One of the neighborhood’s most anticipated events is about ready to take over Andersonville with such a creative force that it needs nearly an entire week to contain it all. Andersonville Arts Week returns for their 17th year and has added to the line-up its first two-day outdoor fest that will span three blocks along Clark Street.

Once a year the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) teams up more than 50 participating area businesses with a multitude of talented artists who will be showcasing their works throughout the community. The self-guided art walk will take place Thursday, September 19 through Sunday, September 22 and allow people to stroll through the neighborhood at their own pace along the strip. The art walk will be from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day (though hours may vary by business) and many of the storefronts will be hosting their own special events during the event.

On Friday, September 20 from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Andersonville Arts Week will continue the collaborative effort amply named the Night of 100 Parties. Local businesses along the strip will host receptions to help celebrate the event. The parties include food and refreshments along with the opportunity to meet the presenting artists at many of the locations.

This year the Andersonville Arts Week will expand its programming offering its first outdoor fest on Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The two day event, which is hosted by ACC and produced by Amdur Productions, will be held on a three block stretch of Clark from Winona to Argyle. It will include over 100 juried artists who will not only be showing individual works but also selling them to admiring art enthusiasts.

The fest will offer a variety of highlights including a large scale public art display consisting of panels painted by area businesses such as Bree Schaffer of Lost Larson and Jean Cate of Martha Mae: Art Supplies & Beautiful Things. The mural will part of an Artists for Asylum silent auction on Saturday, September 21 and will benefit the artists’ auction of choice. Other featured events include stage talks both days at 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., a youth art tent and Gus Giordano Dance School will be performing 3 p.m. on Saturday at Carmen and Clark.

“Whether you’ve visited Andersonville a hundred times, or never before, you’ll experience something special with a district transformed into a neighborhood of art galleries, artist parties and an arts festival!,” said ACC Executive Director Sara Dinges in a press release. “What’s special about Andersonville, Chicago’s ‘shop local capital,’ is even more vibrant during Arts Week as we showcase stunning, one-of-a-kind art throughout our one-of-a-kind business district. The arts come alive in Andersonville this September! ”

Their is a $5 suggested admission fee to the festival with proceeds benefiting the work of the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce and a portion benefitting local non-profit organizations, including Friends of Peirce and Friends of Chappell. In addition, Local brewer Urban Renewal Brewery will be selling their craft beer with proceeds benefitting district programming and local non-profit Friends of Andersonville.

Presenting sponsors for Andersonville Arts Week include, FOURSIDED and Rattleback Records with Patron sponsorship from The Coffee Studio, Chicago Magic Lounge, Early to Bed and Philadelphia Church, and Pedi cab sponsorship from Chicago Magic Lounge and Gus Giordano Dance School. Andersonville Arts Fest is sponsored by Andersonville Cryotherapy and Athletic Recovery Center.