Stories by Angel Idowu

After being closed for more than 20 years, a former Catholic school in Greater Grand Crossing is being rebuilt into a new arts incubator for the Rebuild Foundation. Arts Correspondent Angel Idowu takes us to that groundbreaking for an inside look at the city’s newest cultural hub. 

A new show at the Goodman Theatre is exploring what the Victorian era was like for Black Americans.

The Joffrey Ballet’s latest production is John Steinbeck’s ‘Of Mice and Men.” It’s a story that ends in tragedy — but the artists hope to highlight something else in their rendition.

An international art fair with roots in major cities across the country is making its return to Chicago in an effort to support independent artists. The Other Art Fair returns to Chicago for its fourth year. The exhibition will feature 110 artists, roughly half of them Chicago-based. 

It’s a classic story that has withstood the test of time, now, the Mercury Theater is bringing that story to its stage in a new musical adaptation.

A pair of friends and business women created 50 kits raising funds to support Black women essential workers in Chicago. Two years later, it has since become a movement that’s expanded beyond the T-shirt it started with.

While the city’s institutions, both big and small, continue to support and celebrate Chicago based artists, there is work to be done to ensure they show at EXPO CHICAGO for years to come.

The event was part of Shermann “Dilla” Thomas’ “Let’s Get Dilla A Bus” fundraiser to raise $200,000 for the his Chicago Mahogany Tours. It’s an opportunity that came to Thomas after be gained recognition on social media for his informative TikTok’s that educate the public on Chicago’s history.

“Fire Shut Up In My Bones” is based on a memoir by longtime New York Times columnist Charles M. Blow. Composed by Terence Blanchard, the story explores how Blow works to heal from traumatic incidents of abuse in his childhood. 

Located on East Garfield Boulevard, just blocks away from Hyde Park, Currency Exchange Café serves as an incubator for culinary artists looking to expand their crafts without the stresses that come with starting a business.

Chicago rapper femdot. is debuting his first post-pandemic album at an all-ages concert Friday night. Arts Correspondent Angel Idowu caught up with the artist to talk about his goals for his music. 

It was at Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre where dancers with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater would unknowingly perform for the last time before a nearly two-year hiatus. Fast forward to today, and they’re back on their first national tour.

Under the big top, Teatro ZinZanni presents a performance that is Cirque du Soleil meets cabaret, with a little circus action in between.

We spoke with Frida Kahlo’s grandniece and great-grandniece ahead of the opening of an immersive exhibit showcasing the artist’s work in 360 degrees.

Chicago’s first mural honoring the late fashion designer Virgil Abloh is now standing in the West Loop’s Time Out Market. 

Musician, friend to Mozart, music teacher to Marie Antoinette, and skilled fencer. These are just a few of the accolades that describe the man known to be the first Black composer of the 18th century.

The virtual concert will feature a number of African songs that explore the history of African American culture in the U.S. They’re taking concert goers on a sankofa journey, a word from Ghana which means to return or retrieve what was lost.

Street artist Leon Thoughtsky takes sardonic quips and reflections and mixes them with the painted signs often seen advertising grocery store produce.

A new exhibit at Northwestern University is exploring America’s race relations dating back to the early 1800s. “A Site of Struggle: American Art against Anti-Black Violence” spotlights the country’s racism in a visual history lesson, showcasing the intersection of violence and art, while also encouraging reflection.

For the first time, self-portraits of Evanston artist Leo Segedin are on display in a solo exhibition.

More than 150 names of people killed during the civil rights movement are on display in a special exhibit at the DuSable Museum. Their lives were cut short due to race-related killings more than 50 years ago, but the lessons learned from their deaths live on.

Bindy Bitterman’s new book “Skiddly Diddly Skat” is a celebration of limerick writing.

For the last 40 years, a family business has been committed to preserving Chicago’s art scene, whether it be through engraving pieces or framing them. Now they’ve taken a turn in how they’re enhancing artwork through a custom framing process.

From February to May, Megan Williamson made one portrait a day. She recreated living rooms across the country and even a few guests seen on “Chicago Tonight.” 

A Chicago artist has returned home to make her Broadway debut in a classic romantic comedy-turned-musical. Arts Correspondent Angel Idowu introduces us to a performer who tells us how she made it from the classroom to the stage. 

A Chicago mother is tapping into her artistic roots with a brand that is inspired by her children, but also pays homage to her mother.