1. Vernissage
September 17 at 6 p.m.
Expect to see: Billy Corgan, Christie Hefner (pictured), Sam Zell
Feeling fancy? Mingle with blue-chip dealers, artists, and collectors at the opening-night preview of Expo Chicago, hosted by the MCA.
$100. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. mcachicago.org
2. The Renaissance Society’s 100th Birthday Bash
September 19 at 6 p.m.
Expect to see: Dawoud Bey (pictured), Solveig Øvstebø, Peter Wächtler
Live it up with food, music, and dancing in celebration of the boundary-pushing contemporary art museum.
$100 ($25 for artists and students). Wright, 1440 W. Hubbard St. renaissancesociety.org
3. Build | Rebuild Benefit
September 19 at 7 p.m.
Expect to see: Rahm Emanuel, Jason Moran, Chance the Rapper (pictured)
Golden boy Theaster Gates offers guests a preview of the Stony Island Arts Bank (see “Art Smart”) during his fundraiser for Rebuild Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing dilapidated spaces.
For ticket information email build@rebuild-foundation.org. Stony Island Arts Bank, 6760 S. Stony Island Ave. rebuild-foundation.squarespace.com
4. Lecture by Jeff Koons
September 16 at 6 p.m.
Expect to see: The artist himself
He of the huge, mirror-polished stainless steel bunnies and balloon dogs, this School of the Art Institute grad (’76) returns to kick off an event-filled alumni week celebrating the school’s 150th anniversary. Register for tickets starting Thursday, September 10, on the SAIC website.
Free. Rubloff Auditorium, 280 S. Columbus Dr. saic.edu
5. Curators Breakfast
September 19 at 9 a.m.
Expect to see: Kate Lorenz (pictured), Natasha Egan
At the Chicago Artists Coalition’s event, both newbie and seasoned collectors rub shoulders with rising art stars.
Free (RSVP at mary@chicagoartistscoalition.org). 217 N. Carpenter St. chicagoartistscoalition.org