FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 12, 2003

THE THIRD EDITION OF THE STRAY SHOW MOVES TO MAY 2003

Given the overwhelming response to The Stray Show this past December, Thomas Blackman Associates will produce the third edition of the show this May 2003. The dates will co-incide with those of Art Chicago 2003, giving this emerging group a part of the international spotlight that comes to Chicago each spring. The Stray Show, an event originally organized in collaboration with many local emerging contemporary art organizations and Thomas Blackman Associates (TBA), seeks to put the limelight on this rising community of alternative galleries, curators and artists by putting them under one roof for one weekend long exhibition.

Stray will again be presented in the 37,000 square foot warehouse space located at 1418 North Kingsbury in Chicago's Goose Island Industrial Corridor. The space will house 50 exhibitors, a video/lecture room as well as a lounge and nightclub. With it's simple, modest approach and continued focus on the most seminal and atypical arts organizations, Stray offers an exciting alternative to the "art fair" experience for dealers and collectors as well as the general public.

In cities around the United States, emerging artists groups are accustomed to presenting new ideas in art wherever and whenever possible. Often, one finds them exhibiting new talent out of their garages, apartment galleries or as collaborative groups without a regular venue. These galleries lay out the direction and define the challenges facing the next generation of artists and curators, and their efforts are invaluable--and not only for those who know where to find them.

In December 2002, its second year, The Stray Show expanded from 16 local exhibitors to 45 participants from all over the US, including spaces from New York, Philadelphia, Kansas City, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Raleigh, North Carolina.

The Stray Show will take place May 10 - 12 at 1418 North Kingsbury in Chicago. Hours are Saturday, May 10 from 1pm to 9pm. Sunday, May 11 and Monday, May 12 from 1pm to 7pm. The opening night celebration will take place on Friday, May 9th from 7pm to Midnight. General admission is $10; $3 for Students and Seniors. For further information, please contact Heather Hubbs at hhubbs@mindspring.com or 312.587.3300.