Story thread · 2 reports / 2 sources

Young art collectors converge on Chicago Exhibition Week in search of the next big talent

suntimes.com · 3h · first reportShare

“She’s a genius.” “She’s gonna be famous one day.” This was the chatter among audiences who gathered inside the theater this week at the Gertie Hub , 400 N. Peoria, to see Sophie Becker perform with her ventriloquist dummy, Ronnie Woods. Throughout the act, the pair were singing, swapping voices, creating sound effects and more. The production, part of a show called “82 Nights Only,” was one of several events happening around the kickoff week for Chicago Exhibition Week . Happening through Sunday, the event — organized by Chicago contemporary art platform Gertie — spotlights more than 40 art galleries and creative institutions. Many of the affiliated galleries have set up new shows that are visible through the fall, and others through next year. (Click here for our gallery guide of 10 local art shows to see this fall.) Ventriloquist Sophie Becker performs at the Gertie Hub, 400 N. Peoria, during the opening reception of “82 Nights Only.” Evan Jenkins The ventriloquist show is not wall