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.
Stories by angel idowu
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.”
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
