CALLING ALL ARTISTS!!!

Sure, you may be a banker or a PR rep during the day, but on weekends, you break out the paint and easels, right? And unleash a pretty fierce, paint-brush-wielding set of skills? Or you create magic with a camera, or some fascinating textiles? Or you whip up something astonishing with the sewing needles, the woodworking tools, the pottery wheel? Or if not you, you have a friend who does?

We have some fantastic news for YOU! We're so pleased to announce the inaugural Spring art contest Artrageous, the cornerstone of a multi-dimensional, feast-for-all-senses event that we're pretty sure will set the standard for future art events in Chicago...nay, maybe in the rest of the country. Too forward of us? Take a look at the details below, you may well agree! The event involves art, food and beverages of all kind, but more on that at a future date. For now, let's just talk about the art element, shall we?

The art element features a juried competition and public voting of works on display. Artists are heartily invited to submit original works in varying disciplines and media to our jury for selection. Those pieces accepted for participation will be displayed in local retail venues and storefronts along Clark Street in Lincoln Park, where they will be viewed by residents, shoppers, and art lovers alike. Those viewing the art are encouraged to vote for their favorites, and yes, there WILL be monetary prizes!

INTERESTED? Fabulous! Please download the artists' application and art contest rules and, of course, contact us if you have questions. Please note that all entries must be submitted digitally by February 15, 2012 in the format outlined in the application! Running a bit late? No worries, you can enter as a latecomer (an additonal $20 fee) until Wednesday, February 29, 2012. After that, the contest is closed, closed, closed.

PRIZES, you ask? Awards will be offered as follows:

People's Choice - $1,000
Best of Show (Judge's Choice) - $1,000
Excellence in Photographic Arts - $500
Oils/Pastels/Watercolor - $500
Sculpture/Woodworking (if applicable) - $500
Jewelry/Clothing/Wearable Art/Design/Textiles (if applicable) - $500

TIMING, you muse? Artwork will go on display on Friday, April 20, with voting running through 5pm on Saturday, May 5. The Artrageous Artists' Reception will take place Friday, April 20, from 6pm to 8pm, and the Artrageous Awards Ceremony will be held at 5pm on Saturday, May 5. And if you're a resident or visitor to the area, prepare yourself to stroll by the pop-up galleries on Clark Street and marvel at the talents and artistic abilities of our fellow Chicagoans!