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Get Off of the Couch and Into the Gallery

By Justin Sondak in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 6, 2006 4:50PM

chiartistsmonth06.jpgIt's October, which means Chicago’s arts community is once again collaborating with the City to promote its glorious self during Chicago Artists Month. Through Halloween, you may discover (or be reminded) how accessible and downright friendly that community is and, if they have their way, you'll spend the frigid months touring galleries instead of watching shameful TV. There's simply not enough time for us to visit every event in every corner of the city, but we'll try to make time for these:

Artwalk Ravenswood, October 6 - 8

Chicago Tonight's unflappable Phil Ponce helps kick off this weekend’s series of programs tonight at Peter Jones Gallery. Saturday you can enter Inside Out Art Studio’s Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest and take in hundreds of galleries along Ravenswood Avenue. Sunday, Architectural Artifacts hosts a wine tasting and dance performance.

Talk the Walk at Columbia College, October 12

The only place where a rickshaw can take you to the pimped-out Low Riders (on South Wabash), this showcase features “MP3” Midwestern Photography, Exalted Trash, and the grand opening of Anchor Graphics’ new space.

Depart-Ment, October 13-15

Organizers describe this three-day craft sale held in the industrial limbo between the United Center and Wicker Park as “a temporary autonomous zone for the shopper and the seller alike.” That means it's an alternative to the big box and little box shops we so love to talk about. No brand names, no questionable ethics, no credit cards.

Artists at Work Forum: Taking the Reigns, October 19

For these panelists, it's not enough to be an artist. They're establishing galleries, networks, publications, and new ways of thinking about the arts community. See the future at this free evening panel hosted by the Cultural Center.

Bronzeville Arts District Trolley Tour, October 26

The trolley boards at the McCormick Hyatt and rolls past five neighborhood galleries. Hold on to this moment before Bronzeville turns into the next West Town or Wicker Park and becomes sooo passé.

Beyond Teaching, I, II, III, all month long

Multimedia art shows in Pilsen and South Shore feature the work of 16 Chicago Public School arts educators. Go see it for the children!

Chicago Artists Month features artwork at more than 250 locations. More information and a comprehensive events schedule available at the Chicago Artists Resource website.