Today, Artadia announced the 2015 finalists for its Chicago Artadia Awards, which are given annually to artists working in the Windy City. This year’s first-round jurors were Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago curator Naomi Beckwith, Kitchen curator Lumi Tan, and Brooklyn-based artist Sara Greenberger Rafferty.

In a statement, Beckwith said of the selection process, “The encouragement, attention, and, of course funds they bring to artists are key in making sure important contemporary artists are given a platform. I’m especially thrilled to serve in a capacity that brings further support to artists in my vibrant Chicago community.”

The ten finalists for this year are:
Laura Davis
Irena Haiduk
LaMont Hamilton
Paul Heyer
Mika Horibuchi
Sabina Ott
John Preus
Terrence Reese
Laurie Jo Reynolds
Cauleen Smith

Later this month, Beckwith will do studio visits with the ten finalists. For those studio visits, she will be joined by RISD Museum curator Dominic Molon and REDCAT director and curator Ruth Estévez. The chosen awardees will be announced during this year’s Expo Chicago fair, which runs from September 17 through September 21.