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.
Stories by Marc Vitali
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.
Chicago Band Ohmme a ‘Force to be Reckoned With’
Soaring harmonies and grinding guitars combine on a new record by a dynamic Chicago duo. We visit the basement headquarters of Ohmme.
Chicago Jazz Festival Expands to Neighborhoods for 40th Anniversary
The Chicago Jazz Fest is expanding its scope and reach. We discuss what’s new – and what to expect this weekend – with Mark Kelly, commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
Stony Island Arts Bank Remembers Historic Johnson Publishing Company
An exhibition conveys the role of the publishers of Ebony and Jet magazines in spreading the word on black culture from their onetime offices at 820 S. Michigan Ave.
At the Art Institute, the Opulent Paintings of John Singer Sargent
Chicago museums and collectors played a critical role in the life of an American artist with an international profile. We take a look at the spectacular paintings of John Singer Sargent.
Checking Out the Menu at Chicago’s New US Pizza Museum
An appetizing new museum just opened in Chicago. We check out the collection of a curator with a craving.
Meet Ada Grey, the Veteran Chicago Theater Critic Who is Almost in High School
She’s been on the scene for 10 years – and just turned 14 years old. Ada Grey tells us about her experiences as a Chicago theater critic.
Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art ‘Lions’ Exhibit Taps into Its Roots
Inside a new exhibition that looks at the art and legacy of the founding fathers of the museum.
3 Years After Tragedy, Mother Motivated to Strengthen ‘Annie’s Law’
A change in state law will ensure first responders are equipped with EpiPens. Meet the mother of the girl who inspired the legislation.
Rediscovering Influential Chicago Artist Charles White at the Art Institute
On the 100th anniversary of his birth, Charles White is being recognized with the first major retrospective of his work since 1982.
Bonnie Koloc, Howard Levy Share Deep and Enduring Musical History
A studio performance with harmonica hero Howard Levy and Chicago folk legend Bonnie Koloc.
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.
Intuit Exhibition Highlights Chicago’s Embrace of Outside Art
We visit the local gallery and museum that preserves and promotes unusual art made by unusual people.
Chicago Theater Recommendations from Hedy Weiss
Theater critic Hedy Weiss gives us her take on a Tennessee Williams classic, an Elvis musical full of glitz and hits and more on Chicago-area stages.
The Big Business of Craft Beer: New Book Tells Goose Island Story
Was the 2011 sale of Chicago’s Goose Island Beer Co. to the Anheuser-Busch InBev company a great American success story, or an epic sellout? We talk barrel-aged beer with Chicago Tribune reporter Josh Noel.
Pitchfork Lineup Includes Debuts by Melkbelly, Nnamdi Ogbonnaya
Two Chicago bands get ready to bring the noise this weekend when they make their debuts at the Pitchfork Music Festival.
Keith Haring’s Chicago Mural Speaks to Youth, Artists
Nearly 30 years ago, artist Keith Haring enlisted the help of 500 Chicago students to paint a 488-foot long mural. Chicago Tonight caught up with a trio of those teens who grew up to be artists themselves.
New MCA Exhibit ‘Raised on the Internet’
An art exhibition takes you inside the digital domain of the internet and explores how the internet has changed the way we experience the world.
Martin Espada Wins Top Poetry Foundation Prize
Often called “the people’s poet,” Martin Espada was recently awarded one of the nation’s top literary awards.
New Arts Club Show Explores Chicago as ‘A Home for Surrealism’
An unusual new art show looks at fantastic and strange paintings made by Chicago and Midwestern artists in the mid-20th century. We visit the Arts Club of Chicago.
