For those of you whose New Year's resolutions include getting in touch with your artsier side, here are a few local suggestions to get you started on the right track this January (an opportunity every weekend leaves no excuses to miss out):
The Empty Bottle (1035 N. Western Ave.) isn’t just for music lovers, they love art too! The tune-savvy bar will be host to the Handmade Market this Saturday, January 8, from noon to 4pm, offering jewelry, knits, fashion and more. 21+ to attend.
The Urban Folk Circuit is a monthly event that hops among various venues throughout the city offering a bountiful selection of local artists and their handmade craft. This month, the market hits up Reggie’s Rock Club (2105 S. State St.) on Saturday, January 22nd from noon to 5pm. Headed by two Chicagoan artists and shop owners and showcasing anything from jewelry and glassware to illustrations, this event is a real-life Etsy.com without the fear of purchasing something you’ve only inspected through uploaded photographs.
If you happen to be an art-loving bride-to-be in 2011, the following weekend hosts a unique opportunity. The progressively chic Indie Wed showcases over 90 independent designers fromt the Midwest catering to all things wedding. The event will take place at the Ravenswood Event Center on January 29th from 10am to 4pm, complete with musical and dance performances, food tastings, free couples massages, runway shows, and swag bags. Tickets are on sale starting at $12.
If for some reason you happen to avoid all of these great opportunities, check out local boutiques offering the best of their community’s handmade goods. Mr. and Mrs. Digz in Andersonville and Inkling in Lincoln Park carry impeccable and affordable gifts and fashions.
Finally, if you're looking to be the one creating all of these great things, hone your skills and meet some other great artists like yourself in a variety of class options. Always wanted to learn how to use a pottery wheel or use a letterpress? Lillstreet Art Center offers the studio space of your dreams, with classes and workshops in almost every art form you could need. Newly opened artists' community Strictly Locals rents out studio space as well, combining the characteristics of an art gallery, artist’s studio, and store space to support and nurture art makers in the community. Also available within the Center will be education on sales marketing, branding, promotion, and poetry/stage readings and performances.
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