Eddie Balchowsky: From the Spanish Civil War to the Streets of Chicago

Considered “Chicago’s Huck Finn” by writer Studs Terkel, Eddie Balchowsky (1916–1989) was a gifted artist, poet, and musician. After attending the University of Illinois with the intention of becoming a professional concert pianist, he joined the Abraham Lincoln Brigade and traveled to Spain to fight against Fascism. In 1937, after injuring one of his hands in battle, he returned to Chicago and enrolled at László Moholy-Nagy’s New Bauhaus (later the School of Design). Despite the injury, which ultimately resulted in the loss of his hand, Balchowsky continued to work across multiple artistic disciplines and became a central figure in Chicago’s bohemian community. This exhibition features a unique selection of works from the Bauhaus Chicago Foundation collection as well as pieces contributed by Balchowsky’s friends.

The Public Reception takes place on Thursday, July 8, 5 – 8 p.m.

Viewings take place from July 8 - September 17, during regular museum hours.