Important tip learned of the week:
The Art Institute is FREE on Thursday nights from 5-8pm!

And.... it's huge in there. I could almost get lost if I wanted to. Thursday was a chilly night so after popping on my cuttest "little black dress" for the gallery I gathered up my long winter coat and headed out. I've never seen so many people there. Old people, young people, tourists, non-tourists, all flocking to the Art Institute for a free walk through. Normal prices for the average adult is $18 admission, so a free showing is a great deal. I went with a friend of a friend who was an art history major in college, which I thought would be interesting to learn the behind the scenes information that wasn't posted on the handy dandy little flyers on the wall. We'll just say that it didn't work out, however, how can someone not have a good time with all the gorgeous things to look at. I say gather up your nearest and dearest and head over to 111 S. Michigan Avenue on a Thursday night for a fun free night for all. And hey, if you don't want it to stay free the whole night, then you're right downtown with a slew of restuarnants and bars at your disposal.

Then last night one of my co-workers (who is graduating from the Art Institute School) was having some of her work shown in a Gallery down on 35th Street. So I hopped the #8 Halsted bus down to 35th, then walked a few blocks over. Super easy to find. What a cool building, I had never been before. All the artists whose studios are there stayed that evening and opened up their doors for the public to do walk throughs and see their work. Some artists were even painting and working and you could see the genius happening live! I did a few walk arounds, but my main reason for going was to support my friend/co-worker. AND.... she won the prize for best poster in her class of those exhibiting work. GO STEPH!