With dozens of gallery booths spread across Navy Pier’s 170,000-square-foot Festival Hall, Expo Chicago offers a prime opportunity to see new art. But is it also the right venue for someone who’s looking to begin collecting? Adam Fields, who’s been collecting for six years and has attended Expo since its inaugural, believes it is. “It showcases the majority of the local galleries and local artists,” he says. Fields is a Chicago native who now lives in New York, where he’s the founder and CEO of Arta, a start-up he describes as “Expedia for high-end art shipping.”
The fun kicks off Thursday with Unbridled: Silver Factory at Untitled (111 W. Kinzie), a free Andy Warhol-inspired celebration of adult-film performers, drag queens, socialites, musicians, and artists hosted by local burlesque icon Michelle L’amour.
“#30 Dia de los Muertos: Journey of the Soul” The National Museum of Mexican Art’s 30th annual Day of the Dead exhibition features material by more than 35 artists from across the country. Opening reception Fri 9/23, 6-8:30 PM. 9/23-12/11, National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th, 312-738-1503, nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org.
“Spun” A collaborative installation led by Kevin Maginnis that includes the work of Erik Beehn, Sabina Ott, Tony Tasset, and more. Opening reception Sat 9/24, 7-9 PM. 9/24-11/5, Stuart and Co. Gallery, 2250 W. Ohio, 312-487-1850, stuartandco.com. —Brianna Wellen v
9/22-9/25: Thu 6-9 PM, Fri-Sat 11 AM-7 PM, Sun 11 AM-6 PM Navy Pier 600 E. Grandexpochicago.com $30 three-day general admission, $20 one-day general admission, $15 group tickets
