The mid-century modern furniture dealer Converso has moved to the Merchandise Mart and on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. will host an interesting show in his suite, 1709—a collaboration between that showroom and Balloon Contemporary gallery. The two parties invited British artist Karen Ryan to use the medium of design to communicate her perception of Chicago. Using pieces from Converso augmented with finds from local thrift shops, Ryan has created a pretty cool homage to our town. If you miss it at Converso, catch it later at the NEXT exhibit, part of Artropolis, April 30 to May 3, also at the Mart.

—GINA BAZER