This weekend should be the height of Chicago's warm fall weather... So get outside while you can!  The Randolph Street Market thankfully takes place all year round now, but there's still something special about the sprawling outdoor extravaganza set-up.

On Friday evening, yours truly will get a sneak peek of the market, since I was chosen to be part of RSM's Annual Editor's And Designer's Choice For Charity.  A whole host of media and design figures will be checking things out early and selecting favorites that will then be showcased to benefit individual charities. I couldn't refuse a free cocktail and a chance at an early preview, but the chance to highlight a few unique items while making selections to benefit a favorite charity were really motivating. I'll be sure to Tweet and post about my own 'choices' so that you can check them out for yourself over the weekend.  I imagine it'll be hard to resist buying my own favorite items!

The markets are really fun and unique to Chicago. Hundreds of dealers set up shop for the weekend, and depending on your own needs or just your mood, you can spend hours browsing through vintage magnets, patches or pins. You can get silver candleabras for a steal (I still regret not picking up a fabulous pair back in February...), and you can find vintage clothing to die for. You can also use the market as an excuse to shake things up - buy a few pairs of vintage specs to give out to friends for a party, or to just avoid getting stuck in an eyeglass rut. You can find a range of furniture and accessories that will be right at home in a chic modern apartment, or perhaps you're looking to try your hand at reupholstery and you're looking for some pieces with good bones in need up an update. Trust me, it's all here, and you can find it if you just keep your eyes open and look. Overall, the place is just whacky, which adds to the fun. Sally and her team also always keep things interesting by making sure there's good food and music.

See you there!

Who are these 'Editors?' Here's a sampling: Kevin Aeh/Time Out Chicago, Rebecca Taras/Refinery29, Ginny Van Alyea/Chicago Gallery News, Arianne Nardo/Interiors, James Barra/Interiors, Rebecca Michuda/Today's Chicago Woman, Talia Pines/CS, William Bragadoccio/Men’s Street Fashion, Molly Each/Chicago Sun Times Splash, Ana Founa/chi-stylemaven.blogspot.com, Haley Giambalvo/Design Improvised, Jaye Goody/Curvatude, Barri Leiner Grant/m&b Vintage Smitten, Mitch Obstfeld/i4design, Tricia Royal/bitsandbobbins.com, Lisa Skolnik/Writer, Meg Mathis/Michigan Ave, Ashley Nicole Catherine/ashleynicolecatherine.blogspot.com, Carmen Rivera/Chicago Magazine, Rochelle Vayo Adkinson/Bring it Home, Jessie Kalin/Windy City Live, Katie Cahnmann/Nowyouknowevents.com, Candace Jordan/Candid Candace, Jen Luby/Second City Soiree, Cait Weingartner/prettyandfun.com, and Alison Fraker/Brown Eyed Style.

Interior designers include: Grace Sielaff, Lisa Simeone, Marshall Erb, Michael & Lori Anthony, Ramsey Jay Prince, Julia Buckingham Edelmann, Jennie Bishop, Erin Shakoor, Divas N Design, Linc Thelen, Kenneth Walter, Richard Abrahamson, Fernando Soler, Shane Inman, Michael Del Piero Good Design, Edyta Czajkowska and more picking the best booth designs as well!!

Randolph Street Market: September 29+30, 2012
1340 W. Washington, Chicago • Over Eight Acres of Indoor & Outdoor Shopping, Rain or Shine

10am-6pm Sat & 10am-5pm Sun • Admission Good For Both Days
kids under 12 FREE • Free Downtown Furniture Delivery  • Trolley from Water Tower Place • *Pet Friendly

Advance discount tickets available now - click HERE to purchase

• General Admission: $10 at the gate, $8 in advance
• Early Buying Preview Saturday: Outdoors at 8am and Indoors at 9am: $25 at the gate, $20 in advance
Early Buy benefits Chicago House for people living with HIV/AIDS
• Student Discount Admission: $5 at the gate, $3 in advance

It’s almost here…  Chicago’s BIG opening night is just a week away.  Friday, September 7 promises to be a night jam-packed with fresh exhibitions, art and energy – found all over the city.  CGN’s Openings page has over three dozen gallery receptions listed, and there will be even more art-activity buzzing all around the city all night long.

September 7 will be a huge opening night with a ‘back-to-school’ feeling for galleries and art spaces after the summer months, and it’s just the start of a busy art-filled fall here in Chicago.  Later in the month, the city will welcome Expo Chicago to Navy Pier, September 20-23.  Stay tuned for more details on related programming during the fair including complimentary shuttles, special events, receptions and more. 

October is Chicago Artists Month (CAM), and we’re looking forward to this year’s range of events planned city-wide.  The 17^th annual CAM featured artists include Andrew Arvanetes, Hebru Brantley, Brandy Barker, Mary Ellen Croteau, Jim Duignan, Ian Ferguson, Ben Foch + Chelsea Culp, Sergio Gomez, Seana Higgins, Regin Igloria, Preston Jackson, Jeremiah Lee, Victoria Martinez, Anne McNamee, Dobrila Pintar, John Preus, Laura Shaeffer, and Selina Trepp. 

Save the date for two special CGN Saturday Gallery Tours taking place Saturday, October 13.  The River North and West Loop tours are featured CAM events including galleries that will be exhibiting work done by Chicago artists including William Conger, Betty Cleeland, Gladys Nilsson, Casey Gunschel, Brenda Moore, David Reninger and others.  See the full list of CAM events here.   

Also taking place in October is the 23rd International Sculpture Conference: Process, Patron, Public; October 4-6 at the Chicago Cultural Center and at The School of the Art Institue of Chicago.  The Antiques + Modernsim Winnetka show will run October 19-21 at the Winnetka Community House. 

We’ll head back to Navy Pier in November for the 19^th annual SOFA CHICAGO 2012 exposition.  SOFA will run November 2-4 showcasing masterworks of contemporary and modern art and design, sculpture, functional art, outsider, ethnographic, folk and visionary art, in addition to a lecture series, demos, and related programming.  Many galleries will also host opening receptions during the fair, and CGN will once again help coordinate complimentary shuttles to assist fair visitors in more easily exploring the city’s art destinations. 

In addition to these major art events this fall, CGN’s list of openings and art events is full all season long, and we’ll be adding more entries each week.  Browse the Openings and Calendar pages, pick your favorites and add them to your own calendar.  

We’ll see you in the galleries!

Attention art lovers! The holiday season has arrived and we’re inviting you to celebrate in an artsy way. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take advantage of terrific holiday prices on fine art all over Chicago for every budget! Give the lasting gift of art to a loved one or treat yourself this holiday season.

Chicago Gallery News is offering you a special insider guide on where to find this season’s specials.

Galleries Maurice Sternberg

This well-known gallery has 25 beautiful paintings starting at just $2,000.  Visit their space in the John Hancock Center at 875 North Michigan and enjoy an arty getaway when you’re in the hustle and bustle of Michigan Ave.

galleriesmauricesternberg.com  

Don Southard  

Nicholas Kilmer 

Project Onward

Friday, December 9, 12-5; Saturday, December 10, 10-4

This program at the Chicago Cultural Center is hosting a Holiday Sale and Portrait Slam, selling original artwork, hand-painted ornaments, decorated cards, and creating customized portraits (artists are willing to work from photographs too).

www.ExploreChicago.org

Roy Boyd Gallery

Dec 11 + 12, 1-6pm

The gallery is opening up their storeroom for you!

Ann and Roy from Roy Boyd Gallery will be displaying work that has been shown in the gallery over the past few decades –some works will be familiar + others a surprise-stop by for this unique peek! Royboydgallery.com

Chicago Urban Arts Society

Dec 18, 12-5pm

CUAS has last minute holiday shoppers covered - they’re hosting the Windy City Artist Alley, where artists, printmakers, illustrators + DIY artists who work in all genres and styles will set up, ready to fill your last minute shopping needs. It’s a great opportunity to check CUAS’s new space too at 600 W Cermak Rd.

chicagourbanartsociety.org

J2 Gallery

The gallery is offering a 20% discount off all limited Edition Reproductions by L. Lee Junge. And there’s no need to wait in line-order online at j2gallery.com and get free shipping using the promo code: LT0C9P

Additionally, photographer, David Mayhew is offering high quality limited Edition photographs both framed and unframed beginning at $110! Call 773-227-7900 for more info. 

L. Lee Junge 

David Mayhew 

Illinois Artisans Program Holiday Art Spree

December 14-16,10-3:30

Meet 20 artisans, learn about their craft, and purchase one-of-kind pieces at the 3-day Holiday Art Spree at the James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph at the Clark/Lake El Stop.  See an assortment of work from hand-woven table settings, printmaking, glass, paintings, and jewelry!  kschneider@museum.state.il.us

Explore more art online and stay up to date on art events throughout the year at Chicagogallerynews.com  

Dose market is back and in full swing at the River East Art Center! Dose Market is a year round market that happens once a month on a chosen Sunday and consists of over 50 stalls of selected fine food, clothes, and crafts. December 4^th from 10-5pm is when the next market will be, and in spirit of the holidays they will be open an extra hour and have a variety of seasonal treats. The first Dose was in July of this year as a result of the teaming up of the REAC and stylish and visionary individuals who wanted to bring something new to Chicago, it was a huge success. Chicago Magazine calls it a “Brooklyn flea-esque food and fashion bazaar.”

Your senses will transport you to a European market as you bask in the luscious textiles, sample exotic cheeses, and walk up and down the aisles while taking in the aroma of hot apple cider. You don’t want to miss this Chicago treasure, especially with the holidays coming up. You can find the perfect gift for all your friends and family…and maybe something for yourself.

The REAC is the perfect place for this Sunday event, providing at scenic background with a patio and a view of the ivy-covered walls that line the Chicago River, with Navy Pier close by. Dose Market showcases local artisans and restaurants, some that are already well know, like the Doughnut Vault and Franks ‘N” Dawgs, and those that are only known by a small portion, like Great Lake and Cheap Tart. You can find your favorite Chicago food stops set up with great deals and discover some new places that you will be sure to scout out after. Also indulge in the breathtaking vintage fashion booths that will drape you in Chloe, Valentino, and Chanel. The clothes and food are reason enough to attend this Sunday afternoon oasis, but there is also a plethora of other crafts and art available. From hand-knit blankets to wood carved sunglasses, you will be pleased with all of the creative booths you will encounter on your journey at the market. 

Tickets are $8 if you purchase them ahead of time online and $10 at the door, this also includes a free drink for those over 21 who want that morning mimosa to give them a lift for their shopping experience. Parking at the REAC lot at 454 E. Illinois and get your ticket validated for 4-hour parking for $6. Click here to visit their website and check out all the upcoming vendors and stores included in the December 4^th market and get your dose on!

DECEMBER 4^th from 10-4pm  ------- Get Dosed!

This weekend is an exciting time for art lovers in Chicago. The annual SOFA CHICAGO is back, now with an extra emphasis on art & design. Visit Navy Pier Friday-Sunday to see a wide range of art presented by international galleries and dealers. You’ll find many rare objects and works of art, as well as have access to outstanding lectures. Experts are around every corner, so the opportunities to learn and explore are endless. Once again SOFA is partnering with The Intuit Show of Folk & Outsider Art, so you may enjoy two fairs under a single roof. 

Visit sofaexpo.com to learn more about special exhibits and lectures at the fair to get the most out of your visit. This year’s lectures (click here for info) range from The Bluffer’s Guide to European Jewelry to Cartooning In Conflict: An Illustration of the Futility of War and It's the End of the World As We Know It...But My Art is Fine! A guide to protecting your art. Most of the lectures take place Friday and Saturday, with just one on Sunday, so plan ahead if you’re hoping to get in on the learning. Lectures are included with admission.  Tickets to the fair are available online, or at the door.  

There is certainly enough activity to keep you busy all three days this weekend.  Play hooky and come to the fair on Friday, or just wait until after work and catch some gallery openings Friday evening. Chicago Gallery News is providing a courtesy shuttle between SOFA, the Museum of Contemporary Art + the River North Gallery District all weekend. The shuttles will take you to openings on Friday.  On Saturday evening, there will be an extra stop at KM Fine Arts for their special fall exhibition, Eyes Wide Shut. KM Fine Arts is located on the 25^th floor the John Hancock Center, so you’ll have a fabulous view of the city and the lakefront from the gallery, not to mention cocktails! 

Several galleries in the River North District will have extended hours all weekend (including on Sunday!) and many will be holding opening receptions Friday evening. Take the free shuttle to Franklin + Superior and enjoy the opportunity to visit the culturally rich River North District where streets are lined with galleries and great restaurants. 

River North Gallery District

SOFA + Shuttle Hours

Friday: 11am-7pm  •  Shuttle: 12-7pm

Saturday 11am-7pm  •  Shuttle: 12-7pm

Sunday 12-6pm  •  Shuttle: 11am-2pm

For more information about SOFA and galleries visit: Chicagogallerynews.com