Marcella Torres, an artist-in-residence at the Pilsen garden described as an “outdoor community center,” tells us about the new project she’s creating for the space with a little help from volunteers.
Stories by Angel Idowu
Woodworker Uses Art Background to Create Custom Furniture
When a Chicago artist decided to strengthen his craft creating sculptures, he took on an unlikely job to help him refine the lines. Nearly a decade later, he's using the skills he picked up as a mill worker to create custom wooden furniture.
Traveling Exhibit Honors Chicago’s Koko Taylor and Other Women of the Blues
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and that’s exactly what Lynn Orman Weiss’ traveling exhibition does, sharing through photos how women have contributed to one of the most influential music genres.
Artist Uses Graphite to Mark Time in Tribute to Historic Art Center
Interdisciplinary artist Faheem Majeed is using graphite to mark the past, present and future of the South Side Community Art Center, the oldest African American art center in the country.
Gabriel Villa Explores His Mexican Roots in Contemporary American Art
In a new exhibit at the Hyde Park Art Center, a Mexican American artist is exploring his personal and professional transformation. We meet the artist to learn more about “The Metamorphosis of Gabriel Villa.”
‘Timeless’ Exhibit Examines Life and Work of Frida Kahlo
Some of Frida Kahlo’s original works are returning to the Chicago area for the first time since the late ‘70s.
The Art of Hair Braiding and Pushing Back Against Cultural Biases
Meet artist and hair braider Mo G and learn how she’s using braids to push against cultural biases that consider the look unprofessional.
‘Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel’ Comes to the Chicago Area
A Roman holiday this summer is easier than you think. We check out a new exhibit featuring recreations of the most recognized works by Italian artist Michelangelo, now open in Oak Brook.
Surabhi Ensemble Builds Cross-Cultural Exchange Through Music
Meet the Surabhi Ensemble. Composed of musicians of many races and ethnicities, this global music group that’s based in Chicago has a mission to make cross-cultural connections.
Art on the Mart Brings the Universe to Wacker Drive
One of the city’s most public art experiences is back with a trip through the universe. Art on the Mart is working with local cultural institutions to bring their work to Wacker Drive.
2300 Jackson Street, Home of Jackson 5, Gets Official Highway Signage
The celebration was in full force May 13 at 2300 Jackson Street in Gary, Indiana, as the city marked the home of the Jackson 5 with official highway signage. We visit the historic site and speak to Marlon and Tito Jackson about their childhood home.
‘Chicago Takes 10’ Virtual Performance Series Brings Audience the ‘Sound of Chicago’
We learn about the new, free showcase with Greg Ward and Jumaane Taylor, the saxophonist and tap dancer with the Hyde Park Jazz Fest who are performing in the series.
Collaboraction’s ‘Family Tree Stories’ Aims to Connect Chicagoans, One Story at a Time
Thanks to support from the Illinois Department of Public Health, Chicago theater company Collaboraction is exploring the impact of oral history, one story at a time. We learn about the group’s newest project, “Family Tree Stories,” and how it’s working to unite the city through storytelling.
Billy Branch Wants to Bring Blues Back to Its Roots, Sow Its Seeds
He has been playing the mouth harp since he bought his very first one at age 11 for just $1. But he’s not just a musician. We talk with Billy Branch about his mission to give blues the recognition it deserves.
‘Quantum Mirror’ Exhibit Adds Physical Experience to Digital Art
As the development of NFTs—non-fungible tokens—gives artists more autonomy over their work and how it’s shared in a digital capacity, a new exhibit is showcasing how this digital art can take over physical spaces.
How a Chicago Nonprofit is Working to Promote Diversity Within TV
A Chicago nonprofit aiming to promote more diversity in television is gearing up for its annual artist showcase in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Immersive Show ‘Into the Mist’ Transports Audiences to 1920s
Tired of livestreams that lacked variety, Evanston artist Steve Rashid wanted to offer a more immersive experience. With the help of his sons and their network of artists from around the country, he created “Into the Mist.” We get a peek at the virtual show that’s unlike any other.
Chicago Printmaker’s ‘COVID Year’ Project a Study in Art Therapy
The one-year anniversary of the pandemic has come and gone, but its impact on mental health will linger. We meet Chicago printmaker Beth Adler, who found refuge in art therapy — and whose work is now part of a new exhibit in Evanston.
The Show Must Go On: The Return of Movie Theaters
As coronavirus numbers begin to decrease and entertainment venues start to reopen, the debate continues over consumer safety versus the safety of home. Local cinema owners tell us what they're doing to make sure everyone can safely resume a popular pastime.
Elmhurst Exhibit on Fair Housing Features Rare MLK Photos
A new exhibit at the Elmhurst Art Museum is using photography to explore Chicago’s fair housing history and features rare color photos of Martin Luther King Jr. during the Chicago Freedom Movement.
How a Chicago Artist is Working to Help Musicians in Need
A Chicago artist is working to make sure no musician is left behind with a community organization dedicated to Black musicians in Chicago.
Chicago Children’s Choir Celebrates Black History Month With Virtual Concert
A musical journey through Black history explores how African traditions not only influence music genres today, but how they have helped the Black community celebrate and maintain its traditions.
Sister Group A4L Talks About the Impact of Gospel Music
A group of young women are changing the narrative of gospel music — and who it’s for. We meet a band of sisters who are on a mission.
Inside ‘Immersive Van Gogh’ Exhibit Making US Debut in Chicago
A long-awaited exhibit has made its way to the U.S. and Chicago is the first stop on the tour. We get a first look at this one-of-a-kind digital experience.
How a Chicago Nonprofit is Working to Change the Face of Classical Music
The Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative is preparing gifted students for higher education and careers in music — and debunking myths along the way.
Congo Square Theatre Talks About Sharing Black Stories, Virtually
When the pandemic hit, theaters across the country were faced with the harsh reality that they were among the first to close their doors — and would be among the last to reopen. How one Chicago theater company has taken its stage online.
