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Project Windows Asks Storefronts to Decorate Loop, Kicks Off With Party

 More than 50 Loop businesses will decorate their windows with Magritte themes for the annual contest.
Project Windows
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THE LOOP — More than 50 Loop businesses will transform their windows next month to pay homage to artist Rene Magritte in a contest inspired by an upcoming Art Institute of Chicago exhibition.

Pegged to this week's opening of "Magritte: The Mystery of the Ordinary, 1926-1938," this year's Project Windows contest will survey participating store windows along Michigan Avenue, Oak Street and throughout the Loop, judging displays based on design principles, craftsmanship and industry trends.

The windows will be judged by a panel of 12 art and retail professionals. Categories include Best Use of Color, Attention to Detail, and Best Composition, the Art Institute of Chicago Award and People's Choice, which is determined by popular vote in an online poll.

To celebrate the contest, Bottle & Bottega at 1241 S. Michigan Ave. is hosting a kick-off painting party from 6-8:30 p.m. July 9. For $35 per person, participants will get materials, instruction, an apron, a take-home canvass and a glass of wine — and are welcome to BYOB more.

Professional judging of participating windows will take place from Monday to July 16, and the online public vote opens Monday and runs through July 22.

Last year, top honors went to Tiffany & Co., Zara, La Perla and Marc Jacobs.

Register in advance for the Bottle & Bottega party on the shop's website.

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