Local artists in Mart show's one-of-a-kind community
Looking for the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy-for for person in your life?
It's a shopper's paradise this weekend as the Merchandise Mart's One of a Kind Show and Sale continues through Sunday. The show is the backdrop for more than 450 artists from across the country to showcase their unique works of art.
Local artists exhibiting this year include Hiroshi Ariyama and Kathy Frey.
Japanese-born Ariyama has spent most of his adult life in Chicago and considers the city his home. The city is also the subject of his art.
A graphic and design artist by trade Ariyama wanted his work to go beyond the slick images found on postcards and guide books, bringing an edgy look to commonplace things and places in the city. The independent artist will showcase hand-printed silk screen works depicting city scenes.
"Loop" depicts an L train at dusk, awash in the hues of a Chicago sunset. It is priced at $300.
"There's a few minutes each day when the light of the sky cast the same hue on every object in the city. 'Loop' suspends that moment in time," said Ariyama.
Ariyama will be showcasing another L train piece titled "Brown Line." The print depicts the Brown Line as it curves from Franklin onto Wells right before the Merchandise Mart stop. It is priced at $185, unframed. Ariyama will exhibit nearly 24 pieces, with prices ranging from $50-$400.
Local jewelry artist Kathy Frey also has a graphic art background. The artist works with wire to create free-form earrings and necklaces.
Frey, a third-time exhibitor at the show, believes the event is a great opportunity for visitors as it is a virtual pool of one-of-a-kind items that make unique gifts.
"I hope that when people come to the show they take the time to notice the quality of the work and realize that they will be giving someone a special handmade gift," she said.
Frey's earrings range in price from $40-$200; necklaces are $50-$600. The artist will offer a limited number of gold pieces accented with rough diamonds and unusual pearls beginning at $1,000.
Hours for the show are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10, adults; $5, children. For more information, visit the Web site oneofakindshow.com.