January Arts Preview

By Amy Cavanaugh

There aren't enough hours in the day to check out every noteworthy event in Chicago. Check out this quick guide to our five can't-miss arts picks for January.

Light Years: Conceptual Art and the Photograph, 1964–1977

When: Through March 11, 2012
Where: Art Institute of Chicago, 111 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
Why: Learn about the rise of conceptual art
More: artic.edu

danc(e)volve: New Works Festival

When: January 19-29, 2012
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL
Why: See work by up and coming choreographers
More: mcachicago.org or hubbardstreetdance.com

Lod Mosiac (an ancient Roman mosaic depicts exotic animals, fish, and Mediterranean ships)

When: Through April 22, 2012
Where: The Field Museum, 1400 S Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL
Why: Look back to the past
More: fieldmuseum.org

Chicago Shakespeare Theater's The Feast: an Intimate Tempest (three actors use puppets, music, and animation to re-tell The Tempest)

When: January 18 – March 4, 2012
Where: Chicago Shakespeare's Courtyard Theater, 800 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL
Why: Challenge your idea of Shakespeare
More: chicagoshakes.com

Chris Vorhees and SIMPARCH: Uppers and Downers (artists transform the Smart Museum's reception hall into a domestic landscape)

When: January 10 - December 16, 2012
Where: Smart Museum of Art, 5550 S. Greenwood Ave. Chicago, IL
Why: See things in a new way
More: smartmuseum.uchicago.edu