Picks on what to see this weekend. I normally link here and here, but I want to give a special suggestion to check out OnTheMake.org’s excellent and expansive 2011 Art Fair Guide. Considering the iceberg of art going on this weekend, please accept the following as just the tip.

Art Chicago / NEXT @ The Merchandise Mart

Is it that time already? It is! Check out new work and old at the annual art fairs this Friday and Saturday from 11AM to 7PM, Sunday from 11AM to 6PM, and Monday from 11AM – 4PM @ The Merchandise Mart, 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, 12th floor. Tickets cost money or they are free at this link.

Nuala Clarke

5th Annual Fundraiser @ Roots & Culture

The Wicker Park non-profit exhibition space and cookery Roots & Culture is holding its annual fundraiser, featuring food, music, liquor, and a silent auction with works from (deepbreath) Mike Andrews, Isak Applin, Ali Bailey, Carl Baratta, Timothy Bergstrom, Elijah Burgher, Zach Cahill, Paul Cowan, Scott Cowan, Dana DeGiulio, Rob Doran, Jeanne Dunning, Austin Eddy, Stephen Eichhorn, Ryan Fenchel, Andreas Fischer, Carson Fisk-Vittori, Howard Fonda, Gabrielle Garland, George Gittins, Jacob Goudreault, Michelle Grabner, Jonah Groeneboer, Carrie Gundersdorf, John Henderson, Shane Huffman, Michael Hunter, Jo Jackson, Matthew Paul Jinks, Chris Johanson, Katy Keefe, Jessica Labatte, Jason Lazarus, Jose Lerma, George Liebert, Caleb Lyons, CJ Matherne, Aspen Mays, Brian McNearney, Michael Milano, Easton Miller, Rachel Niffenegger, William J. O’Brien, Carmen Price, Scott Reeder, Tyson Reeder, Edra Soto, Kristen Vandeventer, Nate Wolf, Vanesa Zendejas, Erin Zona and Molly Zuckerman- Hartung. Check it this Saturday, April 30th from 8-12PM @ Roots & Culture, 1034 N Milwaukee Ave. Oh, and bring $30!

Gabrielle Garland, Untitled

Myranda Gillies and Elspeth Vance @ Happy Collaborationists’ Exhibition Space

Objects from the in-between, with a little nostalgia to taste, as presented by ACRErs Elspeth Vance and Myranda Gillies. See the opening this Saturday, April 30th from 6-10PM @ Happy Collaborationists’ Exhibition Space, 1254 N Noble St.

Elspeth Vance, Security Blanket

Sara Greenberger Rafferty and Ruby Sky Stiler @ The Suburban

Artists Sara Greenberger Rafferty, and Ruby Sky Stiler take takes on installation and display through wall-sculpture and re-thought exhibition space as parody studio this Sunday, April 31st from 2-4PM @ The Suburban, 125 N Harvey Ave, Oak Park.

Ruby Sky Stiler

hey, that’s something at least