The historic Fine Arts Building in Chicago, located at 410 S. Michigan Avenue, is gearing up to celebrate its remarkable 125th anniversary with a grand public event on Friday, October 13, running from 5 to 9 p.m. This event promises to be a comprehensive exploration of this iconic Chicago Landmark, which has been a haven for artists since its establishment in October 1898.

This October 13th celebration is an expanded edition of the building’s monthly Second Fridays open studios events. It will feature a free concert in the Studebaker Theater by Dr. Yulia Lipmanovich, an accomplished concert pianist and piano teacher based in the Fine Arts Building. The Studebaker Theater, known for its historical significance, originally opened with a piano recital by Fannie Bloomfield Zeisler. Dr. Lipmanovich will pay homage to this tradition by recreating some of Zeisler’s original setlist to mark the theater’s 125th anniversary.

Throughout the evening on October 13th, guests will have the opportunity to engage with the artists and craftspeople residing in the Fine Arts Building. They can discover their work and learn about the rich 125-year history of this remarkable structure. Attendees will also enjoy a variety of performances, artistic demonstrations, refreshments, and hands-on creative activities. The evening’s programs encompass a wide spectrum of art forms, from music, puppetry, and dance to open mic poetry, fine art, and jewelry, showcasing the diverse artistic talents within the Fine Arts Building.

Notable participants and their programs during this 125th anniversary event include:

• The 2nd Floor Art Gallery, curated by Stanley Smith of Oak Street Design, will unveil a new exhibition featuring the works of Don Yang, a fellow Fine Arts Building tenant and artist.
• Ann Pickett Studio and Gallery, specializing in abstract art.
• Portrait artist Lou Ann Burkhardt.
• Chicago Human Rhythm Project, a platform that presents rhythm-culture through performances and educational initiatives.
• The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, the largest puppetry event in North America, will showcase puppeteers and puppet demonstrations.
• Exile in Bookville, an independent bookstore that also offers vinyl records.
• Jazz Institute of Chicago, dedicated to nurturing and promoting jazz in all its forms.
• Painter, illustrator, and editorial cartoonist Richard Laurent.
• Liederstube, an intimate venue for classical music performances.
• Dr. Yulia Lipmanovich will present a piano concert in the Studebaker Theater.
• Monsieur Pamplemousse, custom jewelry by Alex Agudo, featuring musical guest performances and jewelry making lessons.
• Patrice Olsen Fine Art, presenting drawings, paintings, and photography with a focus on social justice.
• Ossia Musical Forum, a musical academy and chamber music concert booking specialist.
• Press Here Studio, a gallery hosting art exhibitions, open mic poetry, and storytelling events that address the dialogue surrounding mental health.
• New historic exhibits “Art Alone Endures” and “Staging Ground” on the 5th Floor offer insights into the history of artists and companies that have called the Fine Arts Building home over the past 125 years.

The Fine Arts Building has been a steadfast home for art in all its forms, boasting a legacy that includes pioneers like Poetry magazine’s founding publisher Harriet Monroe, renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, sculptor Lorado Taft, and the Chicago Little Theatre. Today, it continues to host painters, musicians, booksellers, puppeteers, dancers, photographers, and craftspeople, embodying more than a century of Chicago’s creative and innovative spirit. Designated as a Chicago Landmark since 1978, the building retains its original manually-operated elevators, Art Nouveau murals from the late 19th century, and the recently renovated Studebaker Theater, which stands as one of the city’s oldest and most significant live theatrical venues.

Additionally, two new historical exhibits, “Art Alone Endures” and “Staging Ground,” are available for free viewing, along with a self-guided walking tour of significant historical sites within the Fine Arts Building. These exhibits and tours are open to the public during regular building hours: Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information about Fine Arts Building exhibits and programming, please visit fineartsbuilding.com.

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