Chicago did what it does best on last Monday, with the City Club of Chicago holding the city accountable to being the host to visitors from all over the world for the upcoming Art Chicago international fair of contemporary and modern art.

Imagine this: you put 150 politicians, businessmen, journalists, and artistic types (with very little overlap) in one room, call on Chris Kennedy from the Merchandise Mart to give an enlightening presentation, and fill the above with Maggiano’s pasta and deserts, and ask everyone present to straighten up a bit so that Chicago can have an adult face to show the rest of the world. Democrats, Republicans (maybe only at the Observer table), Liberals, Conservatives with all partisanship devoted to supporting Chicago and the State of Illinois. It worked.

The show looks very interesting , and with 180 different exhibitors from local galleries and worldwide coming into the city to show the latest in Art. Chris Kennedy has taken up a lackluster show, moved it to the Merchandise Mart, and is making a go at running a major Art Fair in a commercial manner. Kennedy has also acquired Art Shows in New York City and Toronto, and is establishing a solid brand for producing such events.

The City Club, led by Jay Doherty, Kathy Posner, and Paul Green, is a commendable organization promoting discussion of serious issues and holding the City of Chicago up to the greatness it is capable of. Since 1903 the City Club has been the center stage for political and civic events in Chicago, a reputation and commitment that is still going strong 105 years later.

Art Chicago has its preview opening on April 24, and is open to the public April 25-28. Most of the galleries will be set up in the Merchandise Mart, with galleries throughout the City of Chicago offering special openings.

(Oh yeah, Tom Roeser is the Chairman of the City Club of Chicago)

*** John Powers is the President of the Chicago Daily Observer

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