The Harlem Fine Arts Show (HFAS), the largest traveling African Diasporic art show and sale in the United States, will return to Chicago Dec. 9–11 at a new venue, Life Creative, 1655 W. Walnut, in the city’s trendy West Loop. Since its inception in New York in 2009, HFAS has attracted over 80,000 visitors, showcased hundreds of artists and galleries, and generated millions in art sales. The show debuted in Chicago in 2014, as one stop on a multi-city tour, that includes New York, Atlanta, Martha’s Vineyard, and Washington, D.C.
“The mission of the HFAS is to rekindle the creativity of the renaissance in arts and culture that swept through both Harlem and Bronzeville in the early part of the 20th Century. With noted national and international fine artists, including Dawoud Bey, Frank Frazier, Ted Ellis and sculptor Woodrow Nash, joined by prominent galleries E&S Art Gallery, Inc. from Louisville and Aaron Galleries in Glenview, the show will be a sought-after destination for both seasoned and beginning collectors.
Chicago continues to be one of the most important stops for our show, and we are particularly pleased to return as the city celebrates the centennial of the Great Migration,” says Dion Clarke, founder of the Harlem Fine Art Show. “We are excited to bring our nationally-recognized artists to this new venue, and welcome the many partners who are participating in the show this year.”
The Show’s schedule is as follows:
Friday, Dec. 9th is designated as Youth Empowerment Day, when students from public, private and charter schools are invited to participate in complimentary tours of the show, and seminars with artists from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The show opens to the public at 6 p.m. Friday evening with an Opening Night Reception benefitting the North Shore (IL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.
On Saturday, Dec. 10th, the show will conduct special tours for educational groups. including Jack and Jill from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. HFAS opens to the public at 10 a.m. and from 1 – 3 p.m. there will be an Arts Lecture. The day ends with a reception with local groups including the MOBE Reunion; Jack & Jill; 100 Black Men of Chicago; Rotary Club of the Southeast; and the First Ladies Health Initiative beginning at 6 p.m. We will also be saluting Illinois Congressman Danny Davis and his many contributions to his district and the country.
On Sunday, Dec. 11th, HFAS will host a brunch with The Society, and the show will open to the public from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The Harlem Fine Arts Show is sponsored by United Airlines, Northwestern Mutual, Hennessy, Bahamas Tourism, and Country Financial. For more information or to purchase tickets, pricing begins at $20 for general show admission. Follow the Harlem Fine Arts Show on Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, and Instagram using #hfaschi.
About the Harlem Fine Arts Show
First held in February 2010 in New York City, the Harlem Fine Arts Show has attracted more than 80,000 visitors since its inception. Attendees include collectors, art enthusiasts, educators, students, and professionals. Over 80 nationally and internationally-known artists, including Leroy Campbell, Paul Goodnight, Michael Escoffery, Frank Frazier, Woodrow Nash, Dane Tilghman, Brenda Joysmith, and Glenn Tunstull have been a part of the show. In addition, highly regarded arts establishments, including Louisville’s E&S Gallery, Water Kolours Fine Art in Memphis and New York’s Savacou Gallery have also contributed works to the show.
