Just Good Art was held in the previous building on Saturday, November 12, 2005 from 7:30 pm until all the art was sold at the Art Center, 5307 S. Hyde Park Boulevard. In 2006, the Art Center relocated to a previously exciting new 32,000 square foot facility just blocks away at 5020 S. Cornell. The proceeds from this benefit helped to launch the exhibition, education and outreach programs in the new building. Over 150 artists and galleries made generous donations to the auction, which featured a wide range of exciting works in diverse media.
Just Good Art has been a perennial favorite amongst new and seasoned art collectors looking for art within reach from many of Chicago’s artists and galleries. The benefit event included complimentary hors d’oeuvres from restaurants from all over Hyde Park, soulful music spun by The Kid From Left Field (a Chicago debut) and a cash bar. Benefit Chair Martha Janotta invited the public to have a good time, feel the excitement, and take home original works of contemporary art at very reasonable prices. 2005’s event was hosted by Hamza Walker, Curator and Director of Education at the Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago, who added humor and insight to the live auction process.