Art Chicago -- Breaking News
Guess it's not going to be called "Art in the Park" any longer:

Problems Send 'Art Chicago' To Merchandise Mart

CHICAGO (WBBM Newsradio 780) -- Word is the show will go on… at the Merchandise Mart.

The show in question is Art Chicago, the city's annual fine arts exhibition, that was slated to take place in Grant Park starting Friday.

But in a written statement issued late Tuesday, organizer Thomas Blackman confirmed rumors that he had to change venues.

The Sun-Times quotes an Art Chicago spokeswoman as blaming a flooring problem with an enormous tent that was set up at Grant Park for preventing the show from setting up there. But the paper says financial problems have also been swirling, with Art Chicago owner Thomas Blackman scrambling to raise cash in recent days.

This has to say something about occupancy rates at the Mart, I guess, but of course is quite a good location, if it actually happens.

Link to Sun-Times article here, with more.

Tribune rewrites handout here.

UPDATE: Crain's Chicago Business does its take here. I was unaware that an Antique Show was going on this weekend too -- and will be on the same floor at the Merchandise Mart as the relocated Art Chicago. The Mart is apparently not charging Blackman rent, either. Hmmmmm....

This puts it quite convenient to the River North galleries, since it's the same train line and just one stop (or a short cab ride) away. Also same train line as NOVA, at the Belmont stop. (I am pointing all this out since the parking situation in all these places is typically grim and gas prices are high and we just celebrated Earth Day).

This actually could be an excellent solution.
- posted by Cynthia @ 10:18 AM | | | Link |