SOFA - Sculpture Objects&Functional Art Exposition Chicago and New York

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SOFA CHICAGO 2005

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Opening Night Preview

SOFAEXPO.com The Website
of the biannual International
Sculpture Objects & Functional
Art (SOFA) Expositions
in New York & Chicago

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FAQs

The Twelfth Annual International Exposition of
Sculpture Objects & Functional Art:
SOFA CHICAGO 2005

GENERAL FAQ

What is SOFA?
SOFA (Sculpture Objects & Functional Art) is a biannual art exposition in Chicago and New York, produced by Expressions of Culture, Inc., Chicago. International galleries and dealers exhibit one-of-a-kind three-dimensional masterworks bridging the decorative and fine arts.

Where, when are the upcoming SOFA shows?
SOFA CHICAGO 2005 takes place at Festival Hall, Navy Pier, October 28 - 30, SOFA NEW YORK 2006 takes place June 1 - 4 at the Seventh Regiment Armory, Park Avenue at 67th Street.

Where can I find information about attending the Opening Night Previews?
Please visit SOFA's Opening Night Preview page for details.

How can I receive more information about SOFA?
You may join our mailing list or call our offices for further information. Please visit the Contact Us page.

Is the artwork for sale?
Yes. All artwork is for sale directly from the exhibiting galleries and dealers. Some sales may not be completed at the show.

Can I pre-order a catalog?
No. We do not accept catalog pre-orders. Catalogs are available for purchase at the show, although you may purchase available back issues of catalogs from our SOFAEXPO Store.

The catalog is listed as sold out - is there anywhere else I can buy the catalog, or will you be printing more?
No. If the catalog is listed as "Sold Out" on the SOFAEXPO Store, it is no longer available. We do not currently reprint our catalogs.

ATTENDING SOFA CHICAGO FAQ

Is SOFA open to the general public? Do I have to register to attend?
SOFA welcomes the general public to the expositions. Registration is not required. Tickets are available at the door.

What are the show hours?
Show hours for SOFA CHICAGO 2005 are located here.

How do I get tickets?
Tickets are available at door. Cash, credit/debit cards (VISA, AMEX, MC), personal checks and traveler's cheques are accepted.

How much do tickets cost?
Tickets prices for SOFA CHICAGO 2005 can be found here.

If I buy a ticket today, can I come tomorrow?
No. A one-day pass is good only for one day. Three-day passes are available at the ticket counters for $25.

How much does a catalog cost?
$15 at the show, $20 from the SOFAEXPO Store.

If I leave the show and want to come back today, can I?
Yes. Please see security at the entrance doors for a hand stamp.

I’d like to bring a large group, how do I make arrangements?
Please email our office in advance (info@sofaexpo.com) regarding large group ticket sales. SOFA offers a discount on single-day admission tickets to groups of 10 or more in advance.

Can I bring a class of school children?
Yes. SOFA is pleased to host school trips. Please email our office (info@sofaexpo.com) for further information and instructions.

Do I need another ticket or reservations to attend the Lecture Series?
No. The acclaimed SOFA Lecture Series is free with a valid ticket to the show. The Lecture Series takes place in the mezzanine level of SOFA. Seating is on first-come/first-serve basis.

Can I bring children to SOFA? (Is there a minimum age?)
Yes. You may bring children to SOFA. Children under the age of 12 are free with an adult. Please remember that SOFA is a three-dimensional art show --- strollers are oftentimes too cumbersome to maneuver within the exposition.

Is photography allowed?
No. Photography (other than registered members of the press) is not allowed at SOFA. You may check your camera with the coat check located on the first floor near the ticket counters. Navy Pier charges a fee for checking items at the coat check.

Do I have to check my bag?
For security reasons, backpacks, large purses, bulky coats and oversized personal items may not be taken into the exposition and must be checked at the coat check for a fee.

Is the show wheelchair accessible?
Navy Pier is handicapped accessible, and complimentary wheelchair rental is available at the Information Desk, located at the front of the Pier. A photo id must be left when renting a wheelchair.

How do I get to Navy Pier?
Directions to Navy Pier (via car and public transportation) can be found on Navy Pier's website.

Is there parking at Navy Pier? How much does it cost?
Yes. Limited parking is available at Navy Pier. Please visit their website.

Will there be food available at SOFA?
Yes. Two "SOFA Cafés" will be opening during show hours. There are also several restaurants located on Navy Pier.

Is there a map of the show?
Yes. Maps are available from the ticket sales counters.

Where can I get a taxi?
There is a taxi stand at the front (west end) of the Pier. Guests can also go to the valet stand in front of Riva and request taxis be sent down to Entrance 1.

Is there a shuttle bus at Navy Pier?
A daily trolley service runs between Navy Pier and State Street along Grand Avenue and Illinois Street, Mon-Thu 10am-9pm; Fri-Sat 10am-11pm; and Sun 10am-8pm. Trolleys typically run every 20 minutes, and pick-up points are indicated by 'Navy Pier Trolley Stop' signs along the route.

Does SOFA have special hotel/ravel rates?
Yes. Please visit our Travel & Lodging page for details.

Where can I park SCHOOL BUS?
Free off-street day bus parking is available at 631 Kinzie St. via Grand Avenue.

PARTICIPATING IN SOFA FAQ

How can I participate in SOFA?
All work at SOFA is presented by galleries and dealers selected through an application process. SOFA does not present individual artists.

How do I get an application for SOFA?
Galleries interested in receiving application materials may send a request to info@sofaexpo.com or fax to 773.506.8892. Requests should include complete gallery contact details and brief information on the artists to be presented.

Are applications available online?
Application materials are available by request only; they are not available online.

Who are the exhibitors?
International Galleries and Dealers presenting one-of-a-kind three-dimensional masterworks bridging the decorative and fine arts.

How are galleries selected??
Exhibiting galleries are selected though an application process.

I’m an artist, how do I have my work shown at SOFA? Does SOFA show individual artists?
All work at SOFA is presented by galleries and dealers selected through an application process. SOFA does not present individual artists.

What type of work is appropriate for SOFA? What are the criteria?
Exhibitors at SOFA present museum-quality, one-of-a-kind, three-dimensional art works; select exhibitors may request to show two-dimensional pieces. For examples of work shown at recent SOFA shows, please visit our Previous Shows section.

What types of fees and costs are involved?
Exact fees and costs vary depending on a number of factors, including booth size and design, customizations, etc. More information is included in application materials.

What is Expressions of Culture, Inc.?
Expressions of Culture, Inc. was formed in 1992 in Chicago, IL by Mark Lyman to produce Sculpture Objects & Functional Art (SOFA).

CONTACT INFO

For more information on SOFA CHICAGO 2005, October 28 - 30 at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL, call 800.563.SOFA (7632) or e-mail:info@sofaexpo.com. For editorial support, contact Barbara Smythe-Jones at 800.357.SOFA (7632) or e-mail barbara@sofaexpo.com. For assistance downloading hi-res images of artwork for sale at SOFA CHICAGO in the Press Images/e-press kit section of www.sofaexpo.com and for press credentials, contact Jen Haybach at 866.870.SOFA (7632) or jen@sofaexpo.com.