Hello from JACC!
Jewish Artists Collective Chicago (JACC) is a dynamic group of multidisciplinary artists connected by a shared Jewish heritage. Since our founding in 2016 as part of the Spertus Institute’s Midwest Jewish Artists Lab, JACC has become a hub for contemporary Jewish art in Chicago.
Our members work across a wide range of media, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and mixed media. What unites us is our passion for exploring Jewish themes and sharing those explorations with the community. Through our collective work, we aim to reflect the depth, diversity, and vibrancy of Jewish culture today.
In addition to creating art, we are deeply committed to dialogue and education. Whether through exhibits, talks, or workshops, JACC actively engages with the greater community to inspire creativity and connection.
Learn more by exploring our artists' work and our exhibit history on this website.
"Art Storm/Documenta 15", Dorit Jordan Dotan, 2022, 23.5”x16.5”, mixed media on Documenta’s Map. What happened at Documenta 15 that sparked an international debate about the line between freedom of speech and hate speech?
Introducing The Psalm Project
The Psalm Project is a collaborative exploration of Jewish text and creativity. For this initiative, JACC members respond artistically to Psalm 104, which celebrates the beauty of creation and renewal.
The project provides a platform for diverse artistic interpretations. It’s an opportunity for JACC members to connect deeply with the text and share how it resonates with their personal experiences and artistic practices.
Our first Psalm is 104, traditionally recited during Rosh Chodesh, marking the new month. This reflective and joyous psalm inspires gratitude for the natural world and its divine creation.
“Psalm 104” Jane Weintraub, 2024, 8” x 7” x 5”
Bronze, wood, acrylic, prisma color
Psalm 104 is about creation – this piece is a book, detailing day by day, the stages of creation. The colors used are the assigned hues for each of the days of creation. The wood is laser cut with a portion of the psalm adapted by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi.
“Light As a Garment: Thou Sendest Forth Thy Spirit” (Bryce Canyon NP), Beth Shadur, 2022.
13 5/8” x 15 3/8”, Watercolor
The work, from Bryce Canyon National Park, exemplifies the holiness of sacred land, how God, “Who coverest Thyself with light as with a garment, who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain”, created the glory of the earth.
“Psalm 104”, Ellen Holzblatt, 25” x 39”, ink and collage on Japanese paper,
“Let offenders vanish from earth . . .” (Psalm 104:35), Berit Engen, 2022, 9.5" x 5", linen yarn
“. . . and the wicked be no more.” (Psalm 104:35), Berit Engen, 2022, 9.5" x 5", linen yarn
Although Psalm 104 is a Psalm of praise, the thirty-fifth and last verse expresses a hope for a reversal of fortune. “I wove two tapestries to this verse as I like echoing the poetic, parallel structure of the Hebrew text.“
Out of the Narrows: The Artists’ Haggadah
Out of the Narrows: The Artists’ Haggadah is more than a Haggadah—it’s a visual midrash that reimagines the Passover story through contemporary art. Created by JACC members, this 144-page Haggadah is filled with evocative artwork and thoughtful reflections on themes of oppression, liberation, and identity.
What makes this Haggadah unique? It’s designed to enhance your Seder experience by adding a new layer of meaning through visual storytelling. It includes the full text of the Haggadah in Hebrew, English, and transliteration, making it accessible to a wide audience.
The artwork reflects the lived experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing parallels between ancient narratives and modern struggles. Through its powerful visuals and commentary, Out of the Narrows offers an engaging way to connect with Jewish tradition and spark meaningful conversations at your Seder table.
Order your copy:
- Fine Art Edition: $67.92, available at Blurb.com
- Economy Edition: $32.00, available at Barnes & Noble
For more details and glowing reviews, visit Out of the Narrows.
Upcoming Exhibit: The Space Between
The Space Between is an innovative new exhibit that explores the transformative potential of collaboration. Each JACC member has partnered with a collaborator from another artistic discipline—ranging from poets and writers to musicians and performers—to create a work inspired by the theme of "The Space Between."
This theme invites exploration of the liminal spaces in art and life: the moments of connection, dialogue, and transformation that occur in the process of creation. The resulting artworks will reflect not only individual artistic voices but also the shared inspiration that emerges from collaborative dialogue.
The exhibit is set to debut in the summer of 2025, with accompanying panel discussions, workshops, and a printed catalog highlighting the creative process behind the pieces.
Interested in hosting The Space Between or learning more? Contact Beth Shadur at
bredflame@ameritech.net or at 847.530.2558.
“The Heretic, the Scientist, the Builder and the Mystic”, Bob Magrisso, 2025 (in progress),
20” x36” x 20", carved wood cherry and maple.
Title refers to Spinoza, Einstein, Kaplan and Herschel.
Engaging with Our Community
JACC is passionate about sharing the power of art to connect, inspire, and educate. Our members offer a wide range of workshops and talks tailored to schools, synagogues, and community organizations.
Examples of our offerings include:
- Out of the Narrows: A behind-the-scenes look at the creation of our Haggadah and how art can deepen the Passover experience.
- Jewish Identity in Art: Exploring how Jewish heritage and contemporary issues intersect in artistic expression.
- Art and Social Justice: Using art as a tool for advocacy and positive change.
- Creative Workshops: Hands-on sessions in painting, calligraphy, ceramics, and more, designed to foster creativity and community.
Whether you’re looking for a thought-provoking lecture, an engaging workshop, or a creative retreat, JACC has something to offer. Fees are flexible, and programs can be customized for different ages and interests.
Explore our offerings, download our brochure or book a program: JACC in the community
Strings of Resilience: A Tribute to Violins of Hope Exhibit at Governors State University and Elgin Public Library in collaboration with the Jewish Community Centers of Chicago. This multi-media presentation at concerts across Chicagoland featured projected artwork created for this event by members of JACC who responded to the violins in the collection and the accompanying stories to testify to the strength of spirit of the musicians who played these violins and loved their instruments and their art. Art projected:
“Six Yellow Tulips in a Wilted Urn”, Berit Engen
“Kulturbund Violin Concerto”, Carol Neiger, 2022, 30" x 30", Oil on canvas
This painting reflects the miraculous survival of the Jews and the enduring power of music amidst persecution, inspired by the journey of Heinrich Herrmann’s buried violin and the resilience of the Jewish Kulturbund.
Judith Joseph's watercolor tree-painting workshop for Tu B'Shevat at North Suburban synagogue Beth El in Highland Park.
Publicity generated by the Joliet Jewish Congregation in anticipation of Hamsa making workshop with Jane Weintraub. Scheduled for April 2025
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Beth Adler www.hermanadler.com/
Dorit Jordan Dotan www.doritjordan.com
Berit Engen www.beritengen.com
Alan Hobscheid www.alanhobscheid.
Ellen Holtzblatt www.
Judith Joseph www.judithjosephstudio.
Bob Magrisso www.nightskytheology
Carol Neiger www.clneiger.com
Carly Newman www.carlynewman.com/
Rachel Ahava Rosenfeld www.
Beth Shadur www.bethshadur.com
Jane Weintraub www.janeweintraub.
Soul Accounting, Woodcut, 20” x 16.”
Currently on display in the Bradley International Print and Drawing Exhibition, Peoria, Illinois, through March 28, 2025.
JACC Artist Members:
Beth Adler www.hermanadler.com/
Dorit Jordan Dotan www.doritjordan.com
Berit Engen www.beritengen.com
Alan Hobscheid www.alanhobscheid.
com Ellen Holtzblatt www.
ellenholtzblatt.com Judith Joseph www.judithjosephstudio.
com Bob Magrisso www.nightskytheology
Carol Neiger www.clneiger.com
Carly Newman www.carlynewman.com/
Rachel Ahava Rosenfeld www.
rachelahavarosenfeld.com/ Beth Shadur www.bethshadur.com
Jane Weintraub www.janeweintraub.
com/