EPAC opened on June 22, 2014, on what would’ve been Ed Paschke’s 75th birthday.

Its newly renovated building, located steps from the CTA, Metra and Kennedy expressway, features 2800 square feet of exhibition space and 1,700 square feet of educational space, alongside a re-imagination of Paschke’s Howard Street Studio. EPAC’s commitment to accessibility is reflected by its free admission and abundant open hours.

The Ed Paschke Foundation, created by Ed Paschke’s surviving children, and the Chicago-based Rabb Family Foundation came together in January of 2013 with the goal of increasing the awareness of Ed Paschke’s work and life, especially within the City of Chicago, which he was proud to call his home.

The Ed Paschke Foundation was created in part to help catalog the artist’s career and document the breadth of his work, while helping newer artists to more fully express their gifts and reach a broader audience. The founder and trustees of The Rabb Family Foundation were personally interested in Paschke’s legacy and art, and quickly agreed to help advance the mission. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by both parties, and work began.

As an art center, EPAC functions as a living, breathing place of discovery, creativity and community. EPAC also embodies Paschke’s role as a teacher and mentor through a gallery dedicated to exhibiting local talent as well as an artist residency program.
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When asked once, out of all of his work, which one was his favorite, Paschke replied;