Gold Coaster Eva-Maria Worthington thinks Chicago needs more art, and she’s working hard to make that happen.

“In Chicago, we really don’t have anything,” said Worthington, an art historian who founded Worthington Gallery at 737 N. Michigan Ave. in 1970. “We do need some art in Chicago. Our art is skimpily represented.”

Rather than just talk about the lack of the craft, Worthington has taken action. She’s organizer of the Print and Drawing Fair of Chicago, a first-ever strictly print and drawing fair to be held March 17 through 20 at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.

Approximately 20 galleries will be participating, all experts and leaders in their fields, “the best of the best dealers,” said Worthington. Prices will range from about $100 to tens of thousands of dollars, from Old Masters to contemporary works from dealers across the nation. Some are “very rare,” and they range in beauty, she said.

“Sometimes drawings can be more important than paintings,” said Worthington, who specializes in German Expressionism. “It’s the way an artist starts a work of art.”

I agree with Worthington, who said there’s not much art in the city’s schools any more. I also concur with her that certain kids who don’t necessarily excel academically in school, excel at art.

“It makes a different life for them and it’s so important,” said Worthington. “I really feel strongly that we have to do something in Chicago. I like children a lot and I’m very concerned children don’t have art in school.”

Admission to the fair is $10, but if you go online to ifpda.org, you can get a free pass. And members of cultural institutions worldwide (bring your membership ID) will be admitted free too.

It’s all part of Worthington’s goal to promote culture, which she said is disappearing in America.

“We don’t have much culture anymore,” she said. “We have to change that.

“I’m just a little stone in the mosaic, but I can do my part,” said Worthington. “I hope other people can too.”

A fair preview party will be held March 16 to benefit the Art Institute’s Print and Drawing Department. Worthington promises wonderful food, exquisite wine, German chocolates and a take-home, self-portrait poster by German artist Kathe Kollwitz. That evening too, rare, vintage cars from the collection of Skyliner Richard Driehaus will be parked near the Randolph Street entrance. Tickets are $75. For more information, visit www.chicagoprintanddrawingfair.com or call (312) 266-2080.

What the puck?! … was my first thought when I saw the cool Chicago Blackhawks-themed display by landscape designers Christy Webber, who lives in Wicker Park, and Lake View resident Tony Butterworth at the Flower & Garden Show at Navy Pier. It includes a faux ice rink, “a very dominant element in our display as we are representing the Chicago Blackhawks,” said Butterworth. And the surface allows people to actually walk on it, despite there being a very thin layer of water over the entire feature. “It’s not quite ice skating but it does conjure that image,” Butterworth said.

There’s a lot more to it so be sure to check it out if you hit the show.

Unsung heroes … Know a hero between 13 and 18 who lives in the city and performed community service in 2010? Nominate them for a Heroes in the ’Hood Award. Winners receive tickets to a White Sox game, meet players, and get their name on the scoreboard during the game. They also receive a plaque or certificate and more. The deadline is March 15. Check out heroesinthehood.com for more info.