Monday night at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)&nbsp;was a big night for ten local artists, thanks to the support of Chicago's 3Arts. The charity, devoted to supporting women artists, artists of color and artists with disabilities, hosts a special event each October to announce the year's lucky recipients of unrestricted grants - inspirational windfalls or bountiful financial relief packages that are always greatly appreciated. 3Arts' has always touted its mission of providing the means for artists to freely create art and build a sustainable career, but now the charity is&nbsp;expanding programming to include residency fellowships, project support, and professional development and promotion.&nbsp;This year for the 7th annual awards,&nbsp;the grants are worth more than ever: $25,000, up from $15,000&nbsp;in&nbsp;2013.&nbsp;To date, 3Arts has raised nearly $1.5 million to directly support artists. The recipients work in a variety of arts-related fields, including the performing, teaching and visual arts. This year’s 3Arts Award recipients are: dancer&nbsp;Darrell Jones&nbsp;and choreographer&nbsp;Erica Mott; circus choreographer&nbsp;Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi&nbsp;and playwright&nbsp;Calamity West; instrumentalists&nbsp;Brandi Berry&nbsp;and&nbsp;Carlos Mejía; visual artists&nbsp;Irina Botea&nbsp;and&nbsp;Amanda Williams; and teaching artists&nbsp;Sophia Nahli Allison&nbsp;and&nbsp;Samuel Roberson. Full bios are available at <a href="http://www.3arts.org">www.3arts.org</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/chigal/rich/rich_files/rich_files/463/original/irina-botea.jpg" alt=""></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/chigal/rich/rich_files/rich_files/464/original/amanda-williams.jpg" alt=""></figure>

Big Money for Ten Lucky Chicago Artists

<h3>Passings</h3>Ruth Horwich was a spirited, devoted collector of art and a passionate patron of cultural institutions. She died July 21, 2014 at the age of 94. Ruth collected art with her late husband, Leonard, and she continued to actively collect after his death over 30 years ago. Some of Ruth’s most notable contributions to the Chicago cultural community were a collection of Alexander Calder mobiles and stabiles to the Museum of Contemporary Art (which she and her husband helped found) and the now iconic black and white Jean Dubuffet sculpture, Monument with a Standing Beast, installed outside the James R. Thompson Center. Ruth was chair of the Hyde Park Art Center for 40 years and a board member of Poetry magazine and the Art Institute of Chicago.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Anniversaries: 40, 25 and 10</h3>The University of Chicago’s Smart Museum of Art celebrates its 40th season in 2014–15 with two museum-wide exhibitions. Launching September 27, Carved, Cast, Crumpled: Sculpture All Ways takes over the entirety of the Museum. Following, Objects and Voices: A Collection of Stories (opening February 12, 2015) will showcase 17 micro-exhibitions by guest curators with a relationship to the Smart.&nbsp;Chicago Printmakers Collaborative, the city’s longest-running independent print&nbsp;workshop, is&nbsp;celebrating&nbsp;its 25th year with a retrospective, sponsored by The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, at Expo 72, opening November 14. The exhibition will feature over 50 CPC-affiliated artists and a mini workshop. A complimentary exhibit at&nbsp;Prairie State College will run November 17-December 11.The Golden Triangle, one of Chicago’s largest home furnishings stores and a national resource for fine Asian and European antiques, turns 25 this October. Established in 1989 by Douglas Van Tress and Chauwarin Tuntisak, The Golden Triangle originally sold artifacts and antiques from Thailand. Today the store includes collectables from all over Asia and Europe, and, since 2006, modern furnishings made from reclaimed exotic hardwoods as well as contemporary Chicago-made case goods and upholstered sofas and chairs.Western Exhibitions marked its 10th anniversary this past summer. The gallery started out as a nomadic enterprise but opened as a West Loop brick and mortar space in 2004.&nbsp;The Zhou B Art Center in Bridgeport will host The 10 Years of Art Innovation, a three-day event October 15-17. Brothers and artistic collaborators&nbsp;DaHuang and ShanZuo Zhou opened the center in 2004&nbsp;to create an art community to empower and mentor emerging artists. Events include an artist’s lunch, The Zhou B Gala, and Crossing Borders Third Friday.&nbsp;<h3>Moves and Changes</h3>Bert Green Fine Art has relocated to a new suite (#620) at 8 S. Michigan Ave.Pagoda Red Winnetka moved to 911 Green Bay Rd., just down from its previous location.KM Fine Arts moved from the John Hancock Center to 43 E. Oak Street, Suite B.&nbsp;Lawyers for the Creative Arts named Jan Feldman as Executive Director, following the retirement on May 1, 2014 of William Rattner. Rattner led the organization for 14 years.David Weinberg Gallery has a new mission: to provide an engaging environment for discourse on critical contemporary issues that concern our community. Joining artists with organizations in support and solidarity of their cause, the gallery will work to produce tangible change and cultivate a culture of consciousness.&nbsp;<h3>Welcome to CGN</h3>We are pleased to welcome Alan Koppel Gallery, 806 N. Dearborn, just off Chicago Ave. between River North and Michigan Ave. Moberg Gallery at deAurora in the Merchandise Mart, Ste. 1499, features contemporary painting and sculpture paired with the finest quality furnishings and accessories.&nbsp;In the West Loop Western Exhibitions, 845 W. Washington, represents a varied roster of conceptually-minded, visually innovative artists. The gallery also maintains an inventory of artist books and multiples, gathered as a sister entity and website, WesternXeditions.com. Aspect/Ratio, run by owner Jefferson Godard at 119 N. Peoria, is unique in Chicago, specializing in contemporary video art by emerging and established artists.&nbsp;In Pilsen Colby Gallery, 1626 W. 18th St., showcases avant-garde international artists.&nbsp;Regards is a brand new space at 2216 W. Chicago in Ukrainian Village run by wife-and-husband Natalie Popovic Schuh and Mike Schuh.&nbsp;In Joliet Bullet Fine Art specializes in the “Graphic Fine Art” works of artist/designer/photographer “Bullet.” Gallery Seven is a fine art photography gallery located in historic downtown Joliet, featuring work by nine participating co-op photographers.The Krannert Art Museum and Kinkead Pavilion at University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign is the second largest general fine art museum in Illinois and cares for the University of Illinois art collection. The museum is affiliated with the School of Art + Design at Illinois and the College of Fine + Applied Arts.Ayla’s Originals is a bead and jewelry boutique on the North Shore in Evanston.&nbsp;Bardo Consulting Group, Inc. helps clients acquire, maintain and disperse valuables through a network of specialists in appraisal, estate planning, conservation, framing, finance, insurance, law, security and taxation.Cynthia Noble Private Art Tours and Events offers private guided visits to art museums, galleries, private collections and public sculpture and architecture in Chicago and beyond.&nbsp;

News: Anniversaries, Moves and Welcomes

<h3>&ldquo;PERSONAL PROPERTY VALUATION COURSE SERIES&rdquo;</h3>

In partnership with the American Society of Appraisers, <a href="https://grahamschool.uchicago.edu/">The University of Chicago Graham School</a> offers a four-course series designed to prepare you for professional appraisal work and the USPAP exam. These classes focus on valuation methods that are common to all appraisers.&nbsp;

About the Program 
As the only ASA approved location in the Midwest, The University of Chicago Graham School is able to provide quality courses to a wide variety of students. Through this series, you will gain the specialized knowledge and practical hands-on experience to competently produce appraisals for a variety of specific objectives such as insurance coverage, estate tax, damage claims, charitable contributions, sale, dissolution of marriage, and equitable distribution and liquidation.

Program Structure 
Personal Property Valuation 201 &ndash; 204 must be taken in sequence. Each of the four courses is offered over a four-day period, beginning on Wednesday and ending on Saturday afternoon. This allows our course sessions to be travel-friendly to our out-of-state students.

Program Requirements 
An exam is administered at the end of each course.&nbsp; You must receive a passing grade in each course in order to enroll in the next course in the sequence.

The first course in the new series begins Wednesday, January 29.&nbsp; Register by Tuesday, January 28 by visiting <a href="https://grahamschool.uchicago.edu/noncredit/certificates/american-society-appraisers/index">grahamschool.uchicago.edu/ASCHGN.</a>

American Society of Appraisers 

Yes, collecting art really is something you can 'learn' to do. Collecting art is not so much complicated as intimidating, and the recent Collectors Colloquium was launched as a way to provide interested art enthusiasts with an overview of the art world and to give access to some local experts who can share their wisdom and insights.&nbsp; At the end of the course, participants will have learned some basics, met others who are also interested in art, and hopefully seen first hand how open and welcoming our art scene is. Art collecting isn't really a 101 course you can check off your list and be done with - Ah ha!&nbsp; I've learned how to spot the most valuable up-and-coming artists in order to make my investing forture! - it's a very personal, subjective experience that depends on your own taste and interests.&nbsp; Everyone says it, but it's true. You should buy the best art that you can afford, and you should buy work that you love - ie: you're willing to live with it and enjoy it for a very long time. &nbsp; But there are some helpful starting points to developing your eye and making smarter choices.&nbsp; Most people need some kind of direction to get started.&nbsp; Like any other dynamic topic, discussion is a big part of the learning process.&nbsp; If you've joined us already, we're pleased to have you along for the journey, as you are well on your way to a rewarding life-long pursuit to living a unique life by having art as a part of your life.&nbsp; If you haven't had a chance to join us yet, there's still time!&nbsp; And we of course would like to offer more classes like this in the future.&nbsp; To be notified of future collecting groups, please <a href="http://info@chicagogallerynews.com">email us</a>. Chicago is home to many unique galleries, artists and cultural institutions, and there are a wealth of creative resources to explore and make your own.&nbsp; Welcome to the journey! - CGNSESSIONS TO DATE:• A Passion for Collecting - Discussions with younger collectors who have been in the game for awhile and who have their own very personal stories of art and collecting passions.&nbsp; Panelists shared their collecting philosophies as well as resources.• In the White Cube - An evening with area art dealers who've nurtured the careers of younger artists, developed friendships with collectors, and those who have worked to spotlight emerging artists as well as those who may have been overlooked.&nbsp;• On the Auction Block - an evening with art experts at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, one of the area's most visible and successful auction operations.&nbsp; Collectors learned the sport of buying at auction as well as the sophisticated nature of the auction treasure hunt (and the spectacular values one can find!)NEXT UP&nbsp;• Eye for Hire (February 28, 2012 hosted by Kavi Gupta Gallery, 835 W. Washington) This session will provide an overview of the art advisory profession, and help attendees understand why collectors hire art advisors.&nbsp;• Art as Investment + The (Art) Fair Game (March 27, 2012) This session will provide an overview of how and why works of art appreciate.&nbsp; We'll also cover some highlights of the local and national art fair scene and provide an overview of how to navigate an art fair, particularly now that you've met some other like-minded art enthusiasts!Participants are still welcome to attend on an indiviudal as well as video basis - please email <a href="http://info@chicagogallerynews.com">info@chicagogallerynews.com </a>for more information.

Learn to be an Art Collector

By GINNY VAN ALYEA

Buzz abounded with the stunning news that the 30-year old Art Chicago fair (renamed Next Art Chicago but never mounted as such) has been cancelled by fair owner Merchandise Mart Properties (MMPI) a little more than 2 months before it was due to take place in late April.&nbsp; Many in the art community are disappointed at the news and will have to rearrange their spring calendars and adjust to the first spring in Chicago without an art fair in 30 years.&nbsp; Still on the cultural horizon will be the Merchandise Mart&#39;s venerable International Antiques Fair, April 27-30, and the new EXPO Chicago taking place at Navy Pier.

MMPI had this to say about the abrupt cancellation of Next Art Chicago via an emailed press release to vendors and partners:

After a thorough analysis of the art fair landscape, MMPI has determined not to move forward with the production of the 2012 edition of Next Art Chicago, and that Chicago will not remain a primary focus of its art fair business activities...It is our conclusion that the great majority of the art fair market in the United States has gravitated toward the coasts.&nbsp; This is where MMPI will be reallocating its considerable resources.

CGN featured an article by writer Kevin Nance in our January-March issue discussing why Chicago collectors don&#39;t collect Chicago art - a question that has dogged many in the art community for many years.&nbsp; Nance gave an overview of the ongoing Pacific Standard Time survey of art in LA.&nbsp; CGN&#39;s publisher also talked about why Chicago is always caught in the middle between New York and LA, when really we have legs up on both ciities because of some uniquely midwestern strengths that just happen to get overlooked.&nbsp; The Merchandise Mart was the owner of Art Chicago for just a brief time period, but unfortunately it chose to move &#39;its considerable resources&#39; &#39;toward the coasts&#39; - therefore chasing the same trendy dreams others have already been seeking.&nbsp; Chicago&#39;s been down this road before and has been left for younger, sexier enticements, but we&#39;ve also survived as much many times over.&nbsp;

Now, we look 100% hopefully and earnestly towards Expo Chicago, the highly anticipated truly international art fair that will be launching in Chicago&#39;s original art fair confines, Navy Pier by the lake, September 20-23, 2012.&nbsp; The long-running SOFA art fair, founded in Chicago, also at Navy Pier, also takes place again this fall for the 19th year.&nbsp; Onward and upward!

<a href="http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-02-08/entertainment/ct-ent-0209-art-expo-dead-20120208_1_art-chicago-ken-tyburski-mark-falanga">The Chicago Tribune </a>also reported on the story.

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