Here I come Chicago. Heading to the SOFA show.

When I found out that my husband was going to a trade how of his own in Chicago at the beginning of November a small dream came true. I am cashing in my airmile points and heading there because the world  renown SOFA (Sculpture, Objects, Functional Art  and design) show was going to be on.  It is the largest and longest playing art fair in Chicago and is running from November 1-4 at Navy’s Pier. I will be able to spend all day Friday checking out the masterworks of contemporary and modern arts and design, sculptural and functional art. I am planning to go to several lectures celebrating  50 years of glass  including one with moderator James Baker from the Pilchuck Shool of Glass and  panelists  Jean McLaughlin, Executive Director of Penland School of Crafts, Stuart Kestenbaum, Director, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Deer Isle, ME, and artist/educators Daniel Clayman, represented by Habatat Galleries, Royal Oak, MI,Jack Wax and Amy Rueffert.

Another talk I hope to hear is a discussion of the top 50 glass artists from the past 50 years of studio glass that nine critics think are the most relevant to the next fifty years.  The top artists selected include Chihuly, Brychtova/Libensky, Littleton, Wilmarth, Smith, Vallien, Tagliapietra, Eisch, and Vizner.

A trip to Chicago  would not be complete without touring the Frank Lloyd Wright museums and buildings.  I just finished reading the book Loving Frank and now I will be able to see for real what my minds eye saw while reading.

My husband and I will spend Saturday at where else but the Art Institute of Chicago to see my favourite Impressionsts and Post-Impressionists.  I will tell you more when I get back.