Poetry Foundation Creative Director Fred Sasaki says the exhibition grew out of the discovery of a collection of Diana Solis’ photographs and other items abandoned in a basement.

Born in Chicago and raised in New Jersey, Patti Smith has lived an incomparable life as a poet and performer. Known as “the punk poet laureate,” she’s in the Rock Hall of Fame and won a National Book Award.

Patti Smith was honored by Chicago’s Poetry Foundation with a Pegasus Award. 

Legendary musician, poet and writer Patti Smith was born in Chicago. Here's a rundown of her cultural connections. 

The life and work of a tough Chicago artist.  We take a closer look at painter Joan Mitchell, who expressed herself strongly during a macho era in American art.