"There is a family hostel in downtown Chicago (an easy walk to the conference hotel) which offers rooms for $29-$35/night. Check out: the J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Hostel, HI-Chicago, 24 East Congress Parkway, Chicago, Illinois 60605, (312) 360-0300, http://www.hichicago.org/index.shtml
Separately, I have a fold out couch and would be happy to house an artist (or two who want to sha..."