Hyde Park Is Crazy For Art, 57s

Weather.com is promising warmish, sunny weather this weekend—just in time for the 57th Street Art Fair. This is its 57th anniversary, too, which makes it the oldest juried art fair in the Midwest. Congratulations, beloved 57th Street Art Fair. The fair is free to the public and features over 300 artists; things kick off Saturday at 11 a.m. on 57th, from Kimbark to Dorchester. Chicagoist has been to the last three fairs and has developed an obsession with the woodwork guy who makes amazing cutting boards in the shape of a fork. You can’t beat that. Also, we’re in love with this year’s poster. It’s classy but energetic, and what better way to celebrate 57 years on 57th Street than with 57 stripes? (Except maybe with some ketchup.) Hot damn, poster designed Kurt Wisthuff. Hot effin damn.
Hyde Park loves its art fair so much that an entire Arts Fest has blossomed up around it. A free trolley will schlep culture fans around between 30 arts institutions in Hyde Park, including the Frank Lloyd Wright Robie House, the Oriental Institute Museum, the DuSable Museum of African-American History, Court Theatre, and the Smart Museum of Art. Haul it to the South Side to come enjoy dance, photograhy, film, music, ancient artifacts, a calligraphy, juggling or belly-dancing lesson and more. Check out the full schedule for more info.