The big thing this month is SOFA Chicago 2003, the international exposition of Sculpture, Objects and Functional Art, taking place at Navy Pier Oct. 17-19. Now in its tenth year, SOFA Chicago has become a mecca for those who appreciate fine, cutting-edge artistry for the home and beyond. Here are a few tips to help navigate this huge, heavenly extravaganza.
An outstanding group of American artists will be recognized at the American Craft Council Aileen Osborn Webb Awards on Oct. 17, at a ceremony at SOFA CHICAGO 2003. The Webb Awards honor those whose artistry and leadership have enriched and advanced the craft field in the U.S. This year's Gold Medal award will be conferred on ceramist William Daley for 'consummate craftsmanship.' Honored Fellows will be fiber artist Ana Lisa Hedstrom, blacksmith Tom Joyce, fiber artist Norma Minkowitz, ceramist James Tanner and ceramist Kurt Weiser. The exceptional work of these award winners will be on display in a special exhibit at SOFA. In addition to the above recipients, Albert LeCoff, executive director of The Wood Turning Center, will be inducted as an Honorary Fellow, and Awards of Distinction will be presented to the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, RI, and The University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Call (800) 724-0859 or visit www.craftcouncil.org .
VBB is a survey of finely crafted works in all major disciplines (ceramic, glass, wood, metals, and fiber) by more than 20 established and mid-career artisans—including White House Collection artists Kari Lonning, Thomas Hoadley, and Peter Petrochko, among others. VBB celebrates the Object ... works that transcend their utilitarian origins to achieve greater identity, meaning, and significance.
Function+Art, a Chicago gallery specializing in contemporary studio furniture, fine craft and the decorative arts announces '2 a Tea,' a special exhibition of teapots large and small, precious and whimsical. Included are new works by 'The Artful Teapot' artisans such as Michael & Maureen Banner, Ismael Gonzalez, and Jared Jaffe, among nearly two dozen others.
Visit www.sofaexpo.com for a great, comprehensive preview to all the SOFA events!
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ehr-lüm (heir loom): Something that has special value handed on from one generation to another. For the finest in outdoor decor, ehr-lüm is a wise choice. ehr-lüm specializes in the design and construction of outdoor rooms and accessories to enhance the outdoor experience during all seasons. They also provide interior design, architecture, and general construction services. Owner Gregg Brazel operates under one central philosophy: 'ehr-lüm represents a melding of several of my interests—architecture, design and nature.' Outdoor furniture that fits your frame, outdoor rooms that fit your lifestyle and outdoor accessories that fit your personality, that's the concept of ehr-lüm. Creating products for the outdoors has been a long-time dream of Evanston resident Brazel, designer and builder. With comfort and creativity in mind, Brazel believes that any size back yard can be made into an outdoor room.
Although Brazel works with every size yard, he has a special fondness for the narrow city lots. He enjoys working with the urban lots to make them come alive. 'I believe people sometimes fail to see their potential,' said Brazel. 'They offer a challenge so when it works, it's particularly satisfying.' For more info on Gregg Brazel and ehr-lüm, please visit www.ehrlum.com; call (847) 733-0644.
Happy 10th Anniversary to Iloilo Custom Framing at 1478 W. Berwyn in Chicago. Stop in and see Jay, who I am sure will be full of enthusiasm to see you. As his gift to you, he is offering 20% off all custom framing. Jay has been a loyal supporter of the community for a decade now. Show him some love. That's Iloilo Custom Framing. Call (773) 784-3962.
Mark your calendars: The Woman's Board of Winnetka Community House will present the Midwest's 14th Annual Modernism Show Nov. 9-11 at the Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave. Top quality examples of Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts, Prairie School, Art Deco and other 20th century design movements will be available for viewing and purchase. This one is a must-see! For info, www.winnetkacommunityhouse.org or call (847) 446-0537.
GLBT Cemetery Tour ...
The Indiana University GLBT Alumni Association will be attending a historical tour of Graceland Cemetery, 4000 N. Clark, given by the Chicago Architectural Foundation Sunday, Oct. 12 at 2:30 p.m. with a social gathering to follow at Coobah, 3423 N. Southport R.S.V.P. to Nicki Bland the IU Alumni Association at 1-800-824-3044.
'Draggage' Sale
What happens to the wardrobe when a drag queen retires? Noted drag performer Charity Case has donated her entire wardrobe for a rummage sale to benefit Hell In A Handbag Productions. The company will sell hundreds of the performer's gowns, shoes, handbags, jewelry and accessories at a 'draggage' sale Sunday, Oct. 12, Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted, 2-4 p.m. Charity Case is the drag persona of community activist Rick Karlin.
6th Annual Art Open
The Chicago Art Open runs Oct. 12-19 at the third floor gallery at 847 W. Jackson Blvd. The Chicago Art Open is free to the public and viewing hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. A preview benefit party for the Chicago Artists' Coalition will be Saturday, Oct. 11, 7-11 p.m. Also included in the nine day event are visual art activities for youths and educational talks with artists. With a total of 340 exhibiting artists and artwork, this event continues to be the largest exhibition of art by Chicago artists under one roof. Call (312) 670-2060 or visit www.caconline.org .
