Chicago Exhibition Weekend connects galleries across neighborhoods

Why it matters: CXW is focused on exposing artists and galleries in neighborhoods beyond the gallery district in River North and aims to make the art world less intimidating and more interactive.

Flashback: Abby Pucker, founder of Gertie, started CXW last year to encourage "people to both celebrate the spaces they know and love as well as get out of their comfort zone a bit and discover new arts destinations throughout the city."

If you go: The schedule includes art walks around Andersonville and West Town, arts and crafts for families in Lincoln Park, and film screenings in Bronzeville and Streeterville.

• Artists have also created curated routes through neighborhoods.

The intrigue: CXW partners with EXPO CHICAGO, the city's long-running art fair that draws international galleries and artists to Chicago every spring.

• Pucker says CXW differs from EXPO as it takes place citywide rather than in one venue.

Dig in: Some events are free but guests need to RSVP. Others are ticketed through Gertie's membership program.

The vibe: On Saturday night, the Driehaus Museum will turn into a Night Bazaar Art Market, with work by local artists for sale.