The Cliff Dwellers · Since 1907

Our Culture

The Cliff Dwellers pulsates with artistic energy.

Black-on-white pottery jar with large spiral designs Black-on-white pottery olla with stepped and hatched designs Black-on-white pottery jar with zigzag lightning designs

Architectural Table

Our club includes a number of very prominent architects

Book Club

We feature books with a connection to Chicago

Music Performance Series

From Jazz Night to a Classical Quintet...

Gallery Exhibits

We maintain ever-changing sulpture and artwork galleries

Theatre Club

We travel all over Chicago to see plays, musicals, and dramas

Business of Art Forum

Discuss the marketing of art with seasoned professionals

History Lecture Series

Our club feasture prominent historians and historical authors

Sketch Club

A fun and non-judgmental forum for creating art

Poetry Society

We read and discuss all types of poetry, at all skill levels

Exhibitions featuring both established and emerging sculptors showcase a variety of styles and materials. Evenings come alive with musical performances, ranging from classical chamber groups to the smooth sounds of jazz ensembles. The artistic spirit extends beyond the club walls with organized outings to theatrical productions, followed by lively discussions that delve deeper into the themes and artistic choices.

For those who prefer quieter pursuits, the Cliff Dwellers offers a haven for literary exploration. The book club delves into a diverse range of genres, sparking thoughtful discussions and introducing members to new literary voices. For the visually inclined, photography exhibits capture the world through different lenses, while the sketch club provides a space for members to hone their artistic skills in a supportive environment. Rounding out the offerings, the Architectural Table and history lecture series provide intellectual feasts, delving into the stories behind the structures that shape our world and the events that colored the past. The Cliff Dwellers' calendar ensures that there's truly something for every artistic inclination.

Recent Events & Programs

Annual Halloween Party

October 30 @ 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Members and monsters alike gathered for this year's annual Halloween Party!

The everyOther watercolor sketch group and sculptor Dawn Liddicoatt opened their exhibition with a reception at the Club.

Theatre Club members enjoyed a stellar performance by Steppenwolf ensemble members in this theatrical tour-de-force.

Members learned about jewelry fashions of years gone by over a spot of hot tea at this delightful Saturday afternoon lecture.

LatinX Night

October 23 @ 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

We partied into the night celebrating the culture of Latin America with Chicago's premiere Selena tribute band, Jocey y Grupo Etico!

Poetry Society Lunch

October 23 @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Members gathered for our monthly friendly discussion of a highlighted poet or poetic form.

Open House Chicago

October 17 @ 9:30 am - 6:00 pm

The Cliff Dwellers Club opened its doors to all of Chicago!

The UrbanWorks planning team shared insights into the future of Chicago's beloved Grant Park.

Support for the Arts

Since 2000, The Club’s Artists-in-Residence program has supported local younger artists and performers between the ages of 24 and 38 to come together during a one- year period to foster a mutual appreciation of the inter-relationship of the arts and to provide a site both for meetings and the presentation of their abilities to a compatible audience of Club members. AIR awardees pay no dues during their two-year class term, and then have the option to apply for full Club membership upon completion of the program. Applications are solicited every two years.

The Cliff Dwellers Arts Foundation, a separate, not-for- profit affiliate, makes grants to arts-oriented organizations and individuals, presenting events at The Club such as concerts, performances, and films, and sponsoring an annual music competition. Grant recipients are chosen by the full Board from qualified applications received by a set deadline each spring and fall; applications are available online and members are encouraged to invite their favorite groups to apply.