• From the May-August 2013 print edition of Chicago Gallery News: 

 

BY MARY DEYOE

 

Buy the real thing, not a knock-off, and you’ll be happy for years to come when your piece actually holds its value. Chair pictured is from Deco 2 Midcentury Furniture Inc.

 

 

When it comes to purchasing art and furniture, an “antiques fair” may not appeal to young buyers. It sounds too expensive, too stuffy, and “just not for me.” Nothing, in fact, could be further from the truth. On April 26-29 the Merchandise Mart hosts the annual International Antiques Fair. With nearly 100 international dealers the fair is one of many excellent opportunities for individuals to find unique furniture, art, jewelry and decorative pieces for their homes. 

Speaking specifically about young and new collectors, Leslie Hindman, President and CEO of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, suggests that people should use opportunities like fairs and auctions to really enjoy the process of collecting. It’s easy (or at least appears so) to go to a mass retailer and pick out a couch or dining room table. But the thought that this is an simpler or less expensive option is just false. “People are smarter to buy objects and furniture that have history,” says Hindman. “These items actually cost about the same as anything you would buy new, and what you’re getting is unique.” 

The benefit of going to a fair is also the opportunity to talk to the dealers. The dealers want to talk to customers, to tell them about each piece—where it was made; how it was made; why the craftsmanship is significant. Dealers tend to be enthusiastic about what they do and want to share that enthusiasm about the objects with collectors. “It is an extremely fun process,” Hindman adds, “and I think people can forget to or don’t take the time to have fun and to learn.”

No matter how much or how little you purchase at a fair, auction or gallery, the experience will be far more exciting and personal than a trip to the mall or time spent online. Attending antiques-focused events will expose you to an expansive range of styles and designs. If you have only ever looked at Mid-Century Modern furniture, you may discover that you also like 19th Century French objects. “It is a fantastic opportunity to find inspiration,” says Hindman.

Hindman, who will speak on this topic in conjunction with the Fair on Saturday April 27, added that there is also financial benefit to purchasing antiques. A desk from a mass retailer is unlikely to appreciate, while an authentic antique desk undoubtedly will. 

Details about the April 27 Young Collectors Night event will be available on the Mart’s website: merchandisemartantiques.com

Apologies for not posting these pictures from the 2013 (100th anniversary) Armory Show in NYC sooner, but with a summer issue magazine deadline upon us in the office, I have been swamped.  

I went to New York earlier this month to check out the Armory Show. I visited with several Chicago galleries, and I also spoke with some other dealers from around the country. Overall, the fairs were packed, with long lines to get in by mid afternoon each day, and the vibe was busy and engaged as everyone connected with fellow art friends and tried to take in the volume of art on display.  

Below are several pictures from my wandering. Enjoy!

 

We went to the Armory Modern first on Pier 92.

Vik Muniz's puzzle piece take on Suerat's A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. 

 

A 2012 Deborah Butterfield at Danese

 

A whimsical model-size fair ground

 

A 1970s construction by Chicago artist Karl Wirsum

 

One of Picasso's Weeping Women at John Szoke's booth recalled the pieces in the current Art Institute exhibition

 

Chicago dealer Carl Hammer's booth (we also saw Tom McCormick nearby as well as Alan Koppel)

 

Next we encountered a whole different energy (and crowd) level at the Armory Contemporary on Pier 94

 

More crowds, light installations... And Jim Campbell's light installation at Bryce Wilkowitz 

 

Spiderweby like boxes around kimonos

 

More neon lights

 

Tony Tasset's snowman at Kavi Gupta's booth.  Gallery director Julia said they had to rehang the booth 3 times as of Sunday.

 

I was really into these tiny paper cutout sculptures framed in slides, by Marco Maggi at Josee Bienvenu Gallery in NY

 

More paper cutouts from envelopes

 

Tobias Bernstrup's HOPE, 2012 installation of broken down projects/rusted buildings at Andrehn-Schiptjenko from Stokholm, Sweden

 

A work by Nick Cave at Jack Shainman

 

A delicate work created by burning through fabric

 

Running into Tony Fitzpatrick in the sea of people was a welcome surprise

 

Fitzpatrick's drawing collages were on display at Perogi's booth

 

 

A sort of contemporary Miss Havisham installation featuring a digital cake tasting. Dinner for Two: Wedding Cake, Rachel Lee Hovnanian at Leila Heller Gallery

 

Rhona Hoffman's booth 

More crowds in Hoffman's booth

 

Kendell Carter at Monique Meloche

 

 

An installation devoted to camoflauge and Andy Warhol from Gagosian

MDW Fair 2012 is back and happening all weekend starting off with the Vernissage Opening Party tonight, Friday November 9 from 7pm-12am.

MDW Fair first debuted in spring 2011 as a gathering of independent art initiatives, spaces, galleries and artist groups from the Chicago area.  This year’s fair is a collaborative project between the Public Media Institute, Document, Roots & Culture, and threewalls featuring more than 75 exhibitors, publishers, and performers. MDW Fair highlights artist-run activities as well as grassroots and independent culture.

The Friday Vernissage Event invites the public to join in celebrating with food, drinks and music. From 7– 8:30pm tonight the Propellor Fund Award Ceremony is honoring the 15 winners of the 2012 Propeller Funds award. Propeller Fund is a grant for self-organized, public, and collaborative projects and is administered by threewalls and Gallery 400 at UIC. Also from 7pm until midnight tonight on the second floor of Mana Contemporary Chicago will be opening night festivities, including performance programs and libations.

For a detailed list of performances, events, and a complete list of participants throughout the weekend please check out MDW Fair 2012’s website.

When:

Saturday, November 10: 12-6pm

Sunday, November 11: 12-6pm

Where:

Mana Contemporary

2233 South Throop Street, Chicago

 

Last night much of the art world gathered at Navy Pier for the opening of EXPO Chicago, otherwise once again known as Vernissage (according to Wikipedia: A vernissage (varnishing, from French) is a term used for a preview of an art exhibition, often private, before the formal opening. Guests may be served canapes and wine as they discuss with artists and others the works in the exhibition.) Benefitting the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and made possible with support from the MCA Trustees and the Women's Board, Vernissage was a jaw-dropping chance for visitors and scenesters to get a first look at the fair, while enjoying an entertaining evening of food, drinks, entertainment and people-watching. The fair's much-talked about trio of mylar vortexes were hung from the ceiling of Festival Hall, serving as points of reference for where to find food and drinks all evening, while adding a soaring amount of shine and silver. 

I first attended Vernissage in 2003 during Art Chicago's final years on the Pier before moving to the park and then the Merchandise Mart, so what I remember was not really most art fans in Chicago recall so fondly.  However, my husband used to attend Vernissage 15 and 2 years ago, and last night he simply said that it all finally felt like the old days again.  The art was strong, the booths were big enough to let the art breathe, and the Pier showed it all off very well. 

The CGN office snapped a few photos of art and people from last night. Have a look, and then come see it all for yourself today and this weekend.  Remember you can pick up a complimentary issue of Chicago Gallery News at the fair, as well as sign up for a subscription discount.  We'll be on site at the info booth at the top of the escalator.  And of course don't forget that 4 free shuttles will be running from EXPO to the MCA to River North and the West Loop gallery districts through Saturday, 2-8pm each day.  More info may be found HERE

 

 

Expo Chicago has finally arrived and we’re anxious to see the inaugural fair and all that comes with it.  Chicago’s gallery districts will welcome fair visitors and locals alike by extending business hours, hosting special events and receptions this week and weekend.  Take advantage of this exciting time in Chicago by visiting the new fair and the city’s galleries!

Complimentary shuttles will run Thursday, September 20 – Saturday, September 22 during Expo Chicago, making stops at Navy Pier, River North, West Loop and the MCA.  Shuttles will run continuously each day from 2-8pm; please anticipate some wait time at pickup locations.  Shuttles are sponsored by Expo Chicago, the MCA, participating galleries and Chicago Gallery News. 

Shuttle Stops:

• River North Gallery District  (Superior + Franklin: on the hour / half hour)
• West Loop Gallery District  (Fulton Market + Aberdeen;  Peoria + Washington:  15 minutes before  / after hour)
• Expo Chicago / Navy Pier  (Entrance 2: 15 minutes before / after)
• Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)  (220 E. Chicago: on the hour / half hour)     
  

Hours of Operation:

• Thursday, September 20:  Expo Chicago 11am-7pm;  Shuttle 2-8pm
• Friday, September 21:  Expo Chicago 11am-7pm;  Shuttle 2-8pm
• Saturday, September 22:  Expo Chicago 11am-7pm;  Shuttle 2-8pm
• Sunday, September 23: Expo Chicago 12-6pm;  (No shuttle on Sunday)

 

From 5-8pm on Saturday, September 22, check out the River North Gallery District for art, music, drinks & food in participating galleries and businesses.  Select galleries will also offer extended business hours during the fair.  See the postcard below and contact galleries for more details.

Gallery Weekend Chicago is back for its second year, running September 21-23, offering a range of events, talks and receptions.  Click here for more details and a list of upcoming events.

Within Expo Chicago, there will be a full schedule of programs and events taking place including panel discussions, conversations with leading artists, curators, designers and arts professionals.  Learn more about Expo’s programming here.