Despite the ingenuity the circus brought at one time, that’s since changed. That’s why the Museum of Science and Industry is saying goodbye to its collection in an upcoming auction.
Stories by Angel Idowu
New Exhibition Celebrates Chicago Artist Who Finds Healing Through Expression
The phrase, “A lot can change in a year,” is one that could very well be used to describe artist David Ellis and the role expression has played in his life.
Program for Adolescents Aims to Create Community Through Culinary Arts
The Yes Chef! Culinary Camp is a free community fostered by the Foundation for Culinary Arts for under-resourced Chicago Public Schools students from ages 13 to 18. After several weeklong summer programs, the organization decided to kick off a series of two-day virtual camps, beginning this fall.
Tuskegee Next Aims to Inspire Young Black and Brown Pilots
The future of flight. That's how a Chicago-area nonprofit describes its program and passion for aviation. Tuskegee Next aims to help Black and Brown students take to the skies.
Pilsen Graffiti Artist Receives Showcase in Elmhurst
For the first time, the work of a Pilsen graffiti artist is being showcased inside — at the Elmhurst Art Museum to be exact. Sentrock shares the message behind his graffiti character seen flying around the city.
Immersive Prince Experience in Chicago Closing Next Month
The Prince Estate is painting Chicago purple. The late singer's estate is partnering with an entertainment company to bring “The Prince Immersive Experience” to downtown Chicago.
Chicagoland Artist Makes Wrigley Field Debut
A Chicagoland artist is making their Wrigley Field debut with a sculpture meant to encourage community. Arts correspondent Angel Idowu introduces us to “Cohere” and the visual artist behind the bronze beast.
Legacies of Architect Louis Sullivan, Photographer Richard Nickel Take Center Stage at Driehaus Museum
A new exhibition, “Capturing Louis Sullivan: What Richard Nickel Saw,” explores the work of architect Louis Sullivan and a photographer on a life’s mission to capture his impact amid disappearing buildings.
Exhibit Showcases Experiences of Black Maids Working on Pullman Train Cars
The exhibit highlights both the benefits and challenges they experienced while traveling as Black women during the Jim Crow era.
Purple Block Party Organizers See Upcoming Event as Showcase for Garfield Park
An end of summer celebration is coming soon to the West Side in Garfield Park with the “Purple Block Party” at the Garfield Park Music Circle Center.
Chicago History Museum Screening ‘For the Left Hand’
Despite a life-altering event, a local retired chorus teacher shares how it hasn’t stopped him from playing the music he loves.
Bud Billiken Parade Gets Downtown Showcase Beneath the Stars
The Bud Billiken Parade is taking over a prominent downtown building in a projection film titled “Billiken.” It features dancers from the Bringing Out Talent Dance Company.
New DePaul Art Exhibit Explores State Violence and Reparations
An exhibition at the DePaul Art Museum titled “Remaking the Exceptional: Tea, Torture and Reparations, Chicago to Guantanamo” is acknowledging 20 years since the opening of a United States extra-legal prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Community-Based Public Art Initiative in Chicago Aims to Spur Climate Action
A community-based art initiative is pushing for more public artwork across Chicago’s neighborhoods. Earth Art Chicago is awarding nearly $550,000 to 11 arts organizations throughout the city.
As Lollapalooza Kicks Off, New Generation of Musicians Hopes to Make a Splash
Lollapalooza kicked off Thursday as hundreds of thousands of people are expected to descend upon Grant Park for the annual four-day music festival.
Lookingglass Theatre Company to Host Free Performance Marking 1919 Race Riots
This Wednesday, the Lookingglass Theatre Company will honor Eugene Williams at 31st Street Beach with an artistic ritual. On July 27, 1919, 17-year old Eugene Williams was stoned to death after unintentionally swimming over to the “Whites only” section of Lake Michigan.
Walt Whitman and the Soul Children of Chicago Celebrate 40th Anniversary
A big anniversary is coming up for Walt Whitman and the Soul Children of Chicago.
Sundays on State Returns for Second Year: ‘The Loop Wants to be Everyone’s Neighborhood’
Sundays on State brings the city of neighborhoods to one central location to showcase the best of what Chicago has to offer. What started as a way to accelerate the economy after the pandemic has since transformed into a free celebration showcasing local vendors and performers.
Chicago Artist Taylor Bennett Performing Free Show at Lincoln Hall
A local music artist is working to encourage the next generation with an album committed to self-growth, no matter the circumstance. You can see Taylor Bennett perform his new album “Coming of Age” Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Lincoln Hall. Tickets are free.
Music Nonprofit Provides Outlet for Kids to Pursue the Arts Passionately and Practically
A local Emmy-winning jazz vocalist is committed to ensuring students have the opportunity to pursue paths in performing arts, no matter the medium. Arts Correspondent Angel Idowu takes us to the West Loop for “Timeless Gifts: A Musical Revue.”
Self-Taught Historian Pays Tribute to ‘South Chicago Legacies’
A museum in West Town is paying tribute to the city’s South Chicago neighborhood in a new solo exhibition by a self-taught historian. Arts Correspondent Angel Idowu introduces us to Roman Villarreal.
Chicago Artist Nancy Rosen on Her Work for ‘Grace and Frankie’ as Final Season Airs
It’s been about three years since we introduced you to the artist behind the artwork on the hit Netflix series “Grace and Frankie.” With the show’s final season officially out, it was time to go back to the artist’s studio in East Rogers Park for another visit.
Contemporary Artist Paints Chicagoans ‘Wearing’ Local Landmarks
Whether it be catching the wind on the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier or dancing to the hums of waters splashing at Buckingham Fountain, contemporary artist Paul Brourman is eager to pay tribute to a city he’s called home for the last 30 years, and some of his favorite landmarks with his new series “Chicago Looks Good On You.”
Stitching History: Africa International House Documenting the Past Through Quilting
The Africa International House is exploring the impact quilting has had on the African American community in a celebratory symposium this Juneteenth weekend. Arts Correspondent Angel Idowu learned about why the practice is about more than just a needle and thread, but documenting history instead.
New 1619 Musical Commemorates More than 400 Years of Black American History
We take you to West Town, where a production at the Vittum Theater is commemorating more than 400 years of Black American history.
Classic Neon Signs Up for Auction
An Illinois auction house says it's helping preserve Chicago history, one neon light at a time.
