Back in 2010, I moved to Chicago from Georgia. Honestly, it took me a while to call this city my “home.”

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At first, so many things felt unfamiliar -- the long, blistering winters, the constant gray skies, and the faster pace of urban life. But as I settled in and learned to embrace these differences, I grew proud to call myself a Chicago-based artist. This city shapes you, and over time, its rhythms have become part of my own. I first visited the Art Institute of Chicago (AIC) during my freshman year of my undergraduate school. I can remember this wild sense of awe as I wandered its halls, marveling at the inspiring works housed within.

Nearly 15 years later, the museum remains a cornerstone of my creative life. I still try to visit regularly, seeking fresh perspectives and new inspiration with each trip. For me, the AIC is more than just a museum -- it’s a space where my ideas grow and find dialogue with the historical works within its walls. I’ve put together a list of pieces from the AIC’s collection that have deeply shaped my art practice. It may sound a little corny, but these aren’t just artifacts or paintings -- they’re touchstones that have profoundly influenced how I understand the world and how I create within it.

I hope you connect with this curated list as much as I do. Whether you’re an artist, a visitor, or simply someone looking for a moment of inspiration, I hope you enjoy your time at the museum and maybe even take a nice photo with a loved one while you’re there.  :)