Stories by Angel Idowu

(WTTW News)

Green Book Exhibit Explores Life for Black Motorists During the Jim Crow Era

For nearly 30 years, the Green Book led Black drivers down American roads by outlining restaurants, hotels, safe houses and other safe spaces they could frequent without general fear for their lives.

(WTTW News)

‘The Bowie Project’ Honors Iconic Performer with Jazzy Twist

Saxophone player Jim Gailloreto with the Metropolitan Jazz Octet arranged some of the songs on the group’s new album, saying their lyrical interpretation of Bowie’s music informed their musical “adjustments.”

Artwork on display at the WNDR Museum. (WTTW News)

Chicago Collective Uplifts Creatives of Color at WNDR Museum

A group of Chicago artists is creating a unifying voice in a new collective geared toward strength in numbers. The New Vanguard Coalition is committed to uplifting Chicago creatives.

Actors in “Toni Stone” at the Goodman Theatre. (WTTW News)

‘Toni Stone’ Shines Spotlight on Groundbreaking Baseball Player

The Goodman Theatre's “Toni Stone” tells the story of the first woman to play professional baseball in the Negro Leagues.

Terry Hunter. (WTTW News)

Chicago Producer Terry Hunter Brings House Music to Global Audience

South Side native Terry Hunter is up for a 2023 Grammy Award for his remix of Beyoncé’s “Break My Soul.”

(WTTW News)

‘Winter Dreams’ Celebrates the Season with Interactive Art Exhibit

Organizers at a River West gallery said they hope to give the community a reason to celebrate the season through interactive art and reflective storytelling.

(WTTW News)

Open Books Expands Literacy Mission with Logan Square Location

The Chicago nonprofit already has locations in Pilsen and the West Loop. Open Books promotes literacy through programming and the sale of new and used donated books.

Photographer Jordan Porter-Woodruff has a new solo exhibition at the Epiphany Arts Center running through Feb. 11, 2023. (WTTW News)

A Hospital Photographer Turns Her Camera on Chicago’s Artist Community

Jordan Porter-Woodruff had created a new collection celebrating her favorite artists. It’s now on display in a solo exhibition at the Epiphany Arts Center, 201 S. Ashland Ave., titled, “Portraits: An Intimate View.”

A new show at Chicago's Cherry Mountain Arts is shining a spotlight on local creatives. (WTTW News)

Cherry Mountain Arts Show Shines Spotlight on Local Creatives

Cherry Mountain Arts, 836 N. Milwaukee Ave., is hosting an end-of-year exhibition, titled “Work Friends,” that showcases the local creatives they will be working with throughout the year.

Actor and director Isaiah Washington. (WTTW News)

Actor and Director Isaiah Washington Brings New Film to Chicago

Actor and director Isaiah Washington’s new film “Corsicana” explores the life of a Black law enforcement officer with some very notable stripes.

A view of the Wintrust mural along the Kennedy Expressway at North Avenue. (WTTW News)

Billboard Along Expressway Shares New Artwork Each Month from Local Nonprofits

Arts Correspondent Angel Idowu shares exactly how Wintrust Bank partners with different organizations around the city to bring these creations to life. The billboard is one of the city’s biggest and most visible forms of public art.

A dish from Soul Food Lounge, 3804 W. 16th St. (WTTW News)

Soul Food Lounge Looks to Bring Upscale Dining Experience to Lawndale

After being approached to enhance the neighborhood, entrepreneur and chef Quentin Love decided to open what he hopes will be a soul food staple on the city’s West Side.

The Inner-City Muslim Action Network art studio in Chicago Lawn. (WTTW News)

Inner-City Muslim Action Network Opens New Art Gallery, Ceramics Studio

The Inner-City Muslim Action Network, or IMAN, is celebrating 25 years of commitment to community with a new art gallery and ceramics studio. 

Dalia Stasevska conducting during a rehearsal. (WTTW News)

Renowned Conductor Dalia Stasevska to Lead CSO in Three Performances

Dalia Stasevska has loved music since she was a child. She is carrying on that passion with three Chicago Symphony Orchestra performances. 

(WTTW News)

Christmas Concert Looks to Transport Audience to 17th Century Mexico

The Newberry Consort is celebrating the holiday season with an annual concert exploring 17th century Mexican Christmas music.

(WTTW News)

Chicago Musician and Artist Joining Together to Inspire Next Generation

Musician Nico Segal and contemporary artist Nikko Washington are engaging young artists in a creative partnership with nonprofit Play Together. The collaboration is encouraging students to create either artwork or music based on prompts. 

Ina Silvergleid uses printmaking to improve criminal justice reform. (WTTW News)

Lawyer Turns to Art in Effort to Explain Criminal Justice System

A lawyer is using what she learned in that role to create art that helps people better understand the reality of Cook County’s criminal justice system.

Mary Lane has been performing in Chicago for the last four decades. (WTTW News)

Feelin’ the Blues with Chicago Legend Mary Lane: ‘Blues Is Life’

A local blues legend is receiving her flowers in a new documentary exploring her life. Now 86 years old, Mary Lane says she’s loved singing since she was 12 years old.

(WTTW News)

Art Program Helps Former, Currently Incarcerated Youth Create

Just Us is the program created by SkyART to create a safe space for youth ages 14 to 21 in the juvenile justice system. Instead of talk therapy, they’re utilizing art therapy.

(WTTW News)

Chicago Playwright Explores Racial, Social Biases in New Production

For Chicago, by Chicago. That’s how local playwright Ricardo Gamboa describes a new production that address the racial and social biases he says he witnessed growing up as a queer Mexican American.

POP! Heights Park in the Roseland community. (WTTW News)

POP! Heights Park Marks First New Public Park in Roseland in More Than 50 Years

The amenities were created with the goal to ensure the park is utilized by all ages, especially those residing in Roseland, Morgan Park and West Pullman.

(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.