Matt Bodett recently received a 2023 Midwest Award for Artists With Disabilities. His work is currently on display in a new exhibit in the Hermosa community.
Stories by angel idowu
Watch: Chicago Students Mark Museum of Science and Industry’s 90th Birthday with Volcanic Eruptions
The front lawn of the Museum of Science and Industry nearly erupted as 90 volcanoes shot off in celebration of the Chicago institution’s 90th birthday.
New MCA Exhibition Examines the Social and Political Issues of the Puerto Rican Community Through Art
Featuring 18 artists of diverse mediums, the goal of the exhibition is to address the social and political issues that the Puerto Rican community faces — from housing discrimination and migration to bilingual education and health care issues.
Lin-Manuel Miranda Talks Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, His PBS Roots and the Return of ‘Hamilton’
Lin-Manuel Miranda made a stop in Chicago to commemorate the official return of “Hamilton” to the city. Arts Correspondent Angel Idowu sat down with Miranda to get his take on why the show’s return to Chicago is so special.
Englewood Jazz Festival is Back for 24th Year With Three Days of Live Music
The Englewood Jazz Festival runs through Saturday, Sept. 16. In its 24 years, the festival has worked to cultivate a musical community at what’s said to be the “Ravinia of South Side.”
Navy Pier Visitors Can Watch Artists Paint, Draw and Create Live in New Exhibit: ‘It Opens Up Doors’
The Women’s Live Artist Studio is a permanent art exhibition that opened earlier this summer at Navy Pier. It consists of work by primarily Black and Brown female artists from the Chicagoland area.
Local Veterans Honored in Photography Exhibit at O’Hare, Midway Airports
Photographer Thomas Sanders has made it his life’s mission to share the stories of veterans across the country. His work is currently on display in “American Heroes: Portraits of Service.”
Artist William Estrada Talks Capturing Communities in First Solo Show at Hyde Park Art Center
A local screen printer is sharing his life’s work in an exhibit at the Hyde Park Art Center. “Multiples and Multitudes” showcases artist William Estrada’s multidisciplinary work spanning the last nearly two decades.
Can You Walk There? Local Coalition Aims to Expand Equitable Transit-Oriented Development
Neighborhood development and transit options are one way to make neighborhoods more livable, local advocates say. That’s why a coalition of organizations, artists, authors and developers are all working to advance the goal of equitable transit-oriented development.
Deeply Rooted Dance Theater Receives $2M Grant for South Side Studio
The Deeply Rooted Center for Black Dance and Creative Communities will be a state-of-the-art facility on the Washington Park State Street Corridor.
Meet Two Local Acts Making Their Lollapalooza Debuts
Grant Park is gearing up for Lollapalooza, the annual celebration of music featuring artists from across the globe. A few local acts will be taking the stage for the first time.
South Side Couple Creates Plant-Based Detergent, Launches Laundromat With Community Events
The Dirty Laundry pop-up in Hyde Park offers a resident DJ, extended Thursday hours for BYOB, weekly discounts for seniors and craft activities for kids.
Hip-Hop Vocalist Jovan Landry Talks Importance of Representation at Wicker Park Fest
Wicker Park Fest is celebrating 19 years with more than 60 bands across three stages. The annual event will showcase the talents of both marquee performers and local artists looking to get their names out there. One of those artists is hip-hop vocalist Jovan Landry.
Historic Bronzeville YMCA Receives Grant for Preservation Efforts
With the grant totaling nearly $437,000, the plan is to restore what was once a safe haven for people of color who came to Chicago during the Great Migration and prepare the building for future generations.
Musician Uses Social Media to Highlight Latino Music, Chicago Sights
Peruvian musician Daniel Flores is on a mission to showcase Chicago’s beauty with help from a musical friend: his trumpet.
Personal Side of Andy Warhol on Display in Exhibition in DuPage County
An exhibit in DuPage County is paying tribute to the late, great pop artist Andy Warhol with the aim of providing deeper context for the famed cultural figure.
Art and Sustainability Meet on Chicago’s West Side, Where Artists Transform Plastics Into Benches
It starts with an assembly line of sorts: washing and drying detergent bottles that have been collected from different laundromats. The plastic is then shredded into small granules, heated and made into a solid beam to create benches.
Chance the Rapper on His Commitment to Building Community
Chance the Rapper’s nonprofit is trying to make sure Chicagoans have access to mental health care in an initiative called My State of Mind. It has offered nearly 3,000 different wellness programs since its 2019 inception.
Bridgeport Tufting Studio Lets Crafters Make One-of-a-Kind Rugs
At Freestyle Ceramics and Tufting, anyone can make their own rug. Each session begins with a practice tutorial to ensure every tufter feels comfortable with the tufting gun.
Chicago Singer Celebrates Community, Promotes Healing with Debut Album
Vocalist Shawnee Dez is commemorating the release of her debut album, “Moody Umbra,” with a concert that includes a community jam session featuring a range of local artists.
Artist Mia Lee on Making Her Work Accessible: ‘I Want to Make Sure the Door is Open. Art is for Everyone’
One of Mia Lee’s more recent creations is the cover art design for Chicago musician Chance the Rapper’s latest single “YAH Know.” Lee is featured in the music video.
At Expo Chicago, the World is on Display With Over 170 International Art Galleries
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Expo Chicago, the city’s biggest annual celebration of all that Chicago's art scene has to offer.
‘A Soldier’s Play’ Explores Racism, Brotherhood on Military Base
Norm Lewis stars as Capt. Richard Davenport in “A Soldier’s Play” at the CIBC Theatre through April 16. The show depicts a Black soldier’s experience during WWII.
SAIC Student Uses Art as a Tool for Healing, Forgiveness
Art student Jackie Patino grew up in a religious household and had an exorcism performed on her. She now uses art not only to process trauma but also as a tool to heal and forgive.
Engaging Chicago’s Young Voters Ahead of Election Day
According to the Chicago Board of Elections, only 3% of voters ages 18 to 24 voted in the Feb. 28 Chicago municipal election.
With ‘Mia,’ Playwright Brings Attention to Missing, Abducted Girls
Where have all the young girls gone? That’s the theme of a new production at the Greenhouse Theater Center. Playwright Mary Bonnett wrote her production, “Mia,” in response to her experiences working with the Ojibwe tribe in Wisconsin.
