Chicago artist Ben Brandt’s work was featured in our Jan/Feb issue, is currently on display on the walls of the Smart Home, and will be coming soon to some guy’s Bridgeport bedroom. Seriously. If you’re chillin’ in the city for Memorial Day, the show is kicking off with an opening reception on Friday, May 22, from 7–11 p.m. at the Second Bedroom Project Space, a seven-by-twelve-foot room with 10-foot ceilings and an intrusive flashing blue light courtesy of the neighboring CPD. (Gotta love a gallery mission statement that says it encourages risk-taking work as long as it doesn’t result in losing the owner’s security deposit or getting evicted.) Brandt is tackling the role of the interior designer in this installation, blurring the boundary of the body and architecture “with floral arrangements, flannel, site-specific paintings, and sculpture.” Huh. He also has work up in “Artists Run Chicago,” a group show celebrating the 70th year of the Hyde Park Art Center. Happy anniversary to HPAC, Happy Memorial Day to Design Dosers, and go to your room, Ben! 

-BRADLEY LINCOLN