Ravenswood ArtWalk Expects Biggest Year Ever – Over 300 Artists and Businesses Showing

During a time when a number of Chicago art walks are folding, the Ravenswood ArtWalk is stronger than ever.  More than 300 artists will show their work at the 9th annual ArtWalk and the “Tour of Arts & Industry.” It kicks off with an opening reception on Oct. 1 and then runs Oct. 2 and 3 along the Ravenswood Corridor in the North Center and Ravenswood neighborhoods.

“We’re excited to see the unparalleled growth of the Ravenswood ArtWalk. Our neighborhood event is now one of the premier art walks in the city. We’re proud to showcase such a diverse group of artists and businesses in our historic Ravenswood Corridor,” said Alderman Gene Schulter, 47th Ward.
The ArtWalk is free, thanks to support from dozens of neighborhood  businesses and a strong donor base.  Besides featuring the work of 300 visual artists, it also includes music, food vendors, kid activities and live graffiti wall (#30 venue).

 Mimi’s Organic Exchange (MOE) is collaborating at 2 locations (See Below for more info on artists, businesses and performances): Healing Mecca Center (Montrose Green # 37 venue ) will be an outdoor local market of information, products and services located at 1819 W. Montrose.  Stop by Metropolitan Brewing (#23 venue) for eco-sustainable art, beer, music, kids show and readings (Saturday only 12pm-3pm) and Green Urban Living Lecture (Sunday only 2pm) located at 5121 N. Ravenswood.  Both are easily accessible by train, bus, walk, bike or trolley.
“There’s something for everyone, and the event is free. Step for step, it’s the best artistic value in the city,” said Laura Engel, President RAW.

 A list of attractions is below.  For more information on ArtWalk and the “Tour of Arts & Industry” call 773-883-8858 or visit ArtWalk’s website at www.ravenswoodartwalk.org . Become a fan of ArtWalk on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RAWchicago.

*Opening Reception Awards Ceremony will honor John Wertymer, owner of the Cornelia Arts Building and Bau Graves of Old Town School Of Music. The Awards Ceremony is Friday, Oct. 1 at 4011 N. Ravenswood Ave., 7 to 10 p.m. Performances:DJ Limbs and Tarot Readings by Angelynx

*Central Gallery – Central Gallery will feature one work from each participating artist. Performances: DJ Limbs throughout the weekend & Saturday 3pm Borderland. The gallery is at 4021 N. Ravenswood Ave. (stop #1 on our map).

* Street Gallery and Live Graffiti #30– This outdoor gallery features larger works by RAW artists and showcases graffiti artists working on location at 4540 N. Ravenswood Ave. Performances:  Saturday 12:30pm Four Star Brass Band & Sunday 3:30pm Courtezan

*Kids Gallery #20 – Ravenswood Elementary School is hosting this year’s kids’ activity area with live music, craft projects and more. The Kids Gallery will be located at 4619 N. Ravenswood Ave. Performances:  kids storytime and activities Saturday featuring local author/illustrator Alexandra Gnoske with “Loui Saves the Earth,” reading and signing books at the Kids Gallery AND Metropolitan Brewery at 1pm Saturday

 The Raven Project #38–A multi-artist project that features each artist’s unique interpretation of The Raven. The Raven Project will be on display at 4226 N. Ravenswood Ave. located in the Ravenswood Health Center.

 *Old Town School Of Music Stage #5– Five live outdoor performances showcasing the diverse talent of Old Town School Of Music teachers and students will be at 4147 N. Ravenswood Ave. on Saturday at noon.

Lillstreet Art Center #10- Celebrating its 35th anniversary, will offer demonstrations and hands-on workshops for adults and children during its fall open house at 4401 N. Ravenswood Ave.

*Performance Artists – Through out the ArtWalk, musicians, puppeteers, dancers, swordsmen, comedians, spoken word , children’s shows and readings will perform at a variety of locations. You can find a performance listing in the special event section of our map. Catch the Puppetbike Show (great amusement for all ages) at 1806 W. Cuyler #46.  Ongoing Drop In:  Spirit Rising #49 will be teaching “3 MINUTES TO INNER PEACE” a meditation for a calm heart. Gong Bath Saturday and Sunday: 12pm, 2pm and 4pm.  Enjoy the architecture and garden at Beyond Design #13: Saturday 1pm & 4pm Belmondos and Sunday 2pm Pet Robot.  Full RAW Performance Schedule can be found at www.ravenswoodartwalk.org

Architectural Trolley Tour – a free trolley will run continuously throughout the weekend. A representative from Ravenswood Lakeview Historical Society will be on board to highlight the historical and architectural significance of buildings along the Ravenswood Corridor.

Outdoor Food Vendors — Local restaurants will be strategically placed to keep guests refreshed as they tour more than 50 venues along the corridor.

*Satellite Venues – In addition to the 50 venues located along the trolley route, we will have two satellite venues, including the Cornelia Arts Building featuring more than 30 open artists studios at 1800 W. Cornelia.  Plus, the Metropolitan Brewery has teamed up with Mimi’s Organic Exchange, Living Room Gallery and  Koval Distillery to host artists in a one of a kind gallery experience at 5121 N. Ravenswood Ave.

The mission of Ravenswood ArtWalk (ArtWalk) is to generate community investment in the artistic, industrial and historic importance of Ravenswood and to raise awareness for the unique hub of creative practices that exists in the neighborhood. The first ArtWalk took place in 2002 when Judith Roth, President of Chicago Women’s Caucus for Art, sought to involve her community in the celebration of Chicago Artists Month. In 2006, ArtWalk became an official 501c3 non-profit corporation. Thanks to the sustained growth and outpouring of community members, ArtWalk is the official kickoff to Chicago Artists Month.

Zirafa was cool as hell at this most recent Soapbox Series and hooked us all up with pizza! He got this one from Papa Romeo’s who has quite a few branches around Chicago. Unfortunately the pizza smelled a lot better than it tasted. Crust was pretty close to cardboard and the cheese + sauce didn’t have much flavor. Only thing it really had going for it was the grease which ended up making me feel a little sick later in the night. I ate quite a few pieces though, so there must be something that had me coming back. Try it for yourself sometime! (pic from camera phone hence the blurriness)