CHICAGO.- Chain mail is re-invented to share art throughout Chicago and beyond. October’s UBS 12 x 12 New Artists/New Work presents performance artist Philip von Zweck’s twist on the concept of mail art called Post. The gallery is transformed into a mail center with a work of art that von Zweck created as a chain letter and visitors may take a copy of the art letter, address it, and drop the letter into a mail slot in the gallery. The artist, acting as postmaster, mails the letters in the hopes that the recipients will continue the chain. The exhibition opens at First Fridays on October 5 and runs through October 28, 2007.

By creating Post within a gallery space, von Zweck releases a kind of art that is not object-based, but encourages public access and participation inside and outside of the museum. Von Zweck frees art from the confines of a gallery, allowing people to see his art firsthand without even entering the exhibition space.

Von Zweck received his BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1995 and his MFA in Studio Arts from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2004. He leads a tour of his exhibition on Tuesday, October 16, at 6:30 pm.

October’s First Fridays’ celebrates rock and roll style. Polaroids of stylish guests are taken by Macy’s representatives in the “Spot the Style Star” contest where three best-dressed winners receive a $100 Macy’s gift card. Guests may feel like a rock star as they enter with a Red Carpet Photo Opportunity. The MCA@40 Photo Booth allows guests to take home a photo memento of their First Friday experience. DJ 8fatfat8, featuring Poi Dog Pondering’s Frank Orrall, spins music while Marco Ferrari presents his wall projections.

The G5 Digital Dating Bar may help guests meet their match while the Macy’s Member Lounge allows MCA Members and Macy’s credit card holders to hang out in a VIP area with a private bar. The after party is at the Funky Buddha Lounge, located at 728 W. Grand Avenue.

Even though October’s First Friday takes place during the MCA’s 40 Free Days, tickets must still be purchased. The tickets for First Fridays include museum admission and complimentary Puck’s hors d’oeuvres, and are available the evening of the event for $15 ($7 for MCA members). Advance tickets are $10 ($7 MCA members) available through the MCA Box Office at 312.397.4010 or www.mcachicago.org. Doors are open from 6-10 pm. A cash bar is open until 9:30 pm. Guests must be 21 or older to enter.