Atomic Sketch

wow– where to start? I know you’re thinking evilOlive? no way? yes way. This is an early event once a month before the regular evilOlive crowd shows up. The ASE combines art and drinking. what more could you ask for? They have about 8 – 12 artists all sitting at long tables, kind of looks like a classroom, and they’re all just sketching, drawing, painting, etc. when they’re done with a piece of art they tack it up to one of the two walls that are set up and sell it right then and there. most pieces sell from like 5 dollars all the way up to about 50. but that’s not all, even if you’re not an artist on the «panel» at them long tables, you can still bring in your stuff, find a place to sit and make some art to sell. it’s open to anyone. a lot of events like this can get pretty pretentious and snotty. the ASE manages to keep things really laid back and chill.
drinks are cheap, there is usually a templeton rye special and pbr is always like 3 bucks. the music has been awesome and really sets the atmosphere. as one reviewer mentioned earlier, it’s a great place for an unconventional date. i’m not an artist and i’ve been to other events like this, ASE makes it seem less like people making art and me watching and more so me drinking and hanging out with friends, and oh yeah these people are making some art and selling it.
hands down, the best live art event in the city.

This event brings together some of the best underground/​lowbrow/​unknowns/​fine artists/​-​you get the point. There is a very good variety of artists that come to this event to hang, draw, sell, paint, and just create art for the sake of creating art. Its a very un-​pretentious vibe there and is very laid back. The best part is how inexpensive the good art really is and the advantage you can take of some of these awesome local artists.
All walks of life attend and participate with a rotation of artists always highlighted on the artists panel. That doesn’t mean that you are only limited to those artists sitting at the table because anything goes on this night as far as artists participating. You witness the work being created in front of you and for the price of a drink, you can walk away with a new piece for your home… seriously.
Great date night/​date outside the box type deal with um… interesting music and heavily poured mixed drinks. How can you ask for anything more?
p. s. Booze and art go together like the black and white cookie.

Perhaps I’m biased because I was on the October artist panel, but I have been attending Atomic Sketch since I moved to Chicago in July, and I have a blast every month. It’s a great place to meet other artists, get inspired, and, most importantly, make and buy artwork.

Awesome place to spend the last Thursday of the month. Great regular artists and a constant rotation or other artists who sell amazing pieces for a pittance.
Cheap drinks, rotating artwork, and a good atmosphere makes this event great for a date.