Boystown has a lot going for it. Nightlife. Restaurants. Leather shops.
When it comes to places to discover the next Jeff Koons, however … not so much. That’s what makes Golden Gallery such a welcome addition.
Since 2008, shows at Golden have won a hard-core fan base of collectors as well as the respect of prestigious publications such as ArtForum and Art Papers. No wonder: 27-year-old gallery director Jacob Meehan has a pretty good track record when it comes to spotting new talent: Three photographers who have been featured in the gallery have had subsequent shows at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s rotating new-artist series, 12 x12.
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Though past shows have featured mixed media, photography and video, this year Meehan thinks the gallery will offer a stronger emphasis on painting. The current show features new work from Patricia Treib, a New York-based abstract painter. The ambitious Meehan also has recently opened what he calls the Auxiliary Space, a storefront on Broadway, which will show the work of multiple artists, often at lower prices.
Golden, 816 W. Newport Ave.; Golden Gallery Auxiliary Space, 3319 N. Broadway. golden-gallery.org
The hottest galas
Oct. 23: Gerber Hart, Making History Center Stage. They’re here. They’re queer. They’re really into books. gerberhart.org
Nov. 6: Human Rights Campaign, No Excuses. It’s GLBT vs. DOMA and DADT at this huge fundraiser for the civil rights group with awards, silent auction and dinner. hrcchicago10.com
Nov. 19: About Face Theatre, An Opening Gala Event. The opening of “Float,” a new lesbian-themed play by Patricia Kane, doubles as a fundraiser for the theater troupe with dinner, drinks and mingling with the artists. aboutfacetheatre.com
Dec. 2: AIDS Foundation of Chicago, World of Chocolate. Marking World AIDS day, this fundraiser featuring more than 30 fine chocolatiers reminds us that life is precious — and sweet. aidschicago.org/events
Dec. 5: Vital Bridges, Celebrate the Spirit. This holiday-themed brunch is the AIDS charity’s largest single event, raising $1.5 million in its 21 years. That’s a lot of bloody marys, people. vitalbridges.org
The body eclectic
Space519 is a new store that has absolutely nothing you need. And that’s precisely what we love about it. This funny, strange, intriguing little curiosity shop is the last thing you’d expect to find on the fifth floor of 900 N. Michigan Shops. Owners (and partners) Lance Lawson and Jim Wetzel have created a minimalist space that feels like a well-curated collection of finds from around the country. A strange driftwood lamp here. Japanese cameras. A pair of Danish modern chairs there. Tubes of shaving cream. Selvedge denim. Expensive art books spread across an antique table. And, hey, if you like the table, make an offer. 312-751-1519, space519.com
Minty fresh
In Mint Male, Joey Grant, Lisa Kimmey and Josh Shores have hit on a spicy mix of art, fitness, fashion, a dollop of politics and lots of skin. Launched online last year, it has since morphed into a small-run boutique magazine. The October/November issue features Chicago model Ronnie Kroell, fresh from his recent, um, exposure in Playgirl. what’s next? Mini Mint, A small-format version focusing on nightlife. We expect big things. mintmale.com