They call it SOFA (Sculptural Objects and Functional Art) and it happens once a year, usually November, in Chicago and once in the Spring in New York City. Over a period of eleven years the exhibit has become an outstanding presentation of contemporary art and fine crafts. This year's Chicago show was no exception. At their online site you can see many of the pieces. You can also order one of their catalogs - these are voluminous publications with lavish color photographs, and a bargain at $20.00 including shipping. http://www.sofaexpo.com

Chicago's galleries are top tier. Here are a couple that also have interesting web sites: Mostly Glass (http://www.mostlyglass.com, and the Marx Saunders gallery. If you are visiting Chicago be sure to ask for a private viewing of the Marx Saunders extensive glass inventory on their fourth floor . http://www.marxsaunders.com/. The Perimeter gallery has superb artists; unfortunately their web site does not do them justice.

The James Cohan gallery in New York City features some outstanding contemporary artists. Six of them have particularly caught my eye:

Roxy Paine is represented in major collections, particularly for his stainless steel trees. http://www.jamescohan.com/artists/roxy-paine/selected-works/

Ingrid Calame earned her MFA from the California Institute of the Arts and currently lives in Los Angeles. http://www.jamescohan.com/artists/ingrid-calame/selected-works/

Trenton Doyle Hancock was born in Oklahoma and currently works in Houston, Texas. http://www.jamescohan.com/artists/trenton-doyle-hancock/

Folkert de Jong works in the Netherlands. http://www.jamescohan.com/artists/folkert-de-jong/

Yinka Shonibare is a British artist working primarily with fabrics. http://www.jamescohan.com/artists/yinka-shonibare-mbe/selected-works/

Erick Swenson combines painting with resins and fiberglass. http://www.jamescohan.com/artists/erick-swenson/selected-works/

c.Corinne Whitaker 2007