The Other Art Fair Brings Emerging Artists and Interactive Art Back to Chicago This Spring

The Other Art Fair, presented by Saatchi Art, returns to Chicago for its Spring 2026 edition at Artifact Events (4325 N Ravenswood Ave), welcoming art lovers, collectors and creatives to discover and purchase original works directly from independent artists. Known for breaking down traditional barriers in the art world, the fair blends accessible artwork with immersive experiences, live programming and unexpected encounters.

The Spring 2026 fair will showcase 115 emerging and independent artists from Chicago and around the world and will kick off with a lively Opening Night event. From hands-on installations to community-driven programming, here are the top 10 things to experience at The Other Art Fair Chicago this spring:

1. Meet the Artists and Shop Original Artwork

Discover and collect affordable original works across painting, photography, sculpture and mixed media from a curated lineup of independent artists. Every artist is selected by an expert-led committee, and attendees can meet creators face-to-face and purchase work directly from them. A full artist list will be available at theotherartfair.com/chicago.

2. A Spotlight on Chicago and Midwest Talent

The Spring 2026 edition highlights artists with strong regional ties, offering visitors a chance to support Chicago-based and Midwest creators alongside national and international talent.

3. The Artisan Edit

Returning by popular demand, the Artisan Edit features decorative and functional works crafted from ceramic, glass, metal and wood, spotlighting artists who blur the line between art and design.

4. Immersive, Artist-Led Installations

The fair goes beyond traditional booths with interactive installations designed by participating artists, inviting attendees to step inside the work and engage with art in unexpected ways.

5. Opening Night Celebration

The fair kicks off with an Opening Night event featuring DJs including Mexican-Chicagoan media producer  Roxyo Sounds, drinks and first access to artwork, setting the tone for a high-energy weekend dedicated to creativity and connection. 

6. Friday Late Night

Friday night brings extended hours and a party-like atmosphere, complete with live music, special programming and interactive moments designed for after-work crowds and art-loving night owls.

7. A Weekend Full of Creative Programming

Throughout the weekend, guests can experience workshops and pop-up activations that reflect The Other Art Fair’s commitment to making art approachable and engaging.

8. New Futures: Supporting the Next Generation

As part of the fair’s ongoing mission to support emerging talent, the New Futures program provides selected artists with free exhibition space and mentorship, helping launch the next wave of creative voices. This year, Anwar Mahdi is the featured artist in Chicago and will showcase their work at the fair. 

9.  A Look Back: Nostalgia Core Comes to The Other Art Fair

This year The Other Art Fair is hitting "rewind" and bringing the Nostalgia Core aesthetic to life with a curated selection of interactive, artist-led projects that celebrate the best of the past. From the tactile hum of retro tech to the kitschy charm of childhood memories, guests can do more than just "look" at art; it’s a trip down memory lane they can actually participate in. 

10. Discover Art at Every Price Point

With works priced from $100 to $10,000, the fair appeals to both first-time buyers and seasoned collectors alike, underscoring that collecting art is an accessible, personal and rewarding experience.

SHOW HOURS AND FAIR DATES

Thursday, April 9 – Sunday, April 12

Opening Night Event: 6pm-10pm

Friday: 5-10pm (Friday Late: 7-10pm)

Saturday: 11am-7pm

Sunday: 11am-6pm

Location: Artifact Events, 4325 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago

For tickets and additional information, visit theotherartfair.com/chicago.

About The Other Art Fair

The Other Art Fair is a global gathering of creative thinkers, game changers and pleasure seekers sharing emerging talent and unforgettable experiences. Set against the backdrop of the world’s biggest cities, each fair is different, combining affordable yet boundary-pushing artworks with immersive installations, performances and curious encounters. Since launching in 2011, The Other Art Fair has worked with more than 3,000 artists from over 20 countries and now hosts multiple fairs each year across the U.S., UK and Australia.

About Saatchi Art

Saatchi Art features the world’s largest selection of original art and helps people around the world discover artists they love. The online gallery offers more than 1 million original works by over 110,000 emerging artists from 100+ countries, alongside free art advisory services and expertly curated collections. Learn more at saatchiart.com.

Find more here:

https://www.theotherartfair.com/

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