SOFA

This weekend is the 18th Annual Sculpture Objects and Functional Art Fair :: otherwise known as SOFA, in Chicago, Il. It's the largest and longest continually running international gallery-based art fair. Located at Navy Pier's Festival Hall, the exhibit runs Friday, November 4th - Sunday, November 6th. 
The last time I went to SOFA was a few years ago and would love to go back some day. If you happen to be in the Chicago area this weekend I encourage you to stop by Navy Pier and check it out!

pics via SOFA

Local and International Art Happenings

Beginning this Saturday, June 3rd, the Venice Biennale is kicking off Europe's art summer!

For those of you who don't know, the Venice Biennale is one of the largest contemporary art exhibits in the world and is held every 2 years in Venice, Italy. This year, a record 89 countries will have national pavilions at the 54th Biennale, including for the first time Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Rwanda, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Andorra.

*If you're lucky enough to be in Italy between now and November 27th, I strongly encourage you to venture to Venice and check out the Biennale - you won't be disappointed!

Here are a few pics from when I was at the Biennale in 2007, and a video of my favorite installation from the exhibit.

United States Pavilion

A portion of Take Care of Yourself by Sophie Calle, (French)  

 :: One of my favorites, learn more here ::

Pre-September 11 New York Skyline Recreated with Speakers and their Shadows by Mounir Fatmi, (Moroccan)

:: there were various sounds you would hear in a city coming from each speaker ::

My favorite piece of the exhibit, Ocean Without a Shore by Bill Viola, (American)
 :: I know it's not the shortest video, but so worth it... ::

:: also this weekend ::

Happening a bit closer to home is the Edina Art Fair

Featuring 340 artists & the 2nd largest art fair in Minnesota...it should be a good time!

Friday, June 3 :: 10 - 7

Saturday, June 4 :: 10 - 7

Sunday, June 5 :: 10 - 5