The annual art season storm is here. This issue was a lot of fun to put together, as we combed many calendars to plan ahead for openings, new exhibitions, art fairs, galas and celebrations. 

Chicago has a youthful spirit, but as a few institutions celebrate major milestones, we can see how deep the city’s cultural foundation really go: this fall the Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago marks its Centennial, and the School of the Art Institute turns 150 years old - it’s really something to see photos of architecture students at work at the school back in 1889.  

While we are always mindful of history, looking towards the future is a theme in the art world this season, as the first Chicago Architecture Biennial launches October 3, running through January 3, 2016. Many of the world’s top architectural minds will gather in our city to examine ‘the state of the art of architecture.’ Amidst a building boom here at home, the discussions and exhibitions that will take place for the Biennial will consider architecture’s role in not only beautifying our spaces but benefiting our citizens. Bringing this message to life, at the same time as the Biennial, is the first major retrospective of architect David Adjaye’s work at the Art Institute, curated by Zoë Ryan. 

Franck Mercurio talked to several young art world leaders who are bringing our arts scene into the future; he spoke with the new director of the DePaul Art Museum, Julie Rodrigues Widholm, as well as the Renaissance Society’s Solveig Øvstebø, plus a few ambitious members of the Art Institute’s Auxiliary Board. 

History is always being made here, and this fall Chicago will welcome a large cast of international artists and galleries, as we host three art fairs within six weeks. EXPO returns to Navy Pier for its fourth iteration, September 17-20, and it welcomes its largest tally to date, when 140 galleries exhibit the best of what is happening now in contemporary art. The Harlem Fine Art Show, part of a group of four art shows around the country, comes to Chicago’s Merchandise Mart for the second year, October 29-November 1, featuring work from the African Diaspora. The following weekend SOFA is back at Navy Pier for its 22nd year, as over 70 dealers feature sculpture, objects, functional art and design at the always-anticipated fair. 

Chicago’s unique brand of trail-blazing spirit is evident in these pages this issue. Kevin Nance interviewed veteran dealer Rhona Hoffman about her experience leading one of the most respected galleries in the country. Hoffman has paved the way for so many artists as well as other dealers. Nance also toured the collection of Helen Zell, who embraces collecting and the life-long pursuit of art with zest. 

Cheryl Pope is an example of an artist who never stops looking within herself for ways to improve her art as well as the lives of others, particularly youths subjected to violence. 

We have so many passionate figures contributing to our cultural community, and they are each building upon strong foundations to continue Chicago’s reputation as the city that works, especially when it comes to art.