2026.05.08 The Muse

Irene Hsiao is a dancer, writer, and multidisciplinary artist. Known for creating performances that engage with visual art in various public spaces, Irene has built a reputation for her site-specific and participatory performance installations. Her artistic journey includes significant residencies and fellowships, such as being the inaugural Artist in Residence at the Smart Museum of Art and a Radicle Resident at the Hyde Park Art Center. Irene's work continues to bridge cultural and artistic boundaries, drawing audiences into an interactive dialogue with her creative expressions. Irene is currently the first Artist in Residence at the Chinese Fine Arts Society.

On May 16, Irene will present Shared Earth Flowing Water: Seed , a free community event at the Set in Stone Gathering Space in the Burnham Wildlife Corridor. This program blends dance, music, and native prairie planting, offering a unique way to celebrate spring and AAPI Heritage Month. Created in partnership with the Chinese American Museum of Chicago, the Field Museum, and the Chicago Park District, the event invites participants to engage in a stewardship activity, enhancing their connection to the natural world. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP and come prepared for an afternoon of artistic and environmental exploration.

"Shared Earth Flowing Water is a series dedicated to peace, community, and the natural world," said Irene. "The series will continue this summer with the return of Guardians of the Earth and Sky, a music, dance, storytelling, and art-making adventure inspired by Chinese constellations."