2nd Square Foot Show

What makes a good art show? Let's start with the art No better yet, since the art work is a given for an art show (though some things I've seen at
art shows seem to barely register as art) let's list everything else that makes a good show:

1. Drinks. Wine preferably, or some Blue Ribbon for the hipsters. Refreshments to wet the pallet and keep the people there.
2. Hors d'oeuvres. Nothing fancy, just some fruit and vegetables.
3. Fire dancers... You are waiting for the punch line, I can feel it. Well I'm not joking.

I saw a really awesome show at a place called "The Galaxie" in Logan Square, and
fire dancers were just part of the fun. Let's elaborate...

"The Square Foot Show" is an annual event put together by the folks at The
Galaxie. It is a showcase of uniform 12 inch by 12 inch canvasses painted by various artists
in and around Chicago. This year brought in a whopping 66 individual pieces! It was great to
see how different artists transformed the same working area. All were incredibly unique and
some were down right fascinating. However, this was not just a regular group art show with a
bunch of hoity collectors.

As I entered the exibition space, I found myself surrounded by happy gazers, chatting
about the paintings, taisting the different wines and treats, and listening to the sound of
music performed live. To the right of the entrance was a live painting performance by an
incredible artist named, Pete Nawara, who has also done live painting for musical acts like
Dinosaur Jr. He would be painting there all night while answering the queries of the
onlookers around him. After an anouncement from The Galaxie's charming director, Nicolle,
our attention was directed to the open front loading gate. To the sound of dance music
coming from DJ B. Vax, three women who call themselves, "Blazechicago" lit their firey
hoola hoops, and began to spin. They would come out again later on, twirling what
appeared to be small flaming buckets attached to chains. All the while dancing sensuously
and never missing a beat, nor catching on fire! Between their sets was the Revelettes, a
team of go go dancers shaking away. It was like being transported back to the days of art
shows in SOHO with legendary scenester, Andy Warhol, minus the drugs, white wig,
pretension, and pop art.

"The Galaxie! Where expression matters"
chooses to live up to it's slogan in everything it does. When
not entertaining the people with it's elaborate art shows, it
focuses on educating the people with classes for adults and
children. You can learn anything there from creating comic
books, to kicking ass in self-defense classes, or just about
any form of dance! Sign up is easy and classes are cheap.
Check them out often to see what's new.