This month is Chicago Artists Month and there's a whole lot To-Do all over the City!  Check out Dale Washington at eta Creative Arts.  Meet the artist at Gallery Talk with Dale Washington on Saturday from 3:30-4:30pm.  
 
Robert Sengstacke: Photographs 1964-1970 continues at Lusenhop Fine Art.  This exhibits is a selection of rare vintage gelatin silver prints by Robert A. Sengstacke, one of the most important photographers of the Civil Rights era.
 
Gallery Guichard opens "Dear Jazz/Yo Hip Hop" with a Collectors' Preview tonight and an Opening Reception on Friday, featuring the music of Yaw and Black Slang with Corey Wilkes.  Catch the Artists' Talk Thursday at 7:30pm, then sit back or on the edge of your seat to watch the Vice-Presidential Candidates Debate.  There will plenty of seating to view the debate on plasma screens on either of three levels!  M Lounge is also hosting a Vice Presidential Debate Party - enjoy complimentary appetizers and $5 call cocktails.
 
Fashion Focus Chicago, a weeklong celebration of Chicago's thriving fashion industry, returns for a fourth year in 2008.  Fashion Focus Chicago showcases some of the city's top designers, and features five runway shows in Millennium Park, fashion installations, shopping events, student designer events, and industry seminars.

  
Shopping Happy Hour  takes place Friday.  Happy Hour turns stylish with this two-hour guided tour to some of the best and newest, Chicago neighborhood boutiques. Find discounts, special offers, cocktails, snacks and designer trunk shows. Receive fashion tips from in-store stylists, visit interesting galleries, come across hot restaurants and hear brief neighborhood histories as knowledgeable guides highlight participants' individual interests. Rain or shine! 
Reservations required, limited space. Call (312) 533-1256.

 
I've highlighted a To-Do for each day of this fabulosity, but you can also view the complete schedule here! 
 
No Experience Necessary makes its timely debut this week.  With this year's national election, Americans face the possibility of a non-traditional president. No Experience Necessary explores the points of view, inconsistencies, fears and ridiculousness of it all, as Americans are forced out of their comfort zones. This sketch comedy promises to evoke much thought, debate and laughter.  
 
For the family - how about the WVON Chicago Read-In?  The Chicago Read-In is a celebration designed to promote literacy in the African-American community. The event will highlight written, visual, and oral prose in the form of books, poetry, dance and storytelling. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet real authors during the "Writers' Walk" where authors will briefly speak about their books: what they write about and what motivates them to read and write. Geared toward ages 7-17.
 
If you're in the mood to get dolled-up, the Living Legends/Passing the Torch Annual Gala presents a great excuse to do so!  Enjoy a silent auction and reception, an awards ceremony and a performance by Jeffrey Osborne.
 
Got To-Do It Early!  The Chicago International Film Festival starts in a couple of weeks, and that means Black Perspectives is coming - and with it comes their annual, red carpet Black Perspectives Tribute.  This year, the Lifetime Achievement Award goes to: . . . Sidney Poitier!  This fabulous To-Do starts with a cocktail reception, followed by red carpet arrivals, the Tribute, and concludes with a dinner reception and performance by Terisa Griffin.  Rumor has it that a popular, national artist will also be in attendance (and maybe performing!), so stay tuned for details!  Get your tickets early, because they always sell out!
 
But there's so much more To-Do!  Don't believe me?  Take a look below, click on a link and make it a fabulous week!


Make it a fabulous weekend!