Drink with artists

It's a free cocktail party where your tips at the bar support the art programming at the Chicago Artists Coalition. At Sip & Tip, the $4 signature cocktail is poured by local artists, with food and music too. Go meet some artists and learn to drink like one, too.
Thursday, December 5, 7–10pm. Nisei Lounge, 3439 N Sheffield.

Browse the stuff of 600 creators

The annual One of a Kind show is this weekend at the Merchandise Mart. $12 admission gets you access to a ridiculous amount of art, design, craft, and handmade artist wares.
Thursday, December 5 through Sunday, December 8. Merchandise Mart.

Warm up by the furnace

See (and buy) what the kids in the glass-blowing class at Co-op Image are up to, with live, melting glass and a sale. The Humboldt Park innovative youth arts program is run by the folks who own Sauce and Bread Kitchen, so expect some good food and drinks.
$15 suggested donation. Friday, December 6 at Ignite Glass Studios, 401 N Armour. 

Bind a book

A book bindery that teaches people how to bind books (for free!) is selling artist-made sketchbooks, journals, and blank books. North Branch Projects specializes in exposed-thread bindings that reveal how they were really made.
Free to attend Friday, December 6 (6–9pm) and Saturday, December 7 (1–7pm) at North Branch Projects, 3550 W Lawrence. 

Get photos, cheap

The Museum of Contemporary Photography’s holiday pop-up shop is promising 70% discounts on some of its awesome contemporary photography books.
Tuesday, December 10 through Thursday, December 12 at the Museum of Contemporary Photography, 600 S Michigan.

Visit Krampus's workshop

Krampus, you know, is the Satan Santa (for the bad kids)—and the best devils are always drawn by artists. So, all the reason for a Krazy Krampus Art Market filled with artist-made gewgaws and baubles.
Free to attend Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15 at Peanut Gallery, 1000 N California.