Chicago's Barely Fair and Neighbors showcase alternative art fair models through intimate formats

In Chicago, two satellite fairs present alternatives to Expo Chicago. Barely Fair, which continues until April 19 in McKinley Park, showcases 32 exhibitors within 20-inch-square booths. Director Roland Miller highlights the importance of institutional seriousness and generosity. Among the featured artists, Patrick Carlin Mohundro offers stained glass pieces priced between $150 and $1,500, while Alex Schmidt displays architectural paintings valued at $8,000. The Jack Barrett Gallery exhibits Amy Brener's ceramic sculptures ($200-$1,200), and Good Naked Gallery combines small paintings with hyperrealist sculptures by Langdon Graves. Meanwhile, the new Neighbors fair, open until April 12 in Gold Coast, hosts 15 exhibitors in a home-like atmosphere, curated by Jonny Tanna and founded by Mirka Serrato, featuring John Garcia's text paintings ($2,800-$5,600) and Caitlyn Min-Ji Au's sculptures ($2,800-$5,600). Both fairs promote community involvement and artistic experimentation.