Stories by Angel Idowu

(WTTW News)

Daguerreian Society Aims to Preserve Oldest Photography Form

Some of the earliest snapshots of American history will be on display this weekend at the Daguerrian Society's annual symposium. 

Greek Independence Day Parade in 1981. (Credit: Diane Alexander White)

Chicago Photographer Captured Communal Magic of City Festivals

What do the Greek Independence Day Parade, the Bud Billiken Parade and the Mexican Civic Society Parade all have in common, aside from being parades of course? Well, they were all photographed by Greek photographer Diane Alexander White.

(WTTW News)

New Exhibition Series to Showcase Work of Incarcerated Young People

Three Chicago art galleries and programs are partnering for a three-part exhibition series as they work to explore the impact incarceration has on young people.

(WTTW News)

South Suburban Ballet Company Highlights Hispanic Heritage, Mental Health Awareness

A ballet company southwest of the city is closing out Hispanic Heritage Month with dancers rooted in the celebration of Hispanic culture, while also bringing attention to mental health. 

(WTTW News)

Museum of Science and Industry Set to Auction Off Huge Collection of Circus Memorabilia

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. 

Artist David Ellis has his first gallery exhibition. (WTTW News)

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.

Yes Chef! Culinary Camp participants. (Credit: Eric Kleinberg)

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.

(WTTW News)

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.

The Prince Immersive Experience” in Chicago. (WTTW News)

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.

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.

(WTTW News)

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.

An image of photographer and preservationist Richard Nickel on display at a Driehaus Museum exhibition. (WTTW News)

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.

An image featured in the exhibit “Handmaidens for Travelers: The Pullman Company Maids.” (Credit: Newberry Library)

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.

Garfield Park. (WTTW News)

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. 

Norman Malone never abandoned his dream of becoming a concert pianist – despite having his right side paralyzed at the age of 10. (Courtesy Kartemquin Films)

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. 

An image from dancers in the Bud Billiken Parade is projected onto the Merchandise Mart. (WTTW News)

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.

(WTTW News)

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.

(WTTW News)

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.

The Eugene Williams memorial marker at 31st Street beach. (WTTW News)

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. 

(WTTW News)

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.

Trinity Irish Dancers participate in Sunday on State performances. (WTTW News)

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.

(WTTW News)

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.

Timeless Gifts participants rehearse musical numbers for upcoming performances. (WTTW News)

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.”

(WTTW News)

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 created original work for the Netflix series “Grace and Frankie” over the course of its eight-year run. (WTTW News)

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.