57th Street Art Fair: What To Know If You Go

CHICAGO, IL - The 57th Street Art Fair in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood, the oldest juried art fair in the Midwest, returns to the neighborhood for its 71st year this weekend. We've gathered everything you'll need to know before checking out this early summer Hyde Park tradition.

When?

Saturday, June 2:
11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Sunday, June 3, 2018
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Where?

The 57th Street Art Fair takes place on 57th Street, between Kenwood and Woodlawn
avenues in the vicinity of William H. Ray Elementary School, 5631 S. Kimbark Ave.

Parking

Street parking is available on the Midway Plaisance south of the fair, in addition to other streets surrounding the fair.

The Museum of Science & Industry underground parking lot at Cornel Avenue/57th Street right off of Lake Shore Drive and the University of Chicago parking lot at 55th and Ellis Avenue are the closest parking facilities to the art fair.

Reserved spots for handicap parking are on 57th Street between Blackstone and Kenwood avenues. Enter 57th Street westbound from Blackstone Avenue and notify security guard at barricades.

Public Transit

Both the Metra and CTA have stations within walking distance of the fair.

Food

Food vendors slated to be at the fair include Robinson's # 1 Ribs, Gourmet Delights, Chicago Classics, Justice of the Pies, Puffs of Doom, Cookies and Carnitas, Friends of Ray Beverage Tent.

Stop by the food court at 11:30 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday for a special treat!

Art

More than 200 artists will have their works on display and for sale at the fair. More than 30 of the artists will come from the Chicago area.

Art forms will include glass, jewelry, leather, photography, printmaking, painting, sculpture, wood, ceramics and fiber art.

Newcomer Award

This year, the coveted newcomer award was given to pottery artist, Chris Leung and painter, Barbara Opferman, who will each receive complimentary booth space and will also enjoy prominently displayed booths.

Music Lineup

Music for the event is sponsored by Buddy Guy Legends. Here's who you'll hear play during the fair on the Buddy Guy Legends Stage.

SATURDAY JUNE 2
Noon – 1:45 p.m. Matt Hendricks
2 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Eddie Taylor Jr
4:15 p.m. – 7 p.m. Tracye Eileen

SUNDAY JUNE 3
Noon - 1 p.m. Blaze Triptych
1:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Mike Wheeler
3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Dave Herrero

Who does it benefit?

The longtime partnership between the 57th Street Art Fair and William H. Ray Elementary School continues. The school provides their facilities for artists and attendees during the Fair, while profits raised benefit the Ray PTA.

Community Arts

An area for this will be located along Kimbark Avenue. It will be complete with activities for all ages to enjoy presented by year-round arts organizations from Hyde Park and other south side communities.

Kia Miakka Natisse will be showcasing The Selfie Portrait Project, a unique participatory art experience in which everyone gets the chance to be a portrait artist.

Activities

A number of groups and organizations will provide activities at the event. Among them are:

• Seminary Co-op/57th Street Books
• Hyde Park Art Center
• Project Onward
• i-NOMA/Project Pipeline
• Chicago Public Art Group
• Chicago Park District
• SkyArt
• Little Black Pearl
• Hyde Park School of Dance
• Kenwood Ballet
• Praize Productions, Inc.
• Red Clay Dance Company
• Marsha’s Music
• Hyde Park Youth Symphony
• Music Teachers of Hyde Park
• Master Mix Academy

Prohibited

• No pets are allowed unless they are registered service animals.
• No bicyles, skateboards, roller blades or roller shoes in the fair boundaries.
• Smoking and alcoholic beverages are prohibited
• No photos or video of artwork allowed without permission of the artist.
• Street musicians and unauthorized artists soliciting or displaying art in the fair boundaries is not allowed.

Also This Weekend: Hyde Park Brew Fest Extends Footprint Onto 53rd Street

Photo courtesy of 57th Street Art Fair