Ravenswood ArtWalk 2012

It’s been a month of milestones. Last year I met a new Meetup Group at the Ravenshood ArtWalk, which has proven to be such a lovely community. This year we didn’t coordinate a group outing, but I enjoyed revisiting the ArtWalk on my own.

The Ravenswood ArtWalk kicks off Chicago Artists Month, and showcases fine art, hand-made crafts and performance art in local businesses and galleries along Ravenswood and Sunnyside Avenues between Irving Park and Lawrence Avenues.

Surprisingly, finding parking on the Ravenswood street was easy, and there is street parking around the block as well. The Brown Line puts you in the midst of the festivities when you get off at Montrose. I saw Metra tracks, but am not sure where you would get off from that train.

I followed the sound of music to the Street Fair, where bands were playing all day long, and impromptu dances were part of the entertainment.

 Inside the Artist Tent, I saw my friend Christina Caruso.

I purchased some earrings from another vendor and smiled at the creative jewelry, prints and paintings, the mini-terrariums, pottery, hats, and other crafts in the booths. This tent was a high traffic area throughout the day.

Further down the block, around the corner, I perused the Artist Gallery, where Christina’s painting was a centerpiece.

Navona by Christina Caruso

I also bumped into an encaustic work by an artist I hadn’t met yet.

Cecil by Brad Hook

As I meandered into various galleries I couldn’t help but marvel at the creativity of people and their patience and dedication in creating their unique works of art. A bonus was that a few commented on the pendant I was wearing, a wax and wire creation I’ll be making more of for the Christmas Holiday.

Wax and Wire  pendant by Maike’s Marvels

I rounded a corner to visit Lillstreet Art Center, where I posed as a slice of pie.

Knowing what a good cause First Slice serves, I decided on a slice of Chocolate Mint pie for lunch.

Then I meandered upstairs to visit Rebecca Zemans and peruse her latest creations.

There was a lovely vintage clothing store along the way to other galleries, and I was tempted to try on some hats for my Facebook profile picture, but since no one was with me to capture the fun, I refrained. I now know where to obtain fascinators and other headwear going forward, however.

Wandering on, I had a lovely chat with Brad Hook. I had seen his work at a recent FUSEDChicago exhibit, so it was nice to meet the man behind the art, and talk about techniques, encaustic experimentation, and upcoming exhibits.

Tomorrow, I’ll be back in the neighborhood to take an art class at Lillstreet and lunch at Spacca Napoli for the Creativity for Business Day. Tickets are still available here.