Due to the recession, we get some absurdly overqualified people to help us out. Kara Leffler is a speed demon, and when you see 8 million events on the calendar for this weekend, it's Kara's quick fingers we have to thank. We asked her to pick out some events this weekend, including lectures and performances that looked interesting (and didn't have too much overlap with other great lists, like Time Out)

So click here for the full map/calendar, and here are Kara's Faves:

2nd Fridays Gallery Night

Chicago Arts District
1945 S. Halsted St.
Opening 11/13/09 @ 6PM

Openings for the 30 galleries in the areas surrounding South Halsted and 18th Streets.


$200
Chicago Art Department
1837 South Halsted
Opening Reception 11/13/09 @ 6PM - 10PM

This exhibition deals with today's economic climate by asking the artist's in resident at the Chicago Art Department; What does $200 mean to you?


Brett Ian Balogh
Experimental Sound Studio
5925 N. Ravenswood
Opening 11/13/09 @ 6PM

A computer controlled exhibition inspired by the geological instability of the Ring of Fire in the Pacific Ocean.


Daniel Kelm: A Conversation on Poetic Science
Columbia College Center for Books and Paper
1104 S. Wabash
Opening Reception 11/13/09 @ 6:30 pm

A lecture given by David Kelm about his work and how it celebrated relationship and connection.



Film screening: "The Shame"
Instituto Cervantes
31 W. Ohio St.
Opening Reception 11/13/09 @ 7PM

A short film written and directed by Planell that tells the story of human imperfections and fears.


ORACLE 3
ROOMS Productions
645 W 18th Street

Opening Reception 11/13/09 @ 8PM - 10PM

During this performance piece, three actors will be deprived of sight and sound while they attempt to express the emotions of the present moment.


Melissa Oresky
Western Exhibitions
119 N. Peoria
Opening Reception 11/14/09 @ 4PM - 7PM

Laura Cutler, Paintings

within(Reason)

1932 S. Halsted

Opening Reception 11/14/09 @ 6PM - 10PM

In this exhibition, Cutlers paints the human figure as a means to understand feeling and emotion

Alex Olson and Lisa Williamson

Shane Campbell Gallery

1431 W. Chicago Ave

Opening reception 11/14/09
Artwork from resident artists Alex Olson and Lisa Williamson

Film screening: "Sound of the Sea"

Instituto Cervantes

31 W. Ohio St.

Opening 11/14/09 @ 1PM

Spanish graphic novelist Miguelanxo Prado creates a fantastic love story that will intrigue all ages

Aesthetic Presentation: The Life and Work of Henry Darger

Intuit

756 N Milwaukee Avenue

Opening 11/14/09 @ 2pm

A presentation and film about the life of Henry Darger.

Family Day: Personal Places

U of C Smart Museum of Art

5550 S. Greenwood Ave

Opening reception 11/15/09 @ 1PM - 4PM

An afternoon of art activities, storytelling, and creative journeys through the Smart Museum's exhibitions.

Nice job, Kara.