Linda Warren Gallery has changed their name from Fine Arts to Gallery and now to Projects, but their mission has remained the same.  The gallery has always been dedicated to carrying out the artistic mission of connecting people through the discussion and discourse of art.  Linda Warren Projects has moved to their new location at 327 N. Aberdeen, just around the corner from their previous West Loop home.

In celebration of their grand re-opening, there will be a reception this Friday December 9 from 6-9 pm, in conjunction with the opening of two long-time gallery artists Emmett Kerrigan and Lora Fosberg. Their new location will have two large gallery spaces, Gallery X and Gallery Y, as well as a new office, Gallery O, that will offer a selection of rotating works chosen from the roster of unique artists and new additions. The new space will act as a platform for LWP to further carry out their notions of finding art that is “engaging, and thought-provoking, challenging but not pretentious, current but not trendy.”

Emmet Kerrigan’s Grand Ave. turns its attention away from his usual industrialscapes and farmscapes and focuses more on neighborhood and houses, creating a feeling of closeness. Kerrigan uses his trademark impasto painting style, while infusing his work with overwhelming colors. He uses repetitiveness as a way to make things unique while depicting facades that still imply human life. Kerrigan also presents works made of salvaged wood from around the city and builds them into neighborhoods, mimicking the idea of children’s blocks. 

Lora Fosberg fuses the opposing forces of city life and environmental awareness into her new exhibition Fallible Memories and Wayward Fictions. She strays away from her usual colorful works and focuses on woodwork and neutral colors, as pieces of mother nature. Fosberg also wrestles with the idea of materialistic “stuff” and the opposition of holding on to and letting go of things. Both shows run through January 28.

Linda Warren Projects is also taking on a new challenge and helping out in the complex needs facing the art community.  Reinforcing the importance of art and creativity in children and adults is an ongoing process, and any programs or opportunities granted are a remarkable help. In 2012 LWP will launch Higher Art- Conscious Corporate Collecting. This non-profit organization will initially work with children from the Chicago and Los Angeles school systems, to create art that will then be bought by businesses and corporations. The school districts will receive the benefits of works sold, and will be apart of a special philanthropic experience. LWP sees the benefits of working with these larger businesses that value art and believe in its power to make a difference. 

Xavier Nuez’s beautiful photographs depict decaying parts of the city that many try to avoid. Let Nuez lead you to these alleys and ruins and give you a look around - challenge your preconceptions and maybe open your eyes to what keeps him going back for inspiration after 20 years of photographing.

20 Years of Alleys & Ruins: Dark, Menacing Spaces opens December 9th during Chicago Arts District’s 2^nd Fridays and runs until February 6, 2012; photographs will be displayed in the seven showPODs along the 1800 block of South Halsted St.

Xavier says that while photographing he’s been chased by gangs, questioned by police, accosted by crazed addicts and drug dealers, and held at gunpoint. “And yet under these trying conditions, and within the filth and stench of the city’s gutters, I find inspiration. With a family history of homelessness and with a constant belief that I was next, I found the need to dignify what has been rejected.”  

See these striking images and participate in the excitement during the last 2^nd Friday of 2011, December 9, 6-10pm at South Halsted and 18^th streets. You’ll see the photographs by Nuez that The New York Times calls masterpieces, as well as attend openings in 30 other galleries and art spaces.

Visit the 2^nd Friday info center at 1821 S Halsted St for maps and event details.

For additional information contact curator Cynthia West at: cwest@chicagoartsdistrict.org

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  

Columbia College is hosting their 3^rd annual Holiday Market in conjunction with the reopening of ShopColumbia. The event will showcase their newly renovated space and allow you to see even more student and alumni works including fine arts, housewares, fashion and children’s gifts. ShopColumbia is a student art boutique that opened in 2008 and has been very successful in selling their art. Come join in on the celebration on Friday December 9^th from 11-7 pm with a reception from 4-7 pm and Saturday from 11-5pm. Warm beverages and holiday treats will be provided at the reception and make the shopping experience that much sweeter.

The ShopColumbia Holiday Market is a great place to find unique gifts for your friends and family, while also giving you a relaxing shopping experience away from the typical department stores. If you are not able to make it to the Market don’t worry your in luck, online shopping is now available. Artist collections will be on display in the Quincy Wong Center for Artistic Expression, and artists will be present to answer questions and discuss their works. What could be better then shopping, art, holiday treats, and meting the talent behind the art. Columbia’s Holiday Market is a refreshing outlet for holiday shopping.Once you find that perfect gift you will be offered free gift-wrapping with a $10 donation to Scholarship Columbia or with a $100 purchase.

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!