CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.- The Chicago Art Dealers Association (CADA) closes today ABSOLUT VISION 8: A World of Art in Chicago. Organized and presented by the CADA, the eighth annual VISION was launched on Friday, July 18, at participating galleries in the River North and West Loop districts from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. This free festive evening will include gallery exhibits, music, a raffle and more. The CADA is proud to announce the opening night beneficiary - the AIDS Foundation of Chicago; and the festival’s principal sponsor: ABSOLUT VODKA.

ABSOLUT VISION 8 will focus on A World of Art in Chicago, looking at the city’s role as an incubator for the arts - as well as its status as a world-class international art center. The summer’s programming will explore opportunities for emerging artists, while it celebrates the cultural community that keeps internationally recognized artists calling Chicago their home.

Following opening night, the celebration continues throughout the participant galleries in the River North and West Loop districts. Free public programming for six-weeks of activity including Tuesday evening "Art Insights Gallery Talks," Thursday evening "Happenings," and Saturday morning gallery tours will be offered. All programs are open to the public and are free of charge.

The Chicago Art Dealers Association includes the City’s foremost dealers committed to representing the highest standards of fine art. The CADA provides programs for better understanding of fine art, and awareness of Chicago as a major international art center.

ABSOLUT VODKA’s partnership with VISION has been as title sponsor since the inception of VISION in 1996. Since 1985 when Andy Warhol created the first artistic rendition of ubiquitous ABSOLUT VODKA bottle, ABSOLUT has supported and encouraged artists and art organizations in communities throughout the world.

ABSOLUT VISION is presented by the CADA and is generously sponsored by ABSOLUT VODKA. The project also receives support from: Art on Paper Magazine, Chicago Gallery News, Cosmopolitan Bank & Trust, Starbucks Coffee, WHERE Chicago Magazine, and other area businesses. Opening night beneficiary is the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.