Chicago Art Fair Weekend
Chicago Art Fair Weekend
Art Fair Weekend in Chicago is a big deal in our community. Chicago has two art fairs that run simultaneously in the heart of the city. Old Town Art Fair and Wells Street Art Fair are the best art fairs in Chicago. I will be selling my photography at the Wells Street Art Fair on June 14th and 15th. This is an excellent opportunity to meet me, view my photography, and discuss all things Paris. Of course, I will also be chatting about my upcoming book, Paris Every Day, with an opportunity to preorder!
The Difference Between The Two Art Fairs
Both art fairs have a suggested donation fee, which benefits the neighborhood.
Old Town Art Fair is in the heart of the Old Town Triangle Historical Neighborhood. It will feature 200 one-of-a-kind artists, along with food and music. You can see some beautiful homes and gardens as you stroll through the neighborhood. The expected attendance is 30,000. It is a family-friendly neighborhood and event.
Wells Street Art Fair runs on Wells between North Ave and Division. There are 225 artists, food vendors from local restaurants, and music. This is a much more lively scene than the Old Town Art Fair. The music can get loud, and if you bring kids, I suggest they come in the morning. Average attendance is 50,000.
I have called Chicago home since graduating from college and have lived in the Lincoln Park neighborhood in a few different apartments. The energy and excitement that come with the art fair weekend in the city are incredible.
For Wells St, it is the 50th anniversary of the weekend, and Old Town is celebrating 75 years!
How I Got My Start
I have been selling my photography since 2010, starting with farmers’ markets each Saturday morning in the city and driving to the suburbs. Over the years, I tried as many art fair opportunities as I could apply to, mainly in the suburbs. I learned through trial and error, which ultimately worked best for me. When I first applied to the Wells Street Art Fair, I was waitlisted and not accepted. I continued to apply and was accepted the following year. Wells Street Art Fair is a core part of my business each year.
A lot of work goes into organizing an art fair, whether it is held once a year or every weekend. The weather is a significant factor, and I have experienced it all. We had the best weather weekend for an art fair I can remember back in 2020, and there was no art fair. Please keep your fingers crossed for a good weather weekend.
A Few Facts You May Not Know About Art Fairs
We must apply and pay a jury fee to gain entry. Applications start in the fall and end at the end of the year. Artists get their acceptance early in the year and have to decide to participate or decline the invitation. It costs to apply to each show, and a booth fee is also required. Corner booths cost extra.
Artists are responsible for their own setup and booth. Each booth is brought by the artist and is set up late at night or early morning before the art fair begins. The booths can be very expensive.
I am lucky to live in Chicago and have a short commute to the Art Fair. Some artists do one every weekend and drive from as far as the East and West Coasts with their art for the weekend.
While I know it is fun to negotiate the price of art at a fair, I highly recommend getting to know the artist and valuing their work. Not all the artists have the luxury of living close by. They also need to factor in parking, hotels, flights, and storage, in addition to the application and booth fees.
What to Expect This Weekend in Chicago
It is going to be busy! I highly recommend arriving early if possible. The middle of the day is the busiest, and the evening gets quiet around 6/7 p.m. That is usually when I close up my tent for the evening. Security monitors our booths after closing down for the night.
We start setting up at 4 a.m. on Saturday, and I know I am going to be exhausted. I don’t sit down, and I’m constantly chatting with blog readers and customers throughout the day.
There will be big framed pieces and smaller unframed pieces for you to bring home and decorate. The standard sizes I will have to shop for are 8×10 and 11×14. You can mix and match to create your gallery wall. Customers spending $100 or more will get an EDP tote bag to bring home.
Henri will be at home due to the heat and crowds. He will be much happier at home, and I can’t wait to snuggle with him at the end of the day. Please stop by and introduce yourself. I can’t wait to meet you on Wells St.
Bonjour, I’m Rebecca!
I’m a photographer, blogger, croissant-lover, and world traveler. I hope that Everyday Parisian inspires you by bringing a bit of France into your daily life and helps you plan the best trip to Paris with personalized recommendations for places to stay, explore, and eat.
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I hope you had great success at the art fair, and it was such a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for the EDP tote. It’s my new favorite!
I lived in Chi for a few years and have very fond memories of the Old Town and Wells St art fairs.
One year I worked the Old Town Fair exhausting but fun. Good luck, hope you have great weather
Really enjoy your blogs about Paris and now about Chicago. Loved living in the near north area.