Stories by Marc Vitali

The American-born artist James McNeil Whistler had a profound impact on his 19th century European contemporaries. An exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago looks at Whistler's artistic vision – and his influence on a little-known French artist held in high regard by curators and collectors.

Harper's Lee's hugely anticipated sequel Go Set a Watchman stirs debate about its plot and its value as a successor to the Pulitzer Prize winning novel of 1960. Chicago writer Marja Mills became close friends with Harper Lee and her sister and wrote a book about the experience. She joins us to share her thoughts on the new book.

In April, Chicago Tonight got a behind-the-scenes look at a school of comic book and sequential art that started in Italy in 1979. When Italy's International School of Comics opened its first North American location, they chose a quiet block of Hubbard Street on the near West Side.  We revisit that story.

Chicago-based rock critic Jessica Hopper has earned a reputation as a sharp observer and a fearless firebrand of the form. She joins us to discuss her newest book, The First Collection of Criticism by a Living Female Rock Critic.

The Chicago Botanic Garden's Eliza Fournier joins Chicago Tonight with tips and demonstrations on how to make the most of your garden in July.

The Art Institute of Chicago offers a fresh perspective on French Impressionist painter Edgar Degas in Degas: At the Track, On the Stage, an exhibition focusing on works that feature movement or performance.

In the wake of the Grateful Dead's final shows, we reflect on the weekend with a music industry professional and a dedicated Deadhead.

James McNeil Whistler and Theodore Roussel had linked artistic visions. Their decade of professional collaboration gets a fresh perspective in this look at the creative output of the American mentor and his European student.

The Field Museum of Natural History unveils its newest permanent exhibition, the Cyrus Tang Hall of China.

The 90 year-old-artist is perhaps best known as the original art director at Playboy and a champion of young artists. Now his own work is in the spotlight for a new show at a Ukrainian Village gallery.

An exhibition at the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian in Evanston looks at the "haute couture" that has long existed in Native American communities. We revisit that story.

Multi-Grammy Award winner, singer Dianne Reeves, visits Chicago Tonight to perform and discuss the scholarship Gala that brings her to town.

"Buffalo" Bill Hillmann is a Chicago construction worker and author who has run with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain for 10 years. Last year he was gored, and he has just published an acclaimed book about the experience.

A 1970s project to bring public art to Chicago is investigated in this look at enamel painting in Chicago, its influence and legacy.

On the eve of the world premiere of On Your Feet! — a new musical based on the lives of Gloria and Emilio Estefan — Chicago Tonight talks to the couple about their extraordinary life together. 

We revisit our story about the Swedish National Museum’s Vikings -- an exhibition that challenges stereotypes of the Norsemen who lived, traded, and raided a millennium ago --at The Field Museum. Take our quiz to test your Vikings knowledge!

Painter Archibald Motley created a revealing body of work that captured Chicago people and nightlife during the Jazz Age. We revisit our story about the Motley exhibition at the Chicago Cultural Center.

We revisit our story about the Driehaus Museum’s show, Maker & Muse, which takes an extensive look at art jewelry of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Lakland Guitars has made an impact in their 20 years in Chicago. Their instruments are played by U2 and the Rolling Stones. Chicago Tonight goes behind-the-scenes to find out what it takes to make an electric bass that can bring a bottom-heavy sound to a band's rhythm section.

An exhibition at The Field Museum looks at City Windows, the papercut artwork of Chinese artist Qiao Xiaoguang now on display at two locations in Chicago. We revisit the story.

An artist revered in her home country of Colombia has made a strong impression on the international art world. We revisit our story about the MCA Chicago exhibition of Doris Salcedo's first-ever retrospective. 

The Art Institute of Chicago last week announced a historic gift -- 42 works of pop and contemporary art have been given to the museum. We'll speak with museum President Douglas Druick about this unprecedented windfall of art.

Two is a new book of photographs of people and things accompanied by essays by successful authors. It's a collaboration between Evanston-based photographer Melissa Ann Pinney and acclaimed novelist Ann Patchett (Bel Canto).

The International School of Comics' first North American school is in Chicago. We talk to their talented teachers, including courtroom artist Tom Gianni, and see aspiring artists in action.

WTTW's new web series, Foodphiles, looks at Chicago area restaurants and the diverse characters who keep them cooking.