Andy Warhol exhibition coming to College of DuPage (2023)

You might associate Andy Warhol with soup cans or Studio 54, or maybe your kids know him from a T-shirt they saw on TeePublic. Now you can see the source.

Andy Warhol, who lived from 1928 to 1987, was an American visual artist and leader in the pop art movement.

The College of DuPage presents “WARHOL,” featuring “Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop/Works from the Bank of America Collection” from June 3 to Sept. 10. The multifaceted exhibit will be housed in the Cleve Carney Museum of Art across nearly 11,000 square-feet of exhibition space.

In addition to the 94 pieces on loan through Bank of America’s Art in our Communities program, a collection of 150 Warhol photographs and original works come from the College of DuPage’s Permanent Art Collection.

“It features original silk screens that range from the ‘60s through the ‘80s, which means it covers some of his iconic subject matter like the Soup Cans. There’s a beautiful Marilyn Monroe piece and a really fantastic set of flowers from the ‘60s as well,” said Justin Witte, curator of the museum. “Then we also have some portraits from the ‘70s and ‘80s and the very recognizable, popular Endangered Species series. There’s also … covers from Interview magazine, which he founded, and album covers he designed as well.”

[Warhol’s ‘Marilyn’ sells for $195 million, shatters record for U.S. artist]

A historical exhibit will highlight key points in Warhol’s life and career. There will be a Studio 54 experience, a Central Park-inspired outdoor space, Warhol’s interactive Silver Clouds installation and a Kids Pop Art Print Factory. Transitional spaces will feature official Warhol designed and licensed hand-printed wallpaper, an interactive map of New York featuring key locations in Warhol’s life and videos containing interviews of and about Warhol.

Witte thinks visitors will enjoy seeing Warhol’s collaborations with 19802 street pop art icon and social activist Keith Haring.

[Who has the missing sections of CPS's multimillion-dollar Keith Haring mural?]

Warhol’s work has remained ever-present in pop culture, all the way from when he worked as a fledgling illustrator, Witte said. His works translate well to myriad medias, he said.

“I think people have seen (his works) on prints and on merchandise so there is a familiarity,” he said. “It has such a bold and crisp style that I think people react to. It is so clear and so strong and so bright that I think people really enjoy that engagement with it.”

Warhol was also involved in politics, fashion, television and publishing.

“All those connections really gave him an idea of the zeitgeist,” said Diana Martinez, director of the McAninch Arts Center.

The College of DuPage will also offer additional Warhol-related programming, she added.

Additionally, there are 22 DuPage County communities that will offer Andy Warhol-related content this summer; be it public pop art, special events or business and restaurant specials. Several fire hydrants in Wheaton will be painted in pop art style. Roselle’s annual Rose Parade will be pop-art themed. Westmont will honor its famous former resident, Muddy Waters, with a Muddy/Warhol art exhibit.

“It’s very touching and inspiring to see the creativity in each community and how everybody is taking it in their own way,” she said.

Andy Warhol’s 95th Disco Birthday Bash will be Aug. 6 at College of DuPage, complete with disco dancing, a printmaking projects for the kids and an ice cream vendor.

Visiting the “WARHOL” exhibit this summer is the opportunity of a lifetime, Martinez said.

“You’re never going to see this here in DuPage County at this level, at this extent,” she said. “And all of these exhibits are being created and the historical exhibit, which is so rich in context and information and history on Andy, is just going to be here. And the Studio 54 experience is just going to be here. And our Central Park — you’re not going to see it anywhere else. I think we offer a really unique opportunity to not only see the art of an artist but to get to know the artist in a really fun and different, accessible way.”

The collection is child-friendly and also appropriate for people who aren’t art savvy, she added.

“It’s like the greatest hits,” she said. “You have the Soup Cans, you have the Myths, you have the Endangered Species. It has such a broad appeal. I think this is the perfect summer art show and I think it’s going to be a lot of fun. Andy used to say, ‘it needs to be fun, cheap and easy’. “It will be fun. It has not been easy (for us), but for the audience it will be easy to enjoy and understand and appreciate. He was quite brilliant and he taught all of us so much and he had such an impact on the way we see the world and the way things are still presented marketing-wise. I think it’s a really great opportunity for people.”

“WARHOL,” featuring “Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop/Works from the Bank of America Collection” runs June 3-Sept. 10 at the Cleve Carney Museum of Art in the McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage. Tickets are $25-$40. At 425 Fawell Blvd. 630-942-4000; Warhol2023.org.

Here are more events happening in the western suburbs and Fox Valley area this summer.

1.) Cream team

The Cream of Wheaton festival is June 1-4 at Memorial Park in Wheaton. At 225 Karlskoga Ave. 630-690-4880; wheatonparkdistrict.com/events/cream-of-wheaton. Tickets are free.

The annual fest features live music, a business expo an arts and crafts fair, food vendors and a carnival. There’s also a Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals 5K/10K, kids’ activities and a beer garden. Bands include Karla and the Phat Cats, 7th Heaven, Hi Infidelity and Planet Groove.

2. Summer splash

Raging Waves Waterpark in Yorkville is open June 3-Sept. 4. Tickets are $29.99-$54.99; infants 1 and under free. Standard parking $20; preferred $30. At 4000 N. Bridge St. (Illinois 47). 630-882-6575; ragingwaves.com.

Hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. June 3-9 and Aug. 14-18; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 10-Aug. 13 and Aug. 19-20 and 26-27; and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 2-4.

The Outback-themed water park has the Aussie Mat Dash, a six-lane racing slide; the four-person Wonambi raft ride, the Cyclone and the multi-rider Boomerang. There’s also a lazy river, wave pool, twisting slides, a kids’ area and toddler area. Lockers and cabanas cost extra. Group rates available.

3. Blues on the Fox

Blues on the Fox will be at 7 p.m. June 16 and 3 p.m. June 17 at RiverEdge Park in Aurora. Tickets are $15-$35; children 12 and under free. At 360 N Broadway. 630-896-6666; paramountaurora.com.

The 27th annual Blues on the Fox Festival returns with a fresh lineup of blues legends and rising talent playing live on the banks of the Fox River. Texas guitarist Jimmie Vaughan headlines the first night with the four-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Ruthie Foster opening. Grammy award-winner Christone “Kingfish” Ingram headlines June 17 with Kenny Neal, Mud Morganfield (Muddy Waters’ son) and Aurora’s own Joey J. Saye also performing.

4. Celebrating heritage

Geneva’s Swedish Days is June 21-25 in downtown Geneva. Tickets are free. At 11 S. Third St. 630-232-6060; genevachamber.com/festivals-events/swedish-days.

Swedish Days started more than 70 years ago to celebrate the heritage of Swedish immigrants who settled in the area. There’s a carnival, 5K run/walk, a craft beer tent, a Kids’ Day, Swedish food and marketplace, Geneva’s Got Talent contest, bands and a grand parade.

5. Music on the river

The Summer Solstice Festival is June 23-24 at Riverfront Park in Yorkville. Tickets are free; $5 for a wristband to drink alcohol. At 301 E. Hydraulic St. 630-465-0623; solsticemusicfest.com.

Mike and the Moonpies headline both nights of the 10th anniversary of Yorkville’s Summer Solstice Festival. Music starts are 5:45 p.m. June 23 and at 2 p.m. June 24. Food trucks like Freaky Fries will be on-site. Join the two- or four-mile road race at 7 p.m. June 23.

6. The New ‘Normal’

“Next to Normal,” the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, is performed June 26-Sept. 3 at the Paramount’s Copley Theatre in Aurora. Single ticket prices are TBD; subscriptions start at $75. At 8 E. Galena Blvd. 630-896-6666; paramountaurora.com.

The Paramount’s BOLD Series kicks off with this musical about a suburban mom suffering from bipolar disorder, which affects the entire family.

7. Summer sippin’

The Naperville Ale Fest — Summer Edition is from 1-5 p.m. July 8 at the Naper Settlement in Naperville. Tickets are $55-$65. At 523 S. Webster St. napervillealefest.com.

The beer fest will feature more than 150 unique craft beers and several food trucks. Early admission is at 12 p.m. Tickets get you 18 3-ounce samples as well as lawn games and music from a DJ.

8. Batavia’s bash

Windmill City Fest is July 7-9 in downtown Batavia at the Riverwalk. Tickets are free. At 327 W. Wilson St. 630-879-5235; windmillcityfest.org.

This festival, once known as Batavia Boo Boo Days, offers a pet contest, sidewalk chalk drawing competition, 5K run/walk, food and beer garden, children’s activities and carnival. Bands include Radio Gaga, Modern Day Romeos, Lounge Puppets, Johnny Russler and the Beach Bum Band and Hillbilly Rockstarz.

9. An A-Fair to Remember

The Kane County Fair is July 12-16 at the county fairgrounds in St. Charles. Tickets are $5-$10. At 525 S. Randall Road. 630-584-6926; kanecountyfair.com.

Hours are 3-11 p.m. July 12-13; noon to midnight July 14-15; 12-10 p.m. July 16. Grandstand entertainment includes demolition derbies, truck pulls, rodeos and live music. Midway entertainment includes carnival rides, magic shows, a petting zoo, Kiddy Land, Swifty Swine Racing Pigs and a car show.

10. Rollin’ on the river

Yorkville’s River Fest is July 14-15 at Bicentennial Riverfront Park in Yorkville. Tickets are free. At 131 E. Hydraulic Ave. 630-553-4357; yorkville.il.us and search the calendar.

This family-friendly fest features food, children’s activities and country music. A craft beer tasting is from 2-6 p.m. June 15.

11. Fresh Flo

Flo Rida, with special guests Ying Yang Twins, perform at 8 p.m. July 21 at RiverEdge Park in Aurora. Tickets are $49. At 360 N. Broadway. 630-896-6666; paramountaurora.com.

The rapper and songwriter is bringing hits like “Low,” “Right Round,” “Good Feeling,” “Whistle” and “Wild Ones” to the banks of the Fox River.

12. Fairy world

The World of Faeries Festival is from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 5 and from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 6 at Vasa Park in South Elgin. Tickets are $8-$15; children 12 and under are free. At 35W217 Route 31. 815-788-1630; theworldoffaeries.com.

This year’s festival features The Harp Twins, Camille and Kennerly Kitt, performing heavy metal and more on their electric harps on both days. The festival will also offer a fairy tea time, crafting time, live entertainment, bubble fun, a balloon twister, a mermaid story time and extensive vendor village.

13. Celebrating North Aurora

North Aurora Days is Aug. 4-6 at Riverfront Park. Tickets are free. At 25 E. State St. 630-897-8228; northauroradays.org.

The annual festival includes music, a beer and wine tent, children’s activities and other communitywide events.

14. Art in Aurora

Alley Art Festival is from 12-5 p.m. Aug. 26 at Water Street Mall in Aurora. Tickets are free. At 44 E. Downer Place. alleyartaurora.com.

The grassroots, family-friendly art festival features live music and local artists.

15. Naperville’s Last Fling

Last Fling is Sept. 1-4 along Jackson Avenue in Naperville. Tickets are free. At 630-961-4143; lastfling.org.

The annual Labor Day weekend celebration includes family-friendly attractions, food, a carnival and a Labor Day parade. Headlining bands include Hairbangers Ball, Too Hype Crew, 16 Candles and Hi Infidelity. Other acts include the Ron Burgundys, Mix Tape Junkies, Rick Lindy and the Wild Ones and ‘90s Pop Nation.

Annie Alleman is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.