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For art's sake
On Thursday, we checked out Artropolis the mega art fest (comprised of five art events at the Merchandise Mart: Art Chicago, the International Antiques Fair, The Artist Project, The Intuit Show of Folk and Outsider Art, and Bridge Art Fair) How overwhelmed were we? We had to ask three people just to find the elevator to take us to the Intuit's preview show (8th floor). But we're glad we found it. If you're going this weekend, this is definitely a must-see show, with work ranging from Chicago's most celebrated outsider artists like Henry Darger and Lee Godie to many other internationally famous names in the genre.
And the must-see booth at the must-see show? Crowd-favorite Project Onward, a Chicago-based arts program dedicated to helping developmentally and cognitively challenged people express themselves through visual art. A program of City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, it offers some of the most compelling 
(and affordable) work here.
And among the must-see artists at this must-see booth? Self-taught, 23-year-old James Allen (pictured, left--click image for greater detail), who had two works on display, both of which demonstrated his fascination all things railroad. Allen, who started drawing at age 6, says the colored-pencil drawings take weeks to complete. They're highly detailed, almost technical, while also remaining emotionally resonant. His drawing of the pre-Metra Illinois Central lines in front of Soldier Field, for instance, will surely fire up some "pre-Spaceship" nostalgia. If you have a South Loop condo, this work belongs in it.
Find the Project Onward at booth 2108.
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