The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is thrilled to partner with the DuSable Museum of African American History.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is grateful to partner with owner and Executive Chef at Virtue Restaurant & Bar in Chicago, Chef Erick Williams, who will compose the menu for the ArtEdge Gala. Williams describes his passion for cooking in the simplest context. “It was once said to me by my father that the search for equality is found through common ground, and sharing a meal is a universal expression of respect and dignity.” With an incredible amount of persistence and incomparable drive to attain standards in food and overall dining experiences, Williams has continued to create a niche within the restaurant industry.

Virtue has been lauded nationwide, and Williams has received recognition for his first solo concept including two Award nominations by the James Beard Foundation in the Best Chef Great Lakes category and being named Chef of the Year at the 2022 Jean Banchet Awards. In late 2021, inspired by serving takeout and delivery out of Virtue during the pandemic lockdown, Williams opened Mustard Seed Kitchen, a takeout and delivery only concept serving everyday American eats that are approachable and affordable.

Outside of the kitchen, he is devoted to making a positive impact advocating for equality for the Black community for which he received Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Mayoral Medal of Honor in 2021 for his efforts.