Vernissage/Opening Event:
Saturday May 17th, 1–6pm
(free Hors d’ Oeuvres and Wine will be served)
Exhibit runs from May 17–May 31, 2025
Langham Chicago
333 N. Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
(valet parking available)
If you plan to attend we ask if you can RSVP
Virginio Ferrari (b.1937) is an Italian-American internationally acclaimed contemporary sculptor based in Chicago since the 1960s. He has exhibited his work in Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and throughout the United States. Ferrari’s public sculptures can be found on streets, public parks, universities, libraries, corporations and in private collections in Chicago, and all over the world.
The Ferrari Arts Foundation is a family-run 501c3 nonprofit. We are dedicated to revitalizing public spaces through the preservation and advancement of Virginio Ferrari’s art and legacy, while developing new cultural programming and community-based art initiatives. Our aim is to bring art, the public and our shared spaces into communion with one another—to curate interactions so that these relationships can be bridged, dialogues can be inspired, and new insights can be formed around the central question: how can art bring healing and wholeness for all?
In 2024, following the challenges brought by the COVID pandemic, Virginio faced the loss of his home and studio in Italy. In response, we initiated robust fundraising efforts to prepare, pack, and store his 200 artworks for shipment back to Chicago. Our goal is to preserve these masterpieces and explore innovative methods to share this incredible work with the public. We are excited to announce that we have secured a space in Chicago to house the artworks and plan to ship a container by the end of the year. (website link)
Additionally, we have embarked on a dynamic public programming initiative to launch a yearly traveling outdoor film festival celebrating diversity in art. The Alterità Film Festival will kick off this summer in Rome, Italy, and culminate along Chicago’s lakefront in the summer of 2026.
The free opening event of “Auspicio: Virginio Ferrari sculpture exhibit at the Langham Chicago” on May 17th (1–6pm) is designed to raise awareness about our foundation’s mission and generate essential funds for the shipping and preservation of these artworks in Chicago, while supporting our cultural programming efforts.
All artworks in the exhibit will be available for sale and during the opening event we will host auctions featuring smaller works, pendants, monograph books, and exclusive wine collections. If you cannot attend, we would appreciate your generous support through donations on our GoFundMe campaign.
We have named the exhibit “Auspicio,” which translates to “auspicious” in English, symbolizing our aspirations for success. This title reflects our vision for the impactful work we aim to create in the public sphere and the support we hope to garner at the Langham Chicago event. We count on the continued good energy and success from our collaborators, including private donors and organizations like the Langham Chicago, to bolster our mission during these challenging times.
For more information contact: Marco G. Ferrari, foundation@ferraristudios.com, +1-773-230-1106
A special thank you to Robert O’Hare and Manfred Raiser with the organization of this event.
“Ombre della sera”, 2013, bronze and tinos marble, 33.5” x 18”, Virginio Ferrari.
Collection of Langham Chicago.
