Monthly Archive for May, 2026

5-/12-6/26 Chicago Sign & Symbols / Exhibition & Zine Release

May
15
6:30 pm

Chicago Sign & Symbols: Featuring the work of Lisa Glenn Armstrong and Atlan Arceo-Witzl
+ Chicago Sign & Symbols Issue 3 release party: Sat. 5/15, 6:30-8 pm
Exhibition runs through June 26, daily 12-6
Quimby’s Bookstore, 1854 W. North Ave, Chicago

In this exhibition Lisa Glenn Armstrong and Atlan Arceo-Witzl of the zine Chicago Signs and Symbols bring together protest posters, publications, signage reference books, and community workshop outcomes from an event held at Hoofprint back in December.

Chicago Signs and Symbols [ @chicagosignsandsymbols ] is a collaborative zine project made under the model of DIT (do-it-together) that uses Chicago’s unique signs to explore the cultural indicators of our social realities and what can be understood about Chicago’s past, present, and future through semiotics.

Chicago Signs and Symbols Volume 3 features an interview with Quimby’s alumni Echo [ @fraulein_echo ] and works submitted by Nick Marzullo, Lya Finston, Maddie Vaccaro, Scott McGaughey and printing by Raeann Van Zee [ @raeannvz ] of Bovine Press.

Lisa Glenn Armstrong [ @lisa_gl3nn ] is a Chicago-based designer, musician, and educator whose work explores the shifting boundaries between emergent technologies and traditional print processes, treating both as living systems rather than fixed tools. Collaboration is central to her approach, building frameworks that prioritize collective authorship, shared inquiry, and community engagement. Her work often unfolds as an open-ended process, where outcomes are shaped through participation.

Atlan Arceo-Witzl [ @atlanaw ] is a Mexican-American visual artist, creator, and educator based in Chicago. He is driven by a foundational urge to draw, working to redefine midwestern identity and place as a hybrid ancient-contemporary-nowness. Being a second generation printmaker and a third generation educator influences his use of graphic forms in the relief print tradition while also instigating a curiosity in print process and ephemera. He is intrigued by everyday rituals, icons, symbols, totemic objects, communication, and translation.

–.- ..- .. — -… -.– .—-. …

Pay what you can afford in person or via Venmo.
Suggested: $10
Venmo: @quimbysbookstore
Please include “Sign and Symbols” in the note!

Your generous donation directly supports artist honorariums and ensures the continuation of this program. We are so grateful for your support of local creators, Quimby’s Bookstore, and DIY culture—we truly couldn’t do it without you!

Your generous donation directly supports artist honorariums and ensures the continuation of this program. We are so grateful for your support of local authors, publishers, creators, Quimby’s Bookstore, and DIY culture—we truly couldn’t do it without you!

5/30 After Hours with The Ground Is Uneven

May
30
6:30 pm

After Hours with The Ground Is Uneven: Th. 5/28, 6:30-8 pm
Quimby’s Bookstore, 1854 W. North Ave, Chicago

The Ground Is Uneven [ @the_ground_is_uneven ] is run by Editor and Creative Writer Adam Kaz [ @kazadam97 ] in collaboration with Art Director Justin Wilde [ @justinarthurwilde ]. 

Presented with a highly visual format for a literary magazine, The Ground is Uneven presents evocative very short stories paired with visual art. Adam develops much of the content, manages the magazine’s web presence, and edits all submissions.

For After Hours The Ground Is Uneven will be inviting current and past contributors to read their work. Stay tuned for details!

After Hours is a production of Taylor Thornburg in partnership with Quimby’s!

–.- ..- .. — -… -.– .—-. …

Pay what you can afford in person or via Venmo.
Suggested: $10
Venmo: @quimbysbookstore
Please include “After Hours” in the note!

Your generous donation directly supports artist honorariums and ensures the continuation of this program. We are so grateful for your support of local creators, Quimby’s Bookstore, and DIY culture—we truly couldn’t do it without you!

Your generous donation directly supports artist honorariums and ensures the continuation of this program. We are so grateful for your support of local authors, publishers, creators, Quimby’s Bookstore, and DIY culture—we truly couldn’t do it without you!