The Art Institute of Chicago has recently opened a new modern wing, designed by Renzo Piano. The style of architecture is in itself a form of art, adding 264,000 square feet of floor space to the already spacious museum. The third floor contains many spotlights to better accent the pre-1945 modernist art. There are a myriad of famous names, including Joan Miró, Matisse, and Picasso. The suite of galleries on the second floor is devoted to art since the 1960's, showing an infusion of Pop art and surrealism. This expansion has really made the Art Institute a destination spot for art aficionados, with a larger modern collection then the Met. It gives an expansive survey in modern art styles, and incorporates famous names and up and comers in the new collections. Join discussion...

The economic crisis has definitely permeated the art world. Prices are a tenth of what they were, a Giacometti sculpture is estimated to go for 16 million, while 6 months ago it would have fetched 80 million. Sotheby's and Christie's are attempting to provide cash incentives, but buyers are not willing. This drop occurred around November this year and has continued to tank. Buyers are sticking with Impressionist and modern art because it is so much less volatile then up and comers. This is a good time to invest if you've got some dough, and pick up a rare Degas or Bacon self-portrait. The art market is beginning to feel the pinch of the economic crisis Join discussion...

Although the area of New York known as Chelsea has been snubbed as an art scene in the past, this month it encompasses almost every style of art imaginable. Sa Suk-Won stands out with his regressive Chinese art influences utilized in his chalkboard like paintings. Van de Weghe fine arts gallery boasts a showing of Frank Stella's 60's and 70's canvases. Young artist Paula Wilson debuts with a wide variety of mediums including painting, drawing, relief, and mini mosaics. An established artist, Lisa Sanditz, shows off her city scapes at CRG. The rules in Chelsea are no rules at all, with this months wide showing of different styles, techniques, and medium. Join discussion...