Alighiero Boetti, 1967. Private collection. (credit: Art Institute of Chicago)

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

(credit: Hubbard Street Dance)

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

(credit: Field Museum)

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