On the streets of Hubbard Woods Friday evening, falling leaves and smooth notes of jazz set the stage for browsing during the Art Attack event.
Art Attack invited artists to descend on the Hubbard Woods Design District in Winnetka for just one night, adding a new level of cultural entertainment to the shopping experience. Businesses and art studios opened their doors from 5 to 8 p.m. for an evening of pop-up fine art shows, outdoor food and refreshments and live music.
Fifteen merchants showcased the work of 25 artists, from around the North Shore with some artists from the North Shore Art League featured, along with others from the greater Chicago area.
“The district is experiencing a renaissance, with a number of new businesses, including restaurants, designers and retail recently moving into the area, some from downtown Chicago to join the bustling Hubbard Woods scene, and this is what we are celebrating,” said Cynthia Burr, owner of Vivid Art Gallery and Art Attack’s event coordinator.
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The event was free and has been held in one form or another for at least five years, organizers say. In 2016, Art Attack merged with the traditional First Friday events, where merchants open their doors on the first Friday evening of each month.
In 2020, due to COVID-19, a nontraditional alternative was held showcasing art in shop windows over a 10-day period.
Angelina Vivant, a Glencoe-based artist was featured at Vivid Art Gallery during the event.
“Art sparks conversation, it connects us, it heals. Art Attack is a chance to learn from each other and from other artists, and do it in-person, in a non-social media way, and I’m grateful to be a part of it,” Vivant said.
Merchants made their own selections of artists and artwork. Mediums of painting, photography, sculpture and jewelry were included.
Meg Carroll, co-owner of Bedside Manor Ltd., says they were excited to present the work Janet Trierweiler this year.
“Trierweiler’s contemporary abstracts are complementary to our store and mix perfectly with our bedroom vignettes. We love the calm and serene qualities the work offers,” Carroll said.
Virginia O. Roeder is an artist from Evanston and a member of the North Shore Art League whose work was showcased at Ashley & Sloane LLC.
“This is an opportunity for artists to ‘attack’ the shops in Hubbard Woods, just for one day, and share their artwork with a whole new audience,” Roeder said.
Gina Grillo is a freelance reporter.