GROUPON GUIDE TO CHICAGO

Four Things to Do at RAW’s Mosaic Artist Showcase

BY: Emily Wachowiak | Mar 21, 2014

Forty emerging artists will set up shop at Bottom Lounge on March 27. Find out which bands, photogs, and designers to shake hands with before they make it big. You may not have heard of any of the artists at RAW's Mosaic showcase, but that’s precisely the point. The organization works exclusively with artists in the early years of their careers, giving them a space where they can display their work and network with other creative types. But the event is a windfall for attendees as well, who can take in local bands, burlesque performers, fashion shows, and gallery displays—all in one cash-bar-fueled evening. We surveyed the event’s 40 artists to create this helpful itinerary: 1. Move Your Feet Five bands will take the stage, including award-winning hip-hop artist Teri “Lyric” Green. Other can’t-miss acts range from the smooth R&B jams of Justin Ruff to the punk-infused folk stylings of SXSW alums The Future Laureates. 2. Change Your Look In addition to fashion shows featuring the ‘80s-style graphic tees of Sugarcoma Clothing and the couture gowns of Prin by Prina Bagia, attendees can browse unique taxidermy jewelry from Flux of Feathers. Complete your makeover by connecting with edgy hairstylist Manon Saint-Wilde and makeup artist Ceejaye E. Iman.

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3. Feast Your Eyes Mingle with artists of all mediums and fill in any blank spots on your apartment walls with Rachel Sanfilippo's dreamy photographs or illustrations and collages by Brandon Minga. 4. Get Lost Bring your pencil to Matthew Haussler's booth. 2013’s RAW Chicago Visual Artist of the Year doodles mind-bending mazes of cityscapes, animals, and Star Trek characters that will keep you occupied for hours. RAW’s Mosaic showcase takes place at Bottom Lounge (1375 W. Lake St.) on Thursday, March 27, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are $15. The dress code is cocktail attire. Photos: John Cousert