Who we are
The Chicago Artist’s Skill Exchange (CASE) was created for working artists learning and growing beyond institutional frameworks. The Skill Exchange was founded as a late-night life drawing and painting club designed to fit around busy schedules and quickly evolved into a vibrant, transformative network of artists, musicians, writers, technicians, and thinkers.
Rooted in mutual learning and shared curiosity, CASE continues to nurture creative exchange and community support across disciplines.
Get involved!
CASE was built for artists, by artists—
…so we know you’ve got a few tubes of dried-up paint sitting around.
That’s why we started the Material Swap: a space to trade unused supplies for something new. Experiment, connect, trade, and swap—because your old tools might be someone else’s next breakthrough.
Online Critique Sessions –
share a folder of your work with the club over Zoom for feedback, insights, problem-solving, and encouragement.
Whether you’re stuck, curious, or just need a boost, we’re here to look, listen, and support your next move.
Sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter –
featuring artist opportunities, meetups and events, open calls, and spotlights on featured artists in our community.
Stay connected, stay inspired.
Art doesn’t need permission to exist—and neither do artists.
Building community outside of institutions creates space for learning, experimentation, and growth without the burden of debt or gatekeeping.
By supporting one another, we reclaim our creative agency and redefine success on our own terms.
Kara Mitton
Kara Mitton
Taylor Brewerton
Taylor Brewerton
Cass Waters
Cass Waters
Board of Directors