Art Chicago Reborn

It's no secret that the heartland's premier art fair, Art Chicago, got off to a rather rocky start last year. And even though the show did go on, there were special projects, and I believe entire booths, that never materialized because of the initial confusion. All of this led many to suspect the next version of the event might even be cancelled...like ancient Rome in flames, it looked as if it was all over for Art Chicago but the fiddling.

Even after the show was sold and the new management deployed some very convincing supporters, in force, to encourage galleries to apply for the 2007 version, most galleries I know remained sceptical. No one wanted to be part of the kind of chaos that had ensued last year.

I can't pinpoint exactly what changed my mind about applying. The enthusiasm of the new director, Tony Karman, was certainly a big part of it. The idea that if, as it increasingly looked, this fresh approach might truly result in the fair rising from the ashes, reborn like a Phoenix, it would be exciting to be there, was part of it as well. The organization at every step of the way was incredibly upbeat, professional, and ultimately convincing.

We were very pleased to learn we had been accepted, but still remained a little nervous. What if they threw a world-class art fair, but nobody came. The proof is in the total experience, and a big part of that is attendance.

But slowly the excitement has begun to grow, and I'm beginning to hear from collectors near and far that they're curious, impressed (the VIP program for this fair is pretty astounding actually), and increasingly excited. Chicago is rolling out a very comprehensive and enticing red carpet, with a city-wide approach that combines a wide spectrum of arts and culture (learn more about this feast of options at the Artropolis website).

We'll have a booth near the cafe (we always manage to be near the food and drink...accident? I don't think so), and three of our artists are featured in a very exciting "Video Arcade" installation curated by Joel Beck of Roebling Hall. Do please stop in if you're attending. And consider coming if you hadn't already. From all indications, you'll want to say you were there the night Chicago was reborn.