Dear Santa,
I have finally written my Christmas list; hopefully it's in time. But to speed things up, you won't have to put your elves to work on these fine items. This year you'll find no appliances, neat kitchen contraptions or clothes in request. Just swoop down into Chicago and pick up what I really want: art. Here it is, printed neatly with thorough descriptions of where to find each item in order of affordability (from least to most). Thanks, Santa. Warmly, Joanne Hinkel
No. 1: "Encircling Pursuit," painting by Peter Drake
Linda Warren Gallery
through Jan. 4
Santa, this painting is a must-have. Artist Peter Drake has used the term "cul-de-sac" (as both a French military term meaning "no way out" and as a word used to describe a suburban street) as his theme for this solo show at Linda Warren Gallery. Providing parallels between bourgeois desires and the militaristic mindset, he gives one much to consider. "Encircling Pursuit" tops my wish list: It which portrays a scene of middle class leisure, as in "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" by Georges Seurat, but includes a man running to escape in the foreground, followed by a cowboy on a horse. Drake surfaces the canvas with sandpaper and intricately paints over it to achieve a fuzzy look that I could spend hours admiring... in my living room. Price: $12,000.
No. 2: "Intuition," woodblock print by Diane Thodos
Aldo Castillo Gallery
through Jan. 28
Surely you've had to rely on your intuition before, Santa. Perhaps feeling your way through a wicked snowstorm with a pack of reluctant reindeer? So I'm sure you'll be able to relate to Diane Thodos, an artist who poignantly illustrates the effects of feelings. Her woodblock prints on display in "Neo-Expressionism," a joint show with Lorna Marsh, are raw meditations on emotion in the tradition of German expressionism. The print "Intuition," the most captivating of them all, shows a woman trapped in the contour of a valley with arms outstretched feeling her way through dark terrain. Price: call gallery.
No. 3: "Isabel Allende," a bookplate by Lorraine Peltz
Printworks Gallery
through Feb. 4
Any one of the bookplates on display in "Art of the Bookplate: A Twenty-Five Anniversary Exhibition" at Printworks Gallery would suffice, Santa. That said, the one I really want is Lorraine Peltz's "Isabel Allende," a feminine and whimsical homage to the author of "The House of Spirits." In honor of their 25th anniversary, Printworks owners Bob Hiebert and Sidney Block asked 72 artists to create bookplates devoted to famous or infamous people. Guest-curated by Audrey Nifenegger, author of "The Time Traveler's Wife," the show's artists include big names like Karl Wirsum, Vera Klement, William Conger, Jim Nutt and Gladys Nilsson. Price: $300-$2000.
No. 4: "Punk Rock Blues," serigraph by Bob Dob
DvA Gallery
This request is for my rock-'n-roll-loving husband. While the "lowbrow" art movement thrives in L.A., DvA Gallery is one of Chicago's first galleries to represent this trend. "Lowbrow" generally refers to artists heavily influenced by comics, cartoons, video, anime and rock 'n roll. Many of its pioneers were underground punk poster makers (from Frank Kozik to Derek Hess) and retro graphic designers (think Shag!). "Punk Rock Blues" by Bob Dob says it all: A burnt-out rocker sits on a park bench with a cigarette and a crow perched beside him. Limited-edition prints by Derek Hess, Glenn Barr, Eric Joyner, Bob Dob and Tara McPherson are quite affordable. Price: $25-$400.
No. 5 "King Fish," ornament designed by Tony Fitzpatrick
Chicagoartfoundation.org
Participating stores in Chicago
Being the realist that I am, Santa, I anticipate that this may be the one artwork you will bring me. The tree ornament references Christmas (which is good business for you!) and only costs $25. Paul Klein, former owner of Klein Art Works, has been galvanizing the Chicago arts community, helping to raise enough funds to make the Chicago Art Foundation a reality. Selling ornaments designed by Chicago printmaker, poet and author Tony Fitzpatrick is the latest strategy. Get on board with this exciting venture: Purchase an ornament at Chicagoartfoundation.org, or check out the list of participating stores there. Price; $25.
Subscribe in your favorite reader using the links below. To learn more about feeds and RSS, click here.
