A look back at the evolution of Terrain Exhibitions
2011
Terrain Exhibitions project space founded in Oak Park, IL
Edra Soto “Graft,” March 2013
Terrain Exhibitions was founded in 2011 by Sabina Ott and John Paulett at their home in Oak Park, IL. From 2011 — 2018 they hosted over one hundred public art projects on their front lawn and porch for passersby to discover.
2012
Terrain participates in Oak Park’s annual 4th of July Parade
Cauleen Smith “The Black Love Procession: Conduct Your Blooming,” July 4th, 2016
Terrain Exhibitions participated in the annual Oak Park 4th July parade from 2012 — present. Each year Sabina invited an artist to produce a float or public performance to appear as part of this important community event.
2013
Inaugural Terrain Biennial on Highland Ave in Oak Park
The inaugural Terrain Biennial took place on Highland Ave in Oak Park from September 15 — October 19. Around twenty artists participated, working with Sabina’s neighbors to produce a community-driven public art festival.
2015
Terrain Biennial expands to 60 sites in Chicago and beyond
Iris Bernblum, “Take Me With You,” Terrain Biennial 2015, Viborg, DK
Terrain Biennial 2015 included cities in Illinois near Oak Park —Chicago, Riverside, River Forest and Morris, as well as locations such as Milwaukee, Memphis, Knoxville, Sioux Falls, Asheville, Dallas, Oakland, Los Angeles, Viborg, Denmark; Ontario, Canada and Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
2017
Terrain Biennial grows to more than 120 sites worldwide
Casey Whittier, “My Promise / My Prison,” Terrain Biennial 2017, Iowa City. Photo by Jiyun Park
The Terrain Biennial 2017 was conducted over 120 sites with as many artists participating. Projects included sites across Chicagoland, Springfield, Iowa City, Los Angeles, Tucson, and Marnay-sur-Seine, France.
2018
Terrain Exhibitions becomes a 501c3 Not for Profit organization
In 2018, Terrain Exhibitions became a 501c3 Not for Profit organization established in the State of Illinois and has been led by a working Board of Directors since then. Terrain Exhibitions continues to produce the Terrain Biennial, generates ancillary programming in support of our mission, and hosts the Terrain Residency in Springfield, Illinois alongside the Springfield Art Association, and the Enos Park Residency Program.
Terrain Exhibitions site circa 2018
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