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.
Stories by angel idowu
At 100, Artist Kay Smith Documents American History in Watercolor Paintings
From the Statue of Liberty to Mount Rushmore, Smith spent 50 years traveling the country and documenting historical landmarks with her watercolors.
Chicago Summit Showcases Work From Artists Impacted by War: ‘It’s Given Me an Outlet’
Veteran Art Movement is partnering with UIC and three art institutions to highlight work created by artists impacted by war. Veterans from across the country are gathering to experience that art and share stories from their time in the service.
Tattoo Artist Ryan Henry Transforms Skin, Tells Stories
Tattooing is a skill Ryan Henry taught himself nearly 14 years ago. It was about halfway through his career that Henry garnered national attention when his artwork was showcased on the show “Black Ink Crew Chicago.”
Chicago Artist Gives Barrettes New Life in Colorful Mosaic Portraits
Unexpected household items are the focus of a local artist creating portraits for her inner child.
Chicago Entrepreneur Launches Black Hair Care Line Focused on Accessibility, Versatility
“Creating Black hair care products is important because I think most of the hair care on the market isn’t catered to us,” Vash Beauty Labs founder Karlene Davis said.
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.
‘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.”
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.
‘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.
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.”
‘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.
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.
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.
