CHICAGO ( August 31, 2018 ) — The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce ( ACC ) will present the 16th annual Andersonville Arts Week, September 12-16, a month earlier than prior years. Featuring nine art genres, over 60 local businesses, and over 150 artists, ACC will highlight arts programming throughout the neighborhood over the course of a five-day event. Art genres showcased include visual, theatre, dance, music, handmade, culinary, kids/family, public, and literary.
Returning mainstays of the event include the Self-Guided Art Walk ( all week ), which transforms local businesses into art galleries visitors can enjoy at their leisure, and the popular Friday Night of Artists Receptions & Neighborhood Parties on September 14 from 5:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.
"By transforming our district into a collection of art galleries, people can visit at their own leisure and experience extraordinary art at one-of-a-kind local businesses," says ACC Executive Director Sara Dinges. "The event continues to grow, with fresh and fun programming for everyone; we invite all of Chicago to come visit and explore all Andersonville offers!"
ACC will host a pop-up Arts Week Headquarters in an available storefront at 1511 W. Berwyn from 5:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m. on Friday, September 14; 11:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 15; and 11:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 16. Staff will be on hand to answer questions for art walkers and hand out Arts Week Guides/Maps. Visitors can also relax on couches equipped with charging stations by Burrow, get to know neighborhood theatres and check out discount tickets at the League of Chicago Theatre's Hot Tix, snack on lite bites, grab a free pedi-cab ride to Friday only parties, and visit over 10 local and handmade vendors.
In honor of Arts Week, ACC is releasing two episodes of #AlwaysAndersonville: The Podcast interviewing artists participating in the event. Painter Ricky McEachern, whose work is currently on display at Appellation ( 5212 N. Clark ), will air on Tuesday, September 5, and artist and business owner Jean Cate of Martha Mae: Arts Supplies and Beautiful Things ( 5407 N. Clark ) will air on Tuesday, September 11.
Below is a snapshot of Andersonville Arts Week with highlighted daily events.
A full schedule and map of participating locations is available at andersonville.org/aaw .
ALL WEEK:
The returning district-wide Self-Guided Art Walk will feature artists on display in pop-up gallery fashion at more than 50 locations. Artists have been hand selected by participating businesses. Visitors can view art daily from 11:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m. ( specific hours vary by business ), and Arts Week guides/maps are available in advance at participating locations and at the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce office at 5217 N Clark, #3.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12:
Andersonville Farmers Market expansion on Berwyn from 4:00 p.m. — 7:00 p.m.: The Andersonville Farmers Market will expand beyond its usual footprint ( Berwyn between Ashland and Clark ) to include the east side of Berwyn from Clark to the first alley. The expansion will feature an evening designed for all ages with live performances, DIY art, and al fresco dining on community tables. Performance highlights include Gus Giordano Dance School, Merry Music Makers, a demo by Urban Pooch, and music by the VandaBobs.
The Swedish American Museum ( 5211 N. Clark ) hosts two showings at 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. of the film Reflections about artist Karin Broos, whose work is currently on display in the main gallery. Reflections is about Sara Broos relationship with her mother and their seaside trip to Latvia. The resulting film is a poetic and personal journey about fragments of life: memories, dreams, the subconscious, sorrows, shame, aging, and self-hatred. The film reflects the attempt to hold on to something, while everything is in constant change.
A presenting sponsor for Arts Week, Chicago Magic Lounge ( 5050 N. Clark ) hosts live performances at the theatre seven days a week. Wednesday night features a 7:30 p.m. performance of David Parr's Cabinet of Curiosities. Parr is creator of the critically acclaimed Magic Cabaret and a past winner on the hit TV show Penn & Teller: Fool Us. His show focuses on objects with a story — some strange, some spooky, some amusing, and all of them amazing. Click here for ticket information.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13:
Artist Chris Carlson will begin work on 3D chalk mural on the sidewalk in front of host business Cowboys and Astronauts ( 1478 W. Summerdale ). Carlson is expected to work from 9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. on September 13 and continue his creation during the same hours on Friday, September 14. Visitors are encouraged to stop by and see the progress. The finished piece will be on display during the Cowboys and Astronauts Arts Week party on Friday from 6:00 — 8:00 p.m. and throughout the weekend.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14:
Andersonville Arts Week Night of Artist Receptions & Neighborhood Parties from 5:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m. Over 50 participating businesses host parties and receptions for their featured artist( s ) throughout the district. Hours vary by business. View full party schedule. Friday night highlights include Dearborn Denim ( 5202 N. Clark ) hosting local record label Bloodshot Records who reps artists such as Ryan Adams, Andrew Bird, and Laura Jane Grace, with merchandise and vinyl on display and cocktails by Stillhouse Whiskey. American Indian artist Chris Pappan will return for the second year to Norcross and Scott ( 1476 W. Berwyn ). His work is also currently on display in the exhibit Drawing on Tradition: Kanza Artist Chris Pappan at the Field Museum. Lost Larson ( 5318 N. Clark ) will participate in the event for the first time with their own reception on Friday night in partnership with KOVAL and featuring artists Bree Schaffer and Noelle Africh, and culinary creations by Chef Bobby Schaffer.
ACC launches the Andersonville Arts Week Drink Promotion. Guests pick up an Arts Week Guide/Map from a participating business or Arts Week Headquarters ( 1511 W. Berwyn ) and visit at least five different artist receptions throughout the course of Friday evening in order to claim stickers at each to place within the Guide. After redeeming at five locations, visitors can return to Headquarters during operating hours from September 14-16 to claim one free drink ticket to either Vincent ( 1475 W. Balmoral ), Appellation ( 5212 N. Clark ), or Jerry's ( 5419 N. Clark ). The promotion is first come first serve for up to 50 free drink tickets per participating restaurant. Promotions is only valid for
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
Chicago for Chicagoans, recently named the best architectural walking tour in the city by Chicago Magazine, will lead two abbreviated walking tours of Andersonville on September 15 & 16 from 12:00 p.m. — 1:30 p.m. each day. The tour will cover the history, businesses, and architecture of North Clark Street. Tours will begin in front of the You-Are-Beautiful.com installation at Foster and Ashland and will conclude at First Slice Pie Caf�© ( 5357 N. Clark ). Each tour is pay what you can with advance RSVP required. Registration opens on Saturday, September 1.
Chicago Therapy Collective will present a special outdoor performance from 6:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m. in front of Arts Week Headquarters ( 1511 W. Berwyn ) of Trans Art Is…, an extension of their current exhibit at the Andersonville Galleria ( 5247 N. Clark ). The evening will consist of live performances by local transgender and gender non-conforming artists. Artists' will share poems, music, dance, and more. Trans Art Is… is an ongoing discursive community art project and platform that is opening, intervening, and creating content and contact between transgender and gender non-conforming artists and the Andersonville community.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16:
Jerry's Sandwiches ( 5419 N. Clark ) will host the Arts Week Closing Party & Silent Auction from 5:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m. in sponsorship with Dearborn Denim and Stillhouse Whiskey. The event is a fundraiser for non-profit, Arts of Life and invites Arts Week attendees to come by to view artwork from over 15 participating artists who have either painted a whiskey can or denim swatch for the auction. The silent auction will also feature items from local Andersonville merchants, and Jerry's will serve the popular Andersonville punch for $5 per glass. Learn more and RSVP for the event here.
A full list of participating Arts Week locations, artists, and schedule events can be found at andersonville.org/aaw . Schedule continues to be updated daily, and events are subject to change.
Presenting sponsors for Andersonville Arts Week include Chicago Magic Lounge, FOURSIDED, Gus Giordano Dance School, and Urban Pooch, with Patron sponsorship from Andersonville Galleria, Be Yoga Andersonville, Early to Bed, Philadelphia Church, StudioUs, and Women and Children First, and pedi-cab sponsorship from Chicago Magic Lounge and Chicago Methodist Senior Services.
The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce fosters a vibrant environment in which Andersonville businesses can thrive by attracting a diverse customer base; providing business support services and advocacy; and engaging in business attraction, long-range planning, and economic development.
—From a Andersonville Chamber of Commerce press release
