Meet Tom Bachtell, a longtime contributor to The New Yorker whose caricatures of famous people in popular culture go around the world.
Stories by Marc Vitali
The Art Institute of Chicago Celebrates 125th Anniversary
Saturday marks 125 years since the opening of the historic building that houses the Art Institute of Chicago. We reflect on the past – and look to the future – with James Rondeau, the museum’s president and director.
London Photographer Shines a Light on Chicago People, Places
Abigail Zoe Martin moved to Chicago three years ago and used her camera as a calling card. A new exhibition of her work features portraits of both famous faces and little-known locals.
Chris Jones’ Book ‘Rise Up!’ Examines Contemporary American Theater
From “Angels in America” to “Hamilton,” a new book from Chicago Tribune critic Chris Jones looks at the last quarter century of American theater.
Singer Paul Marinaro ‘Blessed’ to be Performing in Chicago
One of Chicago’s hottest singers is on the comeback trail following a severe health scare. We catch up with Paul Marinaro at the Green Mill.
Local Museums Embrace Rich History of Design in Chicago
A look at Chicago’s historical influence on an enduring design style. Plus, overlooked graphic art made by African-American designers.
Capturing Icons of the 1960s, ‘70s: Behind the Lens of Steve Schapiro
A pair of new photography exhibitions offer a side of celebrity but focus on one man’s view of the struggle for civil rights.
Inside Wrightwood 659, a New Home for Art and Architecture
A Chicago apartment building from the 1920s has been radically reimagined. It is now an unusual art gallery designed by a world-renowned architect.
Heroic Artist Alex Ross Takes on Comic Book Legends
The renowned comic book artist unmasks his methods for capturing Spider-Man, Black Panther and other Marvel superheroes in his new book “Marvelocity.”
The Weird and Fanciful Art of the Hairy Who
A new show at the Art Institute explores the work of a group of Chicago artists who made a strong impression on the art world in the 1960s.
Fall Theater Recommendations from Hedy Weiss
Hedy Weiss reviews a provocative new play about sex offenders at Steppenwolf Theatre, plus a new musical based on the movie “Tootsie.”
New Book ‘Art in Chicago’ an Ambitious Historical Overview
Chicago has been the creative home to many unusual artists over its history. A new book looks at the big picture, from the Great Chicago Fire to the art scene of today.
South Side Artists of the ‘60s and ‘70s Get Spotlight in 2 Exhibitions
How South Side artists charted new courses for Chicago art – and created a cultural legacy that echoes to this day.
Transforming the Merchandise Mart Into a Canvas for Digital Art
This weekend, the largest digital art projection in the world will be projected onto a Chicago landmark. Here’s a preview of Art on the Mart.
Singer Paul Marinaro ‘Blessed’ to be Performing in Chicago
One of Chicago’s hottest singers is on the comeback trail following a severe health scare. We catch up with Paul Marinaro at the Green Mill.
Fall Gardening Tips From Eliza Fournier of the Chicago Botanic Garden
Cooler weather can present challenges to local gardeners. How to make the most of the season.
Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art ‘Lions’ Exhibit Taps into Its Roots
A jewel of a museum in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village has emphasized contemporary art for more than 40 years. We visit the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art for a look at its past – and future.
On Eve of CSO Season Opener, a Conversation with Riccardo Muti
Chicago Symphony Orchestra music director Riccardo Muti joins Hedy Weiss in conversation.
Argonne National Laboratory Assists Hurricane Florence Response
The important role computer models play in predicting the impact of hurricanes. We speak with David Brannegan of Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois.
‘Strange Worlds’ First Solo Show for Late Chicago Artist Todros Geller
Industry in Chicago and old world traditions in a rare show by a 20th century Chicago artist at Spertus Institute. We go for a look.
New Home and Vision for Chicago Architecture Foundation
After more than 25 years on Michigan Avenue, the cultural organization has moved into a spectacular new space on East Wacker Drive, expanding its mission and its footprint on the city.
‘Peacebook’ Festival 2018 Gets Assist from the Wu Tang Clan
Tap, rap, and a whole lot more when Collaboraction’s performance festival visits the West Side.
‘America to Me’ a Story of High School in Black and White
A conversation with “Hoop Dreams” director Steve James, who tackles an ambitious series about racial disparity in a Chicago-area high school.
Mysterious Box of Photographs Inspires a Globe-Trotting Art Show
East meets West in an art show that began with a collection of photos found at an estate sale 27 years ago.
Skateboarders Grapple with Adulthood in New Documentary ‘Minding the Gap’
A new film looks at skateboarding as an escape from violence and boredom for three friends in Rockford, Illinois. We speak with director Bing Liu.
