists selected demonstrated stories of resilience, fear, and the day to day lives of immigrants.
When selecting the artists and their work, Azul wanted to highlight the intricacies of a dire ongoing situation and have the voices of the artists truly heard. Some stories are deeply personal while others are a witness to immigrant greatness. Each piece is truly representative of the theme of the show and create a space where we can celebrate these artists for their authenticity.
Participating Artists:
Taly Inkz
Lily Guillen
Gnat Rosa Madrid
Mark Nelson
GALLERY HOURS & VISITOR INFORMATION
This exhibition will be held in the Lobby Gallery of the Evanston Art Center (EAC). Masks are optional but strongly recommended for students, visitors, and staff.
Gallery Hours
Monday–Thursday: 9am–6pm
Friday: 9am–5pm
Saturday–Sunday: 9am–4pm
HOW TO PURCHASE ARTWORK
Artwork sale proceeds benefit both the artist and the Evanston Art Center. If you are interested in purchasing artwork on display, please contact Emma Rose Gudewicz, Director of Development and Exhibitions, at [email protected] or (847) 475-5300 x 102.
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council through federal funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.