More Ways to Enjoy Chicago for Less:

Chicago Art Gallery Walks and Receptions, Artists Open Studio Tours, Annual Art Events

Free and Low Cost Music in Chicago

See Chicago Museums for Free

See Chicago Theatre for Free

See and Experience Dance for Free in Chicago

Chicago Festivals and How To Get Free Admission to Some

Chicago Film Festivals and How to Get Free Admission to Some.

Chicago Internships

Best Chicago Happy Hours

Chicago Area Free Wine Tasting

Chicago Open Mic Nights and Poetry Slams

Chicago Coffee Houses, Juice Bars and Other "Chillin'" Venues

Chicago Free Wi-Fi Hotspots

Meeting People, Making Friends in Chicago

Volunteering as a Way to Meet Like-minded People in Chicago

Budget Chicago Accommodations

Budget and "Value" Dining in Chicago

Where to Get the Best Shopping Deals in Chicago

How to Get Free Swag as a Member of a Chicago Street Team

Chicago Farmers Markets and Natural Food Stores

Chicago Sights and Tours

Chicago Art Gallery Walks and Receptions. Chicago Artists Open Studio Tours, Annual Art Events

Open Studio Tours, Art Walks, and Gallery Openings are all wonderful opportunities to not only meet both established and emerging artists and view their latest works, sometimes in the environment of where the works are created ... but to also get a chance to meet and mingle with fellow art aficionados and even get a bite of two of some delicious hors d'oeuvre... and a sip of wine.

Chicago Art Gallery Walks and Opening Receptions

2nd Fridays Gallery Openings in the Chicago Arts District " Every 2nd Friday is 'Opening Night' in the Chicago Arts District ... an approximately 12 square block area on Chicago's near Southwest side.... about five minutes from the Chicago Loop. The neighborhood has provided a home and work space for hundreds of artists each year, over the past four decades. Established artists, sculptors, ceramicists, photographers, performance artists as well as individuals teaching in the arts have all thrived here. Many have said that this is where their best work was achieved. This artist community is characterized by open loft spaces with lots of light. Rather than facing out onto busy streets, most of these artist lofts face inward onto tranquil open garden spaces that are conducive to building a sense of community, while helping enable the creative process...."

Chicago Art Dealer's Association Starbucks Saturdays "... Meet for coffee at the River North Gallery District's Starbucks at 750 N. Franklin and join the weekly complimentary gallery tours, led by local experts. Every Saturday morning, starting at 11:00 AM – a different gallery owner or director will meet you at Starbucks Coffee and guide you through four River North Galleries. The tour lasts until about 12:30 pm. Tours do not take place on major holiday weekends. Please check our website for upcoming tour schedules...."

Lillistreet Studios 2nd Saturdays "... a community of more than 30 artists working side by side on the northside of Chicago... monthly open house...
Most studios will be open for visiting with work for sale..."

List of Chicago Galleries and schedule of openings.   Opening celebrations of new exhibits usually take place on Friday evenings. 5-8 p.m. All events are free.... and typically feature refreshments and a chance to mingle with other art aficionados.

Chicago Artist's Coalition lists

Chicago and Suburbs Art Galleries

Annual Chicago Art Walks and Events

18th Street Open Studios "... Pilsen is home to two artist colonies, and both celebrate with art walks in the fall of each year.... at the end of the month [October] ushered the west side of the neighborhood produced "18th Street Open Studios." The latter option is arguably the more avant-garde of the two walks. Known for the influence of Mexican-American muralists and Latino art, more than 60 artists will show work in 32 spaces. Most spaces are not only artists' studios but their apartments as well; expect to see a few house cats, splashes of paint on the floor and even some dirty dishes in the sink. A good starting point for the day would be Cafe Mestizo, where Rene Hugo Arceo's decidedly Mexican muralesque works are on display. You can grab a cup of coffee, munch on some churros, check out Arceo's colorful prints on the wall and chart your walking tour..."

Architectural Digest's Architecture Days early May.

Art Chicago in the Park "... Celebrating more than 25 years of annual spring art expositions in our city, Chicago welcomes you to Art Chicago in the Park -- at a spectacular location at Butler Field near Millennium Park. In tandem with what is anticipated to be a dynamic and creative show – the city also offers many other activities that have been planned for an art-filled weekend in Chicago...." Last weekend in April

Chicago Artist's Coalition's Chicago Art Open "... A unique exhibition of art by nearly 300 Chicago-based prominent, mid-career and emerging professional artists. The Chicago Art Open is the largest survey of Chicago visual art under one roof and is one of the largest non-juried art shows in the country. This exhibition is part of Chicago Artists' Month, the city-wide celebration of Chicago's rich visual arts community. A show of artworks by student artists from Chicago area colleges, universities and art schools runs concurrently in the same gallery with this professional show.... an opportunity for artists in the Chicagoland area to display their works in a non-juried professional setting... a keynote event during the ’Chicago Artists’ Month' festivities and is viewed by thousands of art lovers, collectors and enthusiasts... " See last year's Chicago Art Open information. (If link disappears, go back to the "root" link: marketplace.com.)

Navy Pier Walk: The Chicago International Sculpture Exhibition "... is an annual, outdoor, public exhibition selected by world-renown art critics/curators to present the best in contemporary sculpture. From May through October on Chicago's famous Navy Pier, Navy Pier Walk brings contemporary art, artists, and artistic practices to a diverse public in a nondiscriminatory setting. As such, the exhibition has evolved as a forum for dialogue on art outside the traditional context of the museum or gallery. By challenging conventional assumptions about public art, the exhibition encourages awareness and the questioning of one's environment, culminating in a uniquely informative experience...."

Rockwell Crossing Art Walk "... The crossing of Lincoln Square is one of the few places in Chicago where the “El-Tracks” meet street level. A quaint little part of Lincoln Square, the art walk takes place on a tree lined street with shops and restaurants. Make sure to mark your calendars to come out and show your support to the local artists of Chicago!..."

Chicago Monthly Art Openings

Kristoffer's Cafe & Bakery, a family owned and operated establishment, invites you to try the best tres leches (three milk cake) & chocoflan (chocolate cake topped with flan) among our many baked goods! Kristoffer's Cafe hosts weekly music events and monthly art openings. We provide free WI-FI internet access and our outdoor patio is now open...."

Free Arty eCards

Taschen has a great series of eCards taken from their lushly illustrated art books... to send for free... including a great photo of MAHALIA JACKSON from "Sights and Sounds of American Jazz" (Chicago).

More Ways to Live Large for Less:

Free VOIP  Talk for FREE over your broadband Internet connection using your regular phone.

Free Payday Loans  Get paid tomorrow instead of Friday. Your 1st loan is FREE.

Free Credit Report  Buying a new car or a home? Then you MUST check your credit report.

Free Laptop Computer  No kidding... there IS a way that folks are getting a laptop for FREE!

Free Satellite TV Installation  Get TV in 4 rooms for less than you're paying for cable.

Free Car  Learn how some folks are driving a car for free. Fascinating!