Public voting closes Aug. 18 for Art Institute Project Windows

Chicago voters have until Aug. 18 to weigh in on the Art Institute of Chicago’s 2026 Project Windows program, which features 90 artists across 42 neighborhoods. Chicago artist Robin Malpass is among the participants, with four abstract paintings now on view at Wintrust Streeterville’s new location in Streeterville.

Why it matters: - Project Windows pushes Art Institute programming into Chicago neighborhoods and turns storefronts and bank lobbies into public art spaces. - The voting results help determine winners in a citywide program that connects artists, businesses and neighborhood visitors. - Robin Malpass’ installation also highlights a new partnership for Wintrust Streeterville at its newest location.

What happened: - Public voting for the Art Institute of Chicago’s 2026 Project Windows program runs through Aug. 18. - Ninety artists created Willem de Kooning-inspired displays across 42 Chicago neighborhoods. - Chicago visual artist Robin Malpass partnered with Wintrust Bank Streeterville on four original abstract paintings at 200 East Grand Avenue. - The installation is visible from the bank’s lobby and exterior windows. - Visitors can vote by scanning the QR code at each display or through the Project Windows website.

The details: - Malpass is participating in Project Windows for the sixth time. - 2026 is Wintrust’s first year in the citywide program. - The project coincides with Wintrust Bank Streeterville’s move to its newest location in a newly constructed mixed-use high-rise. - Wintrust Streeterville occupies the first floor of the building at 200 East Grand Avenue. - The four paintings were created specifically for Project Windows and the new Streeterville space. - The works were positioned to engage customers, neighbors and people passing by on the street. - Malpass drew from de Kooning’s color, energetic mark-making and visible process. - The paintings were built through scrubbing, erasing, repainting and relayering. - A focal blue work uses recycled crushed glass and an old credit card, one of Malpass’ signature tools. - Winners will be announced at the Art Institute of Chicago on Aug. 20. - The public can also view and vote on all entries through the Project Windows website.

Between the lines: - The collaboration began from an existing relationship, not a one-off sponsorship. - Malpass has banked with Wintrust for years, and the Streeterville branch serves her neighborhood. - Malpass said the partnership is especially meaningful because it connects her local ties, her art practice and the neighborhood bank she uses. - Wintrust framed the project as part of its broader community engagement and support for local talent. - Project Windows has paired artists and neighborhood businesses since 2012 to extend museum-connected art beyond the Art Institute’s walls.

What's next: - Chicagoans and visitors can still vote through Aug. 18 by QR code or on the Project Windows platform. - The Art Institute will announce winners on Aug. 20. - The public can visit Wintrust Streeterville at 200 East Grand Avenue to see Malpass’ installation in person.

The bottom line: - Project Windows is using neighborhood-facing spaces to turn art viewing into a citywide public event, with Streeterville and Wintrust now part of that rotation.