Author: Jenny Comiskey

Thursday, 03 17 2005

Tragic Beauty

Images from the Tragic Beauty art installation at Open End have been posted on the tragicbeauty.org website. If you missed the opening night and still want to check out the art up close, the gallery will be open on Saturdays (march 18 & 25) from 12-6 (as well as for a few special events).

- 17.03.05 ~ Arts/Architecture

Friday, 03 11 2005

Ascenders, Descenders

If you're needing a healthy dose of extremely nice art make sure you visit the Foundation Gallery tonight for the opening of their new show, Ascenders, Descenders. The exhibition features the artwork of Robin Cameron, Lukas Geronimas, Ben Loiz and Sighn. All of the artists create images with hand drawn type, using typography not as merely a tool but as a form of expression. It's going to be good. The work will be on view through April 10. The reception tonight is from 6-10.

- 11.03.05 ~ Arts/Architecture

Monday, 03 07 2005

The Illinois Album

Pitchfork has the latest details about Sufjan Steven's upcoming album based on our lovely state. Illinois is the lucky second stop on Sufjan's musical tour of the 50 states, Michigan being the first. The final track listing is still to be determined as the album is still in production. But it will feature a track titled "Chicago". Other songs will cover topics such as the Chicago Fire, the Worlds Fair, the Lincoln-Douglas debates, and Wrigley. The album is due out in July.

- 7.03.05 ~ Music/Clubs

Friday, 03 04 2005

Chain

Independent filmmaker Jem Cohen will be screening his full length feature, Chain, at the MCP tonight. The film is being shown in conjunction with the Manufactured Self exhibition and is screening for one night only! Jem Cohen will be there in person to introduce the film and for discussion after the screening. He is best known for his documentary Instrument, a portrait of the band Fugazi, shot over ten years. For a review of the film and an interview with the director go here. The screening is free and starts at 7pm.

- 4.03.05 ~ Film

Monday, 02 28 2005

Printers Ball

The 1st Annual Printers Ball is being held this Thursday at HotHouse. The event was created to celebrate the fabulous selection of Chicago based printed matter. It "offers readers and writers a unique chance to sample publications and meet with editors and designers". The event is being hosted by Poetry magazine with support from the Poetry Center of Chicago, The Bird Machine, Venus, Found, Stop Smiling, Punk Planet...among many others! The festivities will take place from 6-9pm and it's all free! Be sure to keep an eye out for the little postcards around town, they'll score you a free bag of printed goodies!

- 28.02.05 ~ Print/Magazines

Friday, 02 25 2005

Every Morning, Every Day, Every Night

Just in case you didn't already have enough reasons for a little trip to Milwaukee this weekend (like a visit to the beautiful Calatrava designed MAM, seeing Modest Mouse, sipping on a tiki love bowl at At Random, or maybe you're participating in the frozen snot century). There's yet another something good to see. Local Chicago artist, Jeremiah Ketner, will be celebrating the opening of his second solo show at Hotcakes Gallery from 6-9 on Saturday. Last time he showed work, on the gallery's opening night, 462 people attended!

- 25.02.05 ~ Arts/Architecture

Wednesday, 02 16 2005

Jonny Cycles Custom Frames

Jonny Cycles, located in Madison Wisconsin (just around the corner from us Chicago folk), is crafting some amazing custom lugged steel framesets. Each frame is made to order and Jon (Mr. Jonny Cycles) works with each customer from start to finish to create the perfect ride. See for yourself...check out the gallery of beautiful bikes on his site! He also happens to be a mechanic at one of the best bike shops in the midwest, Yellow Jersey. Get your name on the list fast!

- 16.02.05 ~ Sports/Recreation

Tuesday, 11 30 2004

Studs

Author and historian, and beloved Chicago personality, Studs Terkel, was recently profiled in the Guardian. Still recovering from his "wild, jazzy, tumble", a fall that was mere inches from breaking his neck, the indestructible Studs talks with Martin Kettle. They discuss his most recent book, Hope Dies Last, his upcoming work, and the current political climate, "We're at a moment of unashamenedness. I call it the evil of banality."

- 30.11.04 ~ Books/Authors

Thursday, 11 18 2004

Records to Buy!

A brand new record store is opening up in Hyde Park this week. Hyde Park records is celebrating its grand opening tomorrow night from 7-11. Go early and get the first peek at the best of the collection! DJ Meaty Ogre will be there spinning obscure soul 45's for most of the night. There will also be food, drinks...and so many records!

- 18.11.04 ~ Business/Shopping

Friday, 11 05 2004

Jay Ryan Show

The walls of the gallery space at the Center for Book and Paper arts are currently covered from ceiling to floor with an overwhelming display of incredible silkscreened posters by Jay Ryan, founder of the Bird Machine. The Center will be featuring an exhibition of a hefty chunk of his work, which literally surrounds you on every wall, through December 18th. The opening reception takes place tonight from 5:30-7:30.

- 5.11.04 ~ Arts/Architecture

Monday, 10 11 2004

Little Utopias

Select Media Festival 3 is taking over the city this weekend. Of the events not to be missed is the Super Show, featuring an exhibition, live music, multimedia presentations, and a best of SMF3 shorts screening. The exhibition, Little Utopias: Alterations of Everyday Life, features an amazing showcase of artists, some of the best the city has to offer (Cody Hudson, Chris Silva, Jeff Zimmerman, You Are Beautiful, and so very many others). Visit the Select Media website for all the juicy details.

- 11.10.04 ~ Arts/Architecture

Tuesday, 09 07 2004

Book and Paper Arts

The fall class schedule for Chicago Center for Book and Paper Arts has been posted online. The Center offers excellent classes in papermaking, bookbinding, letterpress and photography. Most classes are starting up in early october with limited space so sign up now!

- 7.09.04 ~ Schools/Education

Thursday, 09 02 2004

MODERN + DESIGN + FUNCTION

Ten by Ten and Design Within Reach are joining forces to promote emerging Chicago designers! Local designers are encouraged to submit entries for MODERN + DESIGN + FUNCTION: Chicago Furniture Now, by Friday October 2. There will be a $25 entry fee and each piece must be functional and able to be constructed within the alloted time span. There will be a juried exhibition December 9th . Winning entries will be featured on the Ten by Ten website and the March 2005 issue of the print magazine. Visit www.tenbyten.net in the coming weeks for more details and complete rules.

- 2.09.04 ~ Arts/Architecture

Friday, 07 30 2004

Seeing Double

The current exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Photography features the work of acclaimed photojournalist, Mary Ellen Mark. On view are photos taken from her series "Twins" and "Falkland Road." Also included in the exhibition is "Ditto," work by 14 photographers focused on duplication and repetition. The show will be up until October 5.

- 30.07.04 ~ Photography

Friday, 07 02 2004

July Indies

The latest show at Gallery Augusta, July Indies, is opening tonight. The group show features work from Chris Ware, Archer Prewitt, Pamela Jorden, Pascal St. Clair, Gene Booth and Krista Babbitt. The opening reception will be held from 6-10. Saturday night there's a dance party featuring guest djs: Sam Prekop, Bundy K. Brown, Dave Bramble and J.P. Chill. The dance party is from 10pm-1am. The show will be up until the 25th. Call Gallery Augusta for more information, 773.278.4159. The gallery is located at 1000 N California.

- 2.07.04 ~ Arts/Architecture

Wednesday, 06 30 2004

Design Competition

Submit a tee shirt design to Threadless before July 15 for the chance to win $2,500 in cash and a whole bunch more. The competition is already underway and several designers have submitted pieces, which you can currently check out and vote for on the site. A winner will be chosen by by August 1st. Visit the Threadless website for more information or to submit your designs (you can enter up to three).

- 30.06.04 ~ Arts/Architecture

Friday, 06 04 2004

Chicago in Black and White

Chicago Photography Center's 2nd Annual Chicago in Black and White event is taking place this Saturday June 5th. This year's fundraising shindig will include silent and live auctions, fabulous photographs, and many other prizes, including plane tickets and gift certificates. In addition, there will be dinner, an open bar and live entertainment. There are still a few spaces left, so hurry and sign yourself up before it's too late!

- 4.06.04 ~ Photography

Thursday, 06 03 2004

Books!

Just in case there weren't enough book related events to keep you busy this weekend. The publishing industry's three day extravaganza, The Book Expo, is being held at Mccormick Place over the next few days. The event kicks off tonight with a keynote address from former President Bill Clinton. There will be more than 2,000 exhibitors, 500 authors and over 100 conference sessions. Some of the highlights include appearances by Art Speigelman, Amy Tan and David Sedaris. Unfortunately the event is open only to industry professionals. Call 1-800-840-5614 if you have any questions or need additional information.

- 3.06.04 ~ Books/Authors

Wednesday, 05 19 2004

Chicago Antique Market

Finally! Chicago will have an antique market in its very own backyard. You can choose to skip the long trek up to Kane County or Sandwich if you like, because on the last Sundays of the month Randolph street will be filled with fancy antiques and flea market type junky things. It's been about nine years since there was a market in the Randolph Market district. The first Sunday is scheduled for May 30th. Admission is $8 and there's free parking. The market will be on Randolph, between Ada and Ogden. For more information call 312/951-9939 or visit chicagoantiquemarket.com.

- 19.05.04 ~ Business/Shopping

Tuesday, 05 18 2004

Farnsworth House

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's masterpiece, the Farnsworth House, has just reopened its doors to the public. A renowned example of modernist domestic architecture, the house was saved from an uncertain future last December. The grand opening took place last weekend. Tours are available Tuesday through Sunday, advance reservations are required and tickets are $20 per person. To schedule a tour or for more information, call 630/552-0052. The Farnsworth House is located in Plano, approximately 58 miles southwest of Chicago, along the Fox River.

- 18.05.04 ~ Arts/Architecture

Monday, 05 17 2004

Hello Beautiful

WBEZ has just introduced an onslought of excellent new programming for their revised Sunday line up. Three new shows will be airing on Sundays, including Hello Beautiful, an hour long arts and culture program hosted by Edward Lifson. The show will compile stories about local architecture, theater, poetry, painting, sculpture, literature, and more. Also a special feature that will be airing Sundays through June 6th, produced in conjunction with the chicago Blues Festival, is The Blues, The Radio Series. The series highlights special connections to Chicago Blues and this year’s lineup of Festival artists. All of that AND jazz with Dick Buckley from 12-3! There's really no reason to turn the radio off.

- 17.05.04 ~ Radio/TV

Monday, 04 26 2004

The Corporation

Award winning documentary,The Corporation, will be showing at the Cultural Center this Wednesday at 6 as part of the Version Fest. The documentary, based on Joel Bakan's book "The Corporation: The Pathological Pursuit of Profit and Power", examines the nature of the corporate institution. It features interviews with Noam Chomsky, Naomi Klein, Howard Zinn and Michael Moore and many others. Check out the trailer here.

- 26.04.04 ~ Film

Monday, 04 12 2004

Hungry For Ladicakes

Ladicakes offers handcrafted delicacies including journals, photo albums, address books, decorative pillows, and stationery items. The beautifully designed books and journals are pretty enough to eat, they're incredibly affordable, and they make a wonderful gift. The ever expanding offerings will soon include mustache pillows, which no Chicago home is complete without. Visit ladicakes.com to sample some of the yummy treats!

- 12.04.04 ~ Business/Shopping

Friday, 03 12 2004

Art Interchange Collective

The Art Interchange Collective is preparing to host it's second annual event "Word Division" at the end of March. This incredibly unique and inspiring event brings together a variety of creative individuals for one night of art swapping. Make a lovely piece of art, bring it to the event, drink, be merry, dance, and leave with someone else's wonderful artwork to show all your friends. The evening will be featuring the soothing sounds of DJ Kali followed by the delectable tunes of special guest, NYC's Lution. The interchange will be taking place on Saturday March 27 at the Happy Village (1059 N. Wolcott) at 8pm (be sure to arrive at 8 if you've got art to swap). The actual art exchange will be at 10pm. The Art Interchange is open to all. Even if you choose to not participate in the Interchange, please come and show your support. Don't miss this event!

- 12.03.04 ~ Arts/Architecture

Wednesday, 03 10 2004

No More Monkey Business...

Monkey Business, the little shop/gallery space on Chicago Ave, will be closing at the end of April. All of the items in the store are currently 30% off. If you've never been to visit them, Monkey Business carries an assortment of unique artwork, craft making supplies, books, jewlery, shirts and candy! There's an opening reception this Saturday March 13 (8-11), showcasing the latest batch of art pieces, including work from Quang Hong. Throughout April the store will be renting out space to outside vendors flea market style. Contact Monkey Business for more info, or call 773.269.3133.

- 10.03.04 ~ Business/Shopping

Tuesday, 03 02 2004

Movieside @ Heaven Gallery

Back by popular demand are two of the main programs from the sold out Movieside Anniversary show! Jim Jarmusch's Favorite Shorts and Melvin Goes to Dinner (directed by Bob Odenkirk from Mr. Show) will both be screening at Heaven Gallery this Friday March 5 and Saturday March 6 at 8pm. If you missed either program, or just want to see it all again, it's well worth checking out. It's only $7, one admission for both! Visit the Movieside website for more details.

- 2.03.04 ~ Film

Tuesday, 02 17 2004

Chicago Photography Center

It's not too late! The 7 week winter session of photo classes at The Chicago Photography Center will be starting on February 23rd, and there's still time to register. The CPC is a wonderful and inspiring not for profit organization founded by a group of photographers and students in 2002. They offer weekday evening classes and single-session workshops on evenings and Saturday mornings. Their facility includes darkrooms, a gallery, a lighting studio and classroom space. Visit the center on Sunday, February 22nd to check out the inaugural gallery show. A selection of the beautiful photos taken by and of the founders of the center will be on display. The opening reception on Sunday will take place from noon until 4pm at the CPC space, located at 3301 N Lincoln.

- 17.02.04 ~ Photography

Monday, 02 16 2004

Mondo Bingo!

Mondo Bingo is a weekly event benefitting local arts or social organizations. Every Sunday, Rodan, the swanky new restaurant/bar on Milwaukee ave in Wicker Park, will be hosting the festivities. This Sunday, February 22, join the folks at Unit B gallery for a night of beer drinking, food eating, and bingo playing! Unit B is a fabulous artist-run gallery space located in Pilsen dedicated to highlighting new, emerging, and established contemporary artists. A portion of the evenings proceeds will help them continue on with their wonderful endeavours and secure a booth at the upcoming Stray Show. Bingo playing will start at 9pm. Come with a hungry belly and ready to play some serious bingo for art. Rodan is located at 1530 N Milwaukee.

- 16.02.04 ~ Offbeat/Misc. Events

Friday, 02 13 2004

Swing!

If you want to look like a star on the dancefloor, or if you just want to get the basics down be sure to check out Blue Moon Groove. They offer Chicago's hottest Swing and Lindy Hop classes. Blue Moon Groove has some of the best dancers in town (who also happen to be super nice) teaching an excellent selection of classes ranging from Beginning Swing to Advanced Lindy Hop. They even offer Blues, Balboa and Latin dance classes! Beginning Swing is only $45, and all other classes are $50. All of the classes include 4 weekly 75-minute sessions. Visit their site bluemoongrove.com!

- 13.02.04 ~ Theatre/Dance

Wicker Park Trading Post

Modeled after a premier flea market in Los Angeles, the Wicker Park Trading Post is an open-air market featuring bargain antique furniture, collectibles, vintage clothing, jewelry, and local crafts. The Trading Post will operate every other Sunday during the summer months in the MB Financial Bank parking lot at Division & Ashland. The tentative opening date is May 23rd. For additional information and vendor applications visit the West Town Chamber of Commerce.

- 13.02.04 ~ Business/Shopping

Buy Stuff!

Two local furniture collectors have launched an online store, Highrise, dedicated to 20th century modern art and design pieces. They have a wonderful selection of seating, storage, tables, lighting, art and design objects -- including a beautiful Castiglioni stereo/record player that is very droolworthy! Keep an eye out for them at the upcoming design show in April. Be sure to visit their "link" section, where they've compiled a nice selection of online stores carrying similar products.

- 13.02.04 ~ Business/Shopping

Lee Bontecou @ MCA

Lee Bontecou sculpture and drawing retrospective opens tonight at the MCA. Bontecou was widely recognized in the early 60's for her welded steel sculptures, which incorporated various fabrics and found objects. This is her first major exhibition since 1972. Admission for the opening reception is free for members and $15 for non-members. Free appetizers and a cash bar will be provided. The reception will be from 6-9. The show will be running through May 30.

- 13.02.04 ~ Arts/Architecture

Tuman's Reopens

The bar formerly known as "Tuman's Alchohol Abuse Center" has reopened it's doors for the first time in a year. Tuman's, well known as one of the best dive bars in Chicago and loved for it's incredibly cheap beer, is now a shiny, new and very rehabbed bar with a full kitchen. The broken furniture is gone, and unfortunately so is the excellent jukebox. The beer is not quite as cheap, but for only about .50 cents more you can walk into the bathroom without feeling scared, it's squeaky clean! Visit the sparkly new Tuman's at 2159 W. Chicago.

- 13.02.04 ~ Eating/Drinking

Wednesday, 02 04 2004

Weekend Records is Closing

Weekend Records and Soap is going out of business and will soon be closing their doors for good. Weekend specializes in underground electronic music (vinyl and cd) and handmade natural soaps. They stock an impressive selection of both. The store will remain open until Sunday February 22nd and everything is currently 20% off, that includes fixtures, turntables and computers. Get yourself down to 1919 W. Division for some low priced goodies and to say goodbye to a wonderful shop that will be greatly missed. Store hours are Tues thru Sat 11-8 and Sun 12-6.

- 4.02.04 ~ Music/Clubs

Wednesday, 01 28 2004

Fast Forward

There's still time to sign up for the Fast Forward Film Fest no. 12 "Out of Context"! Participants in the fest will be given 21 hours to make a three minute film using scenes and/or clips taken from well known or unknown films and TV programs. Register your group at Atomix Cafe (1957 W. Chicago). Groups can be any size and there's room for 30 groups. The registration fee is $20. Participants will be meeting at Atomix January 30 at 7:30 for their topic assignment. The deadline to complete the movie is 5pm the next day (January 31). A public screening of the submissions and awards ceremony will be taking place at Open End Gallery (2000 W Fulton) at 8pm January 31. If you have any questions please call 773.263.7057.

- 28.01.04 ~ Film

Tuesday, 01 06 2004

Uncovered: Artists' Books at the MCA

Uncovered will present recent acquisitions from the MCA's renowned Artists' Books holdings, which includes artists' books, periodicals, records, stamps, postcards, and T-shirts. On view will be works by international, national, and Chicago-based artists, including Felipe Ehrenberg, Nan Goldin, Damien Hirst, Ed Ruscha, Lorna Simpson, Stephanie Brooks, Jason Peot, Sally Alatalo, and Karen Reimer. Also presented for the first time is 8.5 x 11, a project coordinated by Gabriel Fowler for which twenty local artists created 8.5 x 11 inch works. The show opens this Saturday and runs until February 1.

- 6.01.04 ~ Arts/Architecture

Tuesday, 12 09 2003

Jesus Saves

In Jesus Saves, five emerging Chicago artists tackle the iconography and beliefs of the Christian religion through the use of painting, photography, textile, installation, and a small dose of humor here or there. Featuring work by Katie Baker, Michael Coleman, Jeremiah Ketner, Dustin Mertz, and Gregory Shirilla. Showing at Buddy Gallery December 11, 2003 - January 11, 2004. Opening receptions: Thursday, December 11th, 6-10pm and Friday, December 12th, 8-12pm

- 9.12.03 ~ Arts/Architecture

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