Sunday, October 25, 2026
Brenda Richter
Limited to 20 participants
Partnership with Penn Club of Chicago
Mark Rothko famously said, “A painting is not a picture of an experience; it is the experience.” Great art invites us to think deeply, feel fully, play with ideas, and embrace a bit of mystery—creating moments that linger long after we leave the gallery.
The Art of Conversation is a 90-minute museum experience, led by Art Institute of Chicago adjunct lecturer Gigi Vaffis, that transforms the way we engage with art—and with one another. Using selected works from the museum as a lens and conversation as a catalyst, participants will explore the subtle dynamics of how and why we connect through dialogue.
Together, we'll move beyond simply looking at art to experiencing it in ways that spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and uncover personal insights. The result is a richer encounter with both the artwork and ourselves—one that leaves participants with fresh perspectives, meaningful conversations, and lasting "aha" moments.
Price: Members: $15 | Non-Members: $25 Note: Museum admission additional. (Some participants with Art Institute memberships are welcome to share with other participants if available)
Registration Limit: 20 participants
About Gigi Vaffis:
Gigi Vaffis believes that art has the power to expand our thinking, deepen our empathy, and reveal the shared humanity that connects us all.
For more than 18 years, she has guided visitors through the Art Institute of Chicago's renowned collection as an adjunct lecturer in the museum's Gallery Activation and Interpretation Department. She leads customized workshops and tours that invite participants to look closely, think deeply, and engage in meaningful conversation.
Drawing on inquiry-based learning, slow looking, visitor response, and critical thinking, Gigi creates memorable experiences that transform the way people see art—and one another.
