One of a Kind Show (Dec 2-5)

December has arrived, which means it’s time to find the perfect gift for everyone on your shopping list.  If you are in Chicago this weekend and looking for gift-giving inspiration, try the 10th Annual One of a Kind Show and Sale at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart happening this Thursday, December 2 to Sunday, December 5.

Featuring the unique creations of over 600 artists, from furniture to fashion to gourmet gifts, the One of a Kind Show and Sale also includes handmade and eco-friendly products.  For example, Abbey Brown Soap Artisan uses fair trade ingredients and locally grown organic herbs in its products.  All of the packaging is also done in house by hand.  Here is photo of one of their signature soaps:

Abbey Brown Signature Soap (http://abbeybrown.com)

Another artist featured at the One of a Kind Show and Sale, David Stine, uses only native hardwoods harvested from Stine’s family’s forests in Dow, Illinois.

David Stine Woodworking (Stinewoodworking.com)

To view the show’s artist directory and for ticket information, visit the One of a Kind Show and Sale website at http://www.oneofakindshowchicago.com.

Fusion Radio Chicago Celebrates 7TH Anniversary

Get ready for a night with live performances by the industry’s hottest dance artists at one of Chicago’s trendiest bars. Fusion Radio Chicago, an internet dance station based in Chicago, is celebrating it’s seventh year, making it the longest running dance radio station in Chicago. The celebration is sponsored by Hotel Felix, Absolut Vodka, Roscoe’s Tavern, and Comcast. The festivities will take place at the ever-popular Roscoe’s Tavern (3356 N. Halsted St.) on Friday, November 12, doors open at 8:00 p.m., admittance is complimentary.

The night features performances by the hottest new dance artists on the scene, including Wynter Gordon (performing her breakthrough smash hit, “Dirty Talk”, a collaboration with red-hot artist David Guetta), Kaci Battaglia, Erika Jayne, Vassy, and more. They’ll be tearing up the stage and pumping out their newest chart-topping beats all night long.

Guests must be 21 or older to join in the fun. Don’t miss this amazing Fusion Radio event!

Summer Heats Up in Lincoln Park

This weekend, we’re takin’ it to the streets… Racine, to be exact.

Saturday and Sunday (July 31 & August 1) mark the Second Annual Lincoln Park Arts & Music Festival, on Racine between Webster and Fullerton. Gates are open Saturday from noon ’til 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon ’til 9 p.m. This two-day event showcases nearly 100 local artisans, a variety of Lincoln Park restaurants, live music, and fun for the kids as well. Headliners Pat McGee Band and Buckwheat Zydeco play on Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 7:30 p.m., respectively. A gate donation of $7 benefits the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce, Chicago’s largest neighborhood chamber. It’s a great excuse to get outdoors and enjoy time with friends and family!

photo courtesy of lincoln park chamber of commerce

Sustainable, eco-chic art showcased at 360SEE

360SEE, 1924 N. Damen Ave.

Check out the newest show at 360SEE (1924 North Damen Ave), entitled “2nd Anniversary Show: 3rd Year, 3 New artists, 3 Media” running from July 17 through August 20 (gallery is open Monday-Saturday 10-7, and Sunday 11-2 or by appointment).

The exhibition will feature new work by Eric Bessel, Stefanie Dueck, Heidi Martin Kuster, as well as showcase work by two years of gallery represented artists and designers.

Jordan Witkov, 360SEE director and owner, hand picks artists and designers from around the country and the world exhibiting offerings exclusive to Chicago, the region, and the country. The three new artists in this show, Bessel, Dueck, and Kuster, offer unique, well-executed pieces using a variety of media elements.

Brooklyn photographer Eric Bessel’s newly completed series of photographs, grass / hair , explores the similarities in captured moments of wind-combed marsh grass and the parts and tufts of hair on the back of people’s heads.

Eric Bessel untitled #1 from grass / hair 2010

Metal sculptor, and trained blacksmith, Stefanie Dueck creates fine art, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind flatware out of her Vancouver studio. Her pieces focus on the relationship between animals, material, and environment.

Stefanie Dueck Iguana Box 2009

Chicago trained painter Heidi Martin Kuster currently creates art in Paris. Her series of work focuses on geological forms starting from a micro focus such as small pebbles and rocks developing into images that evoke the feel of vast aerial cartography. Her pieces contain hip, sustainable elements, such as tree-free paper and aluminum from organic food containers.

Heidi Martin Kuster Geographical Notations II 2010

“2nd Anniversary Show: 3rd Year, 3 New artists, 3 Media” is running for a short time only so don’t miss it! We can’t wait to view and learn more about these outstanding (and eco-friendly) works of art. For more on this must-see-event, head to www.360SEEgallery.com, and follow 360SEE on facebook and twitter.