More than 60 works of art will be featured in this year's Renaissance Society gala and art auction, during which, Director Susanne Ghez's 40 years of leadership will be honored.  The auction will be held Saturday, September 8 in the Atlantic Ballroom of the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel (221 N. Columbus Drive); online preview opens August 15, and advance bids will be accepted. 

"Driven by curiosity, intelligence, and a profound respect for the artist, Ghez’s work has had a lasting impact on Chicago and the larger arts community," the Renaissance Society's website states.  The Renaissance Society was founded in 1915 and many herald it as one of the top museums leading edge contemporary art in the U.S. 

The auction will include works by several international artists, such as Nina Beier (Denmark), Matthew Cerletty (New York), Edith Dekyndt (Belgium), Tomoo Gokita (Japan), Kaspar Müller (Switzerland), Henrik Olesen (Germany), among many more. Here's a sneak peek.

For more information on The Renaissance Society and the annual benefit auction, click here.

photos by Jason Smith, 2011

It looks like Chicago is really getting serious about its cultural development. This April, yet another opportunity has presented itself to become a part of facilitating the maintenance and stimulation of visual arts in Chicago. In addition to the Chicago Cultural Plan that I mentioned earlier, (see: Chicago Cultural Plan Version 2.0) Hyde Park Art Center invites you to their 11th annual Spring Gala on April 14th, in honor of Dawoud Bey, Anita Blanchard, and Martin H. Nesbitt— three influential role models who have invested their careers in Chicago’s cultural community. Joined by honorary gala chair, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and co-chairs, Penny Pritzker, Bryan Traubert, and Madeline Murphy Rabb, the Art Center celebrates art, artists, and its own dedication to making change in such a flourishing and diverse community.
The event will be located at the Art Center from 7-11pm and includes, cocktails, Hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dancing, and a curated live auction conducted by Sotheby’s, Helyn Goldenberg.

Hyde Park Art Center is an open space that provides educational opportunities, public programming for adults and families, and exhibition space for creative minds and innovative artists to show work and gather collectively. Founded in 1939, the Art Center emphasizes learning and diversity within its community. 

All proceeds from this event will be given to support Hyde Park Art Center’s education, exhibition, and outreach programs that help art-makers and those curious about art, continue to see, learn, discuss, and make art.

Hyde Park Art Center
5020 S. Cornell Ave
Chicago, IL 60615
Individual Tickets: Patron $350, Sustainer $500, Benefactor $1,000