# Young Collectors Hunt Chicago’s Next Art Stars > Chicago’s Exhibition Week draws young collectors to find emerging talent in galleries. - Title: Young Collectors Hunt Chicago’s Next Art Stars | Shortify - Summary: Chicago’s Exhibition Week draws young collectors to find emerging talent in galleries. Young art collectors in Chicago are seeking new talent through… - Keywords: chicago, exhibition week, gertie, art collectors, young collectors, local galleries, contemporary art, art shows, chicago art, gallery events, art exhibitions, collectors - Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/art/2026/09/19/chicago-exhibition-week-gertie-west-town-galleries-collectors-art-free - Published: 2026-09-19T10:30:00+00:00 - Read time: 1 min - Topics: chicago, exhibition week, gertie, art collectors, young collectors, local galleries, contemporary art, art shows, chicago art, gallery events, art exhibitions, collectors ## Exhibition Week Launches Chicago’s Exhibition Week, organized by Gertie, runs through Sunday and highlights over 40 galleries. > She’s a genius. ## Gertie’s Strategy Gertie incentivizes visitors to collect stickers from four galleries for free Museum of Contemporary Art admission. > We want people to keep coming back. ## Ventriloquist Show Sophie Becker’s ventriloquist dummy Ronnie Woods performs in '82 Nights Only' at Gertie Hub. > It’s a little cheeky. ## West Town Galleries Art lovers visit West Town galleries to see works by local and international artists. > I don’t consider Little Village a ghetto. ## Sara Toussaint’s Story Sara Toussaint, a Florida collector, bought Clotilde Jiménez’s 'Ghetto Wizard' piece inspired by her South Side roots. > At that moment I was like, I do want to support artists that I feel like I can identify with. ## Erinne Brown’s Advice Erinne Brown, a Chicago collector, started small with a $200 painting and now builds a strategic art budget. > I started off super small and I mean that literally. ## Garett Schwindt’s Journey Garett Schwindt, a Chicago psychotherapist, began collecting art accidentally 10 years ago. > Everybody in Chicago is gonna be so generous with their information and time. ## Local Artists Shine Slovakian artist Alexandra Barth and Puerto Rican artist Clotilde Jiménez showcase works at Chicago galleries. > The work kind of gravitated towards me. ## Art School Events Art school events help collectors find pieces that could become professional careers. > If you see something you love, the next thing you know, that could be someone who grows in their career professionally. ## Exhibition Week Focus Exhibition Week emphasizes accessible, community-driven art experiences over traditional gallery culture. > We’re in on the joke with you: We’re going to bring you to this space and show you very serious, interesting contemporary art. ## Collectors’ Advice Collectors recommend checking layaway plans and asking artists about prints within their price range. > Check out some of the art school events. ## Chicago’s Art Scene Chicago offers a welcoming environment for art collectors to connect with artists and galleries. > Coming to Chicago, I felt it to be a very welcoming environment. ## Exhibition Week Impact Exhibition Week helps young collectors build relationships with artists and galleries. > Developing relationships with artists and gallerists is key to building a great collection. ## Art Shows in Chicago Chicago’s galleries host diverse art shows featuring local and international talent. > It really impacted the rest of my life and career. ## Exhibition Week Details Exhibition Week runs through Sunday and includes rotating art shows and performances. > We want people to keep coming back. ## Collectors’ Goals Young collectors aim to find emerging artists and build meaningful art collections. > I would say check out some of the art school events. ## Key takeaway Young art collectors in Chicago are seeking new talent through Exhibition Week’s gallery events.