For fans of comics and graphic novels, he is a superstar. But the artist Chris Ware lives a low-key life just outside Chicago. At his home studio, we meet the engaging comic book artist with an unusual eye for everyday life.
Stories by Marc Vitali
Meet 2 New Members of Teatro ZinZanni, Where Vegas Meets Vaudeville
Circus arts, comedy and cabaret come together at Teatro ZinZanni. Six months into its run, the show has completely juggled its cast. New performers include two people with Chicago ties but very different backstories.
New Shedd Scientist Studies Impact of Invasive Species in Lake Michigan
The Great Lakes are home to an estimated 180 invasive species. Freshwater biologist Scott Colburn, who recently joined a research team at the Shedd Aquarium, tells us about the latest efforts to protect Lake Michigan from invasive fish, mussels and more.
Chicago’s Bloodshot Records Celebrates 25th Anniversary
The independent record label sets the gold standard for roots music in Chicago and beyond. We visited the headquarters of Bloodshot Records on the eve of its silver anniversary – and got an earful.
Newly Found Photos Highlight Breadth, Depth of Joseph Sterling
Sixty years ago, a young photography student aimed his camera at Chicago teens. His name was Joseph Sterling, and we visited an old classmate of his for a closer look at the process of capturing youth culture and Chicago in the mid-20th century.
Vintage Toy Collection Inspires Exceptional Group of Local Artists
For years, vintage toys have inspired renowned Chicago artist Karl Wirsum. And recently he shared his fun-filled collection with an extraordinary group of local artists at Project Onward.
Behind the Scenes of ‘The Light in the Piazza’ with Renée Fleming
Following a run on London’s West End and at LA Opera, the Tony Award-winning musical “The Light in the Piazza” now comes to Chicago. We visited the cast during a recent rehearsal.
‘Merry, Merry Chicago!’ Returns to Symphony Center. Here’s a Preview
For the fifth year, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra presents “Merry, Merry Chicago!” a celebration of holiday music that features members of the orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Chorus.
At the Art Institute, a Panoramic View of Andy Warhol’s Artistic Output
He was called the Pope of Pop – pop art, that is. Andy Warhol predicted 15 minutes of fame for everyone. His own fame lasted decades and has endured since his untimely death in 1987. We explore “Andy Warhol – From A to B and Back Again.”
Andrew Bird Takes Flight in 2001 – A Deep Dive into the WTTW Archives
On Sept. 5, 2001, indie rock songwriter Andrew Bird invited WTTW into his Wicker Park home for a raw rehearsal with his band Bowl of Fire. As Bird prepares for a run of sold-out shows in Chicago, we revisit this archival footage.
‘Memory Unearthed’ Shines Light on a Dark Chapter of WWII
The recovered photographs of Henryk Ross reveal complex stories of life in the Lodz ghetto. We visit an exhibit at the Illinois Holocaust Museum in Skokie.
Cirque du Soleil’s First-Ever Holiday Show Premieres in Chicago
We get a behind-the-scenes peek at “‘Twas the Night Before …,” the new holiday production from Cirque du Soleil that’s making its debut in Chicago.
Delightful Designs of Chicago and the Holidays by Artist David Lee Csicsko
Since the early 1980s, some of the most prominent art in the city has come from the studio of David Lee Csicsko. We caught up with him on the eve of an exhibition at an unusual location.
Blues Prodigy Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram Hits Chicago
Buddy Guy called him “the next explosion of the blues” when he was still a teenager. The debut album by Christone “Kingfish” Ingram arrived this summer on Chicago’s Alligator Records – and this week earned a Grammy nomination.
Tetsuya Ishida’s First US Show Features Moody Portraits of 20th Century Life
An artist with a cult following in Japan and Europe has his first show in the United States, and it is in Chicago. We visit the exhibition “Self-Portrait of Other” for a strong dose of surrealism and satire.
Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones Share Spotlight at Oak Brook Museum
There is now more to explore at a local museum that really rocks. We visit the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, which recently reopened to the public.
‘Pop America’ Reframes Pop Art, Expands Notion of ‘America’
Pop art gets reframed in a museum show that looks closely at the visual culture of the 1960s and ‘70s – and sheds light on an entire hemisphere of artwork that really pops.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo Reunites with Steppenwolf for ‘Lindiwe’
From a Chicago blues club to South Africa, a new show at Steppenwolf Theatre explores music and love across cultures. We get a behind-the-scenes look at “Lindiwe.”
Hedy Weiss Reviews ‘A Doll’s House,’ ‘I’m Lenny Bruce’ and More
There are many treats on Chicago stages these days. Theater critic Hedy Weiss joins us with her latest roundup.
Sister Helen Prejean on ‘Dead Man Walking’ at Lyric Opera
It was a moving memoir that became an Oscar-winning film before premiering as an opera in 2000. After more than 60 productions around the world, “Dead Man Walking” is now headed to Lyric Opera of Chicago for the first time.
Former Tattoo Artist Leaves Indelible Marks on Canvas
George Klauba is back on the scene, but he no longer inks people. These days, he’s an acclaimed painter sought after by collectors locally and abroad. And his new series of paintings features tattoo art.
At the Driehaus Museum, a Chance to Look at Old Material in a New Light
Louis Comfort Tiffany led an all-star team of artists and designers who could create almost anything out of glass: lamps, jewelry, mosaics and also artwork of a spiritual nature. We visit the exhibit “Eternal Light.”
‘Downton Abbey’ Actor Harry Hadden-Paton Rehearses for Royal Role in Chicago
We go backstage as an actor prepares “The King’s Speech” at Chicago Shakespeare Theater – and remembers his role on “Downton Abbey.”
Mexican Ambassador to the U.S. Martha Bárcena on Visit to Chicago
Bárcena, who last year became the first woman to hold her position, discusses immigration and the political relationship between the U.S. and Mexico.
‘Caution Freedom’ Shines Light on Artwork Too Provocative for Putin
Artwork once under attack by the Russian government is now on view in Chicago. We explore a show at the One After 909 gallery in West Town.
