March 2020 | Chicago Splash by chicagosplash

SPLASH MARCH 2020

REAL ESTATE REPORT HOT NEW PROPERTIES PLUS

A LOCAL SUPERHERO SOARS TO FAME RISING BRIDAL FASHION STARS

PAIR OF HEARTS

BILL AND GIULIANA RANCIC GIVE US MORE TO LOVE

DREAM HOME

It’s not about the community; it’s about the true sense of place. Join our magnificent paradise community in a Caribbean villa and step into an authentically Dominican lifestyle of relaxation, excitement and understated elegance. Our privately owned Punta Cana International Airport enables home owners to access a private terminal and VIP Lounge that ensures a quick and seamless journey from the terminal to your front doorstep. THE ESTATES Grupo Puntacana celebrates 50 years committed to sustainable tourism in the Dominican Republic. Puntacana Resort & Club and THE ESTATES are registered trademarks of Grupo Puntacana © 2019. All Rights Reserved. www.theestatesatpuntacana.com

TRENDING NOW

NEED TO KNOW

SPLASH Publisher and Editor Susanna Homan, susanna@chicagosplash.com Director of Brand Development Liza Sweitzer, liza@chicagosplash.com Managing Editor Kelly Aiglon, kaiglon@chicagosplash.com Art Director Haleigh Brown, hbrown@chicagomag.com Event Director Diana Vdovets, diana@chicagosplash.com For advertising inquiries, please call (312) 832-6729

SOAK THESE UP First, Miss Spa had sheet-mask fame. Now, the local beauty brand is glowing forward with a new line of serums and masks ($15) that solve a wide array of skin concerns. Try Clock Stopper, packed with retinol alternative bakuchiol, to slow signs of aging. And don’t go to bed without layering on Night Knight, a honey and AHA blend that smooths fine lines. miss-spa.com

Contributing Writers Lisa Arnett, Thomas Connors, Allie Duncan, Samantha Lande Contributing Photographers Lisa Hinsberger, Maria Ponce Social Media Beth Delany

STAY ARTFULLY

OH, BABY Boxed meal deliveries are having a moment. And babies are finally getting their due with Yumi, doorstep delivery of freshly prepared, organic, nutrient-dense meals. Parents can customize their box based on flavors their little one loves. For the launch, look for limited-edition recipes developed by Chicago Michelin-star chef and mom of three Beverly Kim. Her “Hobak Pat Juk” blend and “Broccoli Lentil Bites” reflect the same dishes grownups crave at her restaurant, Parachute. Starting at $35/week. helloyumi.com

It’s easy to wake up inspired at River North’s justopened 21c Museum Hotel. Chalk it up to the fact that it doubles as an art museum full of contemporary works. The 10,000-square-foot gallery space opened with a new exhibition called “This We Believe,” which explores religious, political, and economic ideologies. Ponder it in your bright, airy guest room, where leather and velvet decorative elements lend their own artful touch. Starting at $219/night. 55 E. Ontario; 21cmuseumhotels.com

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AT THE SHOOT

EVERYBODY DANCE NOW It’s not a workout if you’re having fun, right? That could be the mantra for the new pop-up concept MVFitness. Cofounders Bobby Gouse and Erin Schirack — both popular instructors at Studio Three — brought the concept here from New York. You’ll learn dance choreography to a popular music video and squeeze in some strength moves, too. At SX Sky Bar (808 S. Michigan) every Saturday at 10 & 11 a.m. $28/drop-in; $78/3-class pass. mvfitnesschi.com

Giuliana Rancic and husband Bill spent a morning with our crew at their new Lettuce Entertain You restaurant, RPM Seafood, a month before its big opening. Their adoration for each other was on full display. And their love for Chicago was also stronger than ever. “It’s the greatest city in the world,” said Bill. “The architecture, the neighborhoods … it’s truly undervalued.” Read the story about what the pair is up to on p. 6. Photographer: Maria Ponce Wardrobe: Janet Mandell

MARCH 2020 | CHICAGOSPLASH.COM

THE CALENDAR ✔ ARTS & CULTURE | ✔ PHILANTHROPY | ✔ FOOD | ✔ FASHION MARCH 1

✔ Chicago Polar Plunge For the 20th year, cold-weather warriors plunge into frigid Lake Michigan for an amazing cause: SCC/Special Olympics Chicago. The money plungers raise (past participants have included Mayor Rahm Emanuel and “Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon) helps fund year-round activities and events enjoyed by more than 7,500 disabled athletes throughout the city. Time 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Matt Roan. All proceeds from the event go directly to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, supporting its important mission to find a cure for blood cancer.

Diggy Moreland, complete with rose ceremonies. Through a series of games, challenges, dates, and more, Moreland will ultimately hand out a final rose.

Time 6 p.m.

Time 3 & 8 p.m.

Place Ritz Carlton Chicago, 160 E. Pearson

Place Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph

Cost Starting at $250; tickets at hoosierball.com

Cost Starting at $25; tickets at broadwayinchicago.com

“The Bachelor Live on Stage”

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Cost Minimal fundraising of $200 required to participate; register at chicagopolarplunge.org MARCH 14

✔ Hoosier Ball It’s a masquerade of the most spirit-lifting sort. The Lyon Family Foundation's signature fundraiser invites you to dress up in disguise and enjoy an evening of dancing, cocktails, food, casino-themed games, and live entertainment from DJ

In what promises to be Chicago’s most dramatic night ever, this interactive show hosted by fan favorites Becca Kufrin and Ben Higgins fits an entire season of “The Bachelor” onstage. Audience members have the opportunity to find love with previous “Bachelorette” cast member and Chicagoan

REPAIR REPAIR, REFINISH , REFINISH , , &Save RENEW RENEW&Save BEFORE BEFORE

AFTER AFTER

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

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MARCH 22

MARCH 14

Place North Avenue Beach, 1600 N. Lake Shore

MARCH 4-8

✔ BIDE Spring Market This curated market by makers for makers is vegan, cruelty-free, eco-friendly, and zero waste. Pick up sustainability guidance, clothing, accessories, beauty products, kids’ items, and home decor. There’s even more feel-good appeal: 20 percent of ticket proceeds is donated to the Australian Red Cross and WIRES, Australia's largest wildlife rescue organization. Time 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Place Exchange312, 1714 W. Division Cost $10 for admission; tickets at bidemarket.com

The legendary company presents four different programs across four days. All conclude with company founder Alvin Ailey’s masterpiece “Revelations,” which premiered in 1960 and has been the company’s signature work for six decades. Also expect Midwest premieres of Donald Byrd’s “Greenwood” and Darrell Grand Moultrie’s “Ounce of Faith”; and new productions of Judith Jamison’s “Divining” and Lar Lubovitch’s “Fandango.” Time Performance times vary. Place The Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Cost Starting at $35; tickets at auditoriumtheatre.org

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PARTIES 1. Dr. Frank Eckerdt, Eleni Bousis, Nicole Boufis, Dr. Leonidas C. Platanias 2. Model presenting at the auction 3. Lou Canellis and Robert Krantz 4. Teddi and Themis Galanis 5. Attendees enjoying the evening 2

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MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY’S BLACK CREATIVITY GALA More than 600 guests gathered to keep the spirit of innovation thriving. Now in its 37th year, MSI’s black-tie gala continues to support curiosity and new perspectives in arts and sciences. This year’s event celebrated the 50th anniversary of the “Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition,” featuring 200 original works of art from African American artists; and the Black Creativity program, which showcases the achievements of African Americans in art in innovation. The evening began with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Later, WGN meteorologist Demetrius Ivory emceed, and the museum’s rotunda came alive with entertainment by Chicago Children’s Choir, DJ Rae Chardonnay, Yanna Cello, Rockstar Ev, and Manasseh Croft.

PHOTOS COURTESY FURLA STUDIOS AND MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY

HIPPOCRATIC CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION “THE WINGS TO CURE” GALA The nonprofit devoted to finding a cure for cancer proved that Chicago has “the heart to heal.” That was the theme of its annual gala, held recently at Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier, where more than $1.5 million was raised to benefit highimpact translational research at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. Filmmaker Robert Krantz and WFLD-TV sports anchor Lou Canellis emceed the black-tie evening, attended by more than 1,000 supporters. It kicked off with a cocktail reception, and featured dinner and inspiring remarks from gala cochairs Nicole and Eli Boufis; and HCRF’s founding chair, Eleni Bousis.

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1. Coodie, Chelsea Harvey and Chike 2. Yanna Cello and Rockstar Ev perform 3. Gala host committee cochairs Dr. Kimbra Bell Balark and Sam Balark 4. DJ Rae Chardonnay gets guests moving in the Museum Rotunda 5. Erin and Demetrius Ivory

All for Love BILL and GIULIANA RANCIC’s entrepreneurial projects — and affectionate nature — are growing strong. BY SAMANTHA LANDE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE

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hicago has always adored the Rancics. After all, Bill grew up in Orland Park, went to Loyola, and started his career here. And the world got to watch as the couple’s life played out in the Gold Coast on the reality show “Giuliana and Bill,” first on the Style Network and then on E! Of course, there’s also their involvement with Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises restaurants RPM Italian and RPM Steak, which they co-own with R.J. and Jerrod Melman. While over the years their path has taken them away from Chicago — with Giuliana serving as a host of E! News in L.A., a gig she recently stepped back from — this has always been home. They now split their time between a Mag Mile apartment and a home in Brentwood, California. But you’re likely to spot them around the city now more than ever, as they just opened three new concepts at 317 N. Clark over the past seven months. There’s Pizzeria Portofino at the river level, where boats can dock and rosé flows; RPM on the Water, a private event space on the first floor; and RPM Seafood, a chic two-story marquee spot known for seafood towers (undoubtedly Bill’s favorite thing on the menu) and a bustling bar scene. True to its name, the restaurant has prime position on the Chicago River. A spot, it turns out, is especially close to Bill’s heart. “What the city has done with the river is incredible,” he says. “Seeing these boats, you almost feel like you’re in Amsterdam. It wasn’t like this growing up in Chicago, wasn’t even like this five years ago.” For many, it would seem, they are living the dream. And those who followed Giuliana’s struggles with infertility and breast cancer on the show have found hope in their story. Now with 7-year-old son Duke, they are chasing new adventures. And after 12 years of marriage, they still manage to be partners in both business and love with Bill really managing the business side of many of their projects, and Giuliana handling creative aspects. Count on Giuliana to pursue passion projects now more than ever. She recently decided to resign from being host of E! News when the network announced its move from L.A. to New York, happening later this year. She’ll continue to do red-carpet coverage for E! for all the major award shows with Ryan Seacrest. But for her, it was time.

“It was a big decision,” says Giuliana, 45. “I wouldn’t be able to do that plus be at home and also have these other businesses if I still had that day to day somewhere.” That’s not to say she doesn’t still take her red-carpet work for E! very seriously, as she just wrapped up another award season. It takes a lot of preshow prep. “I quiz her beforehand,” Bill says. And even after two decades of being in the biz, Giuliana still gets all the feelings: “Excitement. Nerves. There are a lot of emotions, until the red light of the camera comes on and then I feel a sense of calm,” she says. Now she can focus more on family and other projects. They include the HSN clothing line, G by Giuliana, which has expanded to 12 collections a year. Her new Giuliana Prosecco is now available online and in area restaurants. And her Fountain of Beauty skin care line, which she developed after researching clean skin care post-breast cancer, is in Ulta Beauty stores across the country. “I think a lot of it is leaving your ego at the door,” Giuliana says. “There are things I know and things I don’t. Recognizing and leaning on someone that does know is important.” Bill adds, “We both know our strengths and weaknesses and how we can help each other. It’s a good formula for us.” The couple gets approached with business opportunities almost daily, but they turn down most of them. “Usually everything comes out of a need,” Bill says, pointing to the skin care line as an example. “We don’t really add a lot of new things, rather focusing on growing what we have right now, but we have to be very passionate about it and believe in whatever it is.” When Giuliana was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011, she was very public with her battle on the reality show. Now, nine years later, giving her time to cancer-related causes remains a priority. One of these is through Fab-U-Wish, a program in partnership with the breast cancer nonprofit the Pink Agenda, granting over 250 wishes to women battling breast and ovarian cancer. “It’s been incredibly rewarding,” she says, “[Cancer] happened to me. It’s bad and you go through all of the emotions. But when you finally have that moment to surface and think about what you went through you realize you can help other people who are in that stage.”

Bill remains involved too, recently partnering with Northbrook-based Astellas pharmaceuticals on its C3 prize to provide grant money to small businesses making an impact in cancer care beyond the medicine part of the journey. Nothing to them is more important than family. Both are very close with their extended families and don’t take parenthood for granted. “We are lucky we started a little later,” says Bill, who’s 48. “If we had a child in our 20s — and for me 30s — I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy it as much because I would have been working all of the time. Now, we spend a lot of time with Duke. We are very hands on.” Bill and Duke spend time watching football together. “He knows all the stats — way more than me,” Bill says. “One day he wants to be a wide receiver; the other an engineer,” Giuliana chimes in. Bill refers to their family as “small but mighty,” which will serve them well in their next adventure: sharing their lives with the public once again. With Duke in tow, they will head out to travel the world, this time online through United Airlines’ social media pages on a 12-week interactive video series called “Rhapsody in Clues.” They’re given real-time clues that take them on a scavenger hunt across five different countries and give a look into family life now. If their passion for food is any indication, their travels will take them to some exciting restaurants. The couple become restaurateurs eight years ago, when RPM Italian opened. It was part intentional, part happenstance. Giuliana was constantly being asked about her Italian mom’s pasta by friends and strangers who saw them on TV. “I would get these tweets — ‘OMG I would do anything to eat mama Depandi’s pasta,’” she says, adding that she doesn’t claim to have inherited Mom’s cooking abilities. Eventually, the Naples-born personality thought, Why not? She told Bill she wanted to open a 50-seat hole-inthe-wall Sinatra-style restaurant. “I thought she was crazy,” he says. “The restaurant business is tough.” Bill was pretty shocked when Giuliana brought it up dining out with former Chicago Bear Greg Olsen and his wife. Olsen suggested they may want to talk with the Melmans for advice about the restaurant business. So that’s what they did — even

BILL’S BEST PROJECTS Bill has always been involved in real estate, much of it throughout Chicago. He’s renovated historic homes, built mixed-use projects, and opened restaurants across the city. Gold Coast Rowhouse (111 E. Bellevue): Prior to marrying Giuliana, Bill bought a row house in the Gold Coast. The couple had a hand in renovating the spot that was close to Oak Street Beach. They sold it in 2009 for around $3.6 million.

Hinsdale Mansion (422 E. Sixth, Hinsdale): On the show you may remember the Rancics taking a jaunt to look at a western suburban mansion that was in dire straits that they later purchased and completed rehabbed.

Gold Coast Mansion (105 E. Bellevue): This is where they lived as a family of three. The Rancics bought this historic 1886 five-bedroom mansion in 2013 and gutted it before moving in. They sold it in February 2019 for $5 million.

RPM Steak (66 W. Kinzie) This luxe steakhouse was the second RPM restaurant and features “The Duke,” a 10-ounce rib eye.

RPM Italian (52 W. Illinois): Their first foray into the restaurant business. You’ll often see them dining here when in town — in the “R” booth named after them.

if there was a faux pas in their initial meeting, with Giuliana bragging about her “restaurant experience as a hostess for her uncle” while Bill swiftly kicked her under the table asking, “Have you seen their restaurant résumé, honey? Slightly bigger!” It all worked out in the end. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the RPM brand continue to grow. “People are always saying to open [in more cities],” says Giuliana. Many are looking for Mama Depandi’s famous bucatini, with some 240,000 orders placed in Chicago. “We’d love to expand... just at our own pace,” says Bill.

Pizzeria Portofino, RPM on the Water, RPM Seafood (317 N. Clark): This three-story property is a partnership with LEYE. “We love that we’re part of changing the riverfront,” says Bill. “It’s an honor to be involved in the beauty of the river.”

That might be because they’d love to expand their family, but are cautiously optimistic given their public struggles with infertility. “Nothing quite yet to put out there,” says Giuliana. “We’ll put it in the big man’s hands above, but we’d love to. What’s meant to be will be.” “Bill and I do a lot of really cool things as adults … a lot of things we love. But there is nothing that even comes close to the joy we get from our son and our family together. It’s just a different type of joy,” says Giuliana. “Family is everything to us,” emphasizes Bill. “Family first.” MARCH 2020 | CHICAGOSPLASH.COM

One day you’re spring cleaning. The next you’re wondering if you need a new home entirely. Doesn’t hurt to peek around, right? From River West to the Pullman Historic District, they are changing the face of Chicago’s skyline and giving us all a taste of the unexpected.

SUPERIOR HOUSE The latest luxury condo reads like a who’s who of design brands: Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Miele appliances; Armazem kitchen and bath cabinetry; Duravit, Kallista, and Fleurco Adagio bath fixtures. Oh, and there are those large outdoor terraces with patterned wood ceilings and grilling stations. Units start at $1,795,000. 366 W. Superior; superiorhouse.com “WOW” FACTOR With only four units per floor, each residence occupies a corner of the building, intended for more privacy and natural light.

RENELLE ON THE RIVER A riverside oasis has summertime living covered with indoor/outdoor kitchens and private terraces with fireplaces. Great for families, there are three- and four-bedroom floor plans, including a rare duplex option. Units start at $1,300,000. 403 N. Wabash; renellechicago.com “WOW” FACTOR

Sneak off to serenity in the yoga room.

OPEN HOUSE

Check out these four new-to-the-market gems around the city BY KELLY AIGLON AVENIR The tallest building in River West rises 23 stories and is designed by Antunovich Associates. Living spaces are modern, and the community vibe is strong, thanks to multiple outdoor terraces, a pool, and a 22nd-floor coworking lounge with skyline views. Units start at $1,445/ month. 730 N. Milwaukee; helloavenir.com “WOW” FACTOR Select units feature “robotic furniture” — the Smart Suite by Ori Living. Powered by smart technology, Ori provides three rooms in one (living room unit, bedroom closet, and rollout bed), giving you more square footage.

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PULLMAN ARTSPACE LOFTS The Historic Pullman District is on the verge of a resurge thanks in part to this campus developed by nonprofit organizations. It includes 38 rental apartments and a 2,000-square-foot community and gallery space designed by architecture firm Stantec and dedicated to art exhibits and cultural programs. Unit prices vary based on resident income. 11143 S. Langley; artspace.org “WOW” FACTOR It walks the walk; units are quickly being occupied by multimedia artists, painters, photographers, and musicians.

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EVER AFTER IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS Photographer Noelle Adams Photography, noelleadams.wedding Venue and Catering Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 1775 Grove, Glenview, olphglenview.org; Galleria Marchetti, 825 W. Erie, galleriamarchetti.com Bride’s attire Blush by Hayley Paige gown from Nordstrom, 10 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, shop. nordstrom.com Bride’s accessories Badgley Mischa shoes, Nordstrom, 10 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, shop. nordstrom.com; bracelet borrowed from bride’s mother; veil and faux fur coat from Etsy, etsy.com Bride’s hair and makeup Tharie Karavitis and Holly Pistas, Thairapy TK Salon, 2200 Waukegan, Glenview, thairapytk.com; Stamatia Ress, makeupartistinchicago.com Bridesmaid’s attire Alfred Sung from Bella Bridesmaids, 1 E. Delaware, bellabridesmaids.com Groom’s attire Indochino, 910 W. Armitage, indochino.com

ven before their engagement, Leah Feingold and Steven Denza agreed they wanted a New Year’s Eve wedding. “That night is usually anticlimactic,” says Feingold, a 30-year-old teacher at Rauner College Prep introduced to Denza by a mutual friend. “We thought, let’s give our friends and family something else to celebrate.” Knowing they’d need a year-plus to plan, Denza planned to propose in October 2018 at the Robey (2018 W. North) under the guise of having their photo taken on the rooftop. His surprise was nearly foiled when Feingold flat-out refused. “She said, ‘I’m not going outside! It’s too cold. We just got a drink; we’ll do it later,’ ” says Denza, 29, an academic dean at ITW David Speer Academy. “This ring was burning a hole in my pocket. … I said, ‘Leah, get up. We are going outside and we are taking this picture!’ ” They married Jan. 31 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Feingold’s hometown of Glenview and later took photos in front of Wrigley Field as a nod to Denza’s Cubs fandom. Photographer Noelle Adams resorted to lying in a snowbank to get just the right shot, and also surprised the couple by Photoshopping their names onto the marquee. Their black-tie reception at Galleria Marchetti (825 W. Erie) was an elegant allwhite affair with metallic accents, from the twinkling globe chandeliers to the gold embellishments on their five-tiered cake. In lieu of a balloon drop, party decor company Paris312 (2116 N. Halsted) created giant balloons filled with smaller balloons and confetti for the couple to pop on the dance floor at midnight.—Lisa Arnett

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Invitations F.U.N. Cards & Gifts, 1472 Waukegan, Glenview, funcardsandgifts.net Dessert Almond cake with salted caramel buttercream, vanilla cake with strawberry buttercream, devil’s food cake with raspberry and chocolate buttercream by Amy Beck Cake Design, 636 N. Racine, amybeckcakedesign.com Entertainment Style Matters DJ, 2324 W. Fulton, stylemattersdjs.com Florist White roses, hydrangea, ranunculus and peonies by Joyce Grattoni, flowersbygrattoni.com Rings Norridge Jewelers, 8338 W. Lawrence, Norridge, norridgejewelers.com Transportation Limotainment, limo-tainment.com; and Olson Transportation, olsontransportation.com

Nora Byrnes & Eric Cantey

t’s true that a random match on a dating app brought accountant Nora Byrnes, 29, and cardiology fellow Eric Cantey, 32, together. But it was their shared backgrounds (they’re both Boston College alums) and a healthy obsession with MTV reality show “The Challenge” that kept them talking. Two years later, they moved in together and adopted their miniature goldendoodle, Nellie, who played a starring role in Cantey’s proposal to Byrnes by returning from a walk wearing a T-shirt that read, “Will You Marry My Daddy?” Their Nov. 16 wedding day was full of sentimental moments from start to finish. The now-retired priest from Byrnes’s childhood parish, St. Francis Xavier in La Grange, married them at Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, which has a special place in Byrnes’s heart because of its connection to Horizons for Youth, for which she’s a longtime volunteer. Later at their reception at the JW Marriott (151 W. Adams), Cantey danced with his mother to “Satellite” by Dave Matthews Band, a favorite song they listened to while driving to college visits when he was in high school.—Lisa Arnett

PHOTOS BY KENNY KIM PHOTOGRAPHY

Leah Feingold & Steven Denza

Groomsmen’s attire Calvin Klein tuxedos from Macy’s, macys.com

THANK YOU! Thank You to our sponsors, committee members, volunteers and guests who made United Way of Metro Chicago’s YLU IGNITE 2020 a resounding success. Proceeds from IGNITE 2020 support United Way’s workforce development efforts to provide our neighbors with critical access to job training and placement. Anything is possible when we LIVE UNITED.

YOUNG

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UNITED

Visit LIVEUNITEDchicago.org/ylu or email YoungLeadersUnited@LIVEUNITEDchicago.org to learn more or get involved.

SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS*

2020

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*As of February 14, 2020 PARTICIPATING SPONSORS MEDIA SPONSORS

Foundation

Q&A

VICTORIA PARK The Palatine native shines in superhero drama “The Flash” BY BETH DELANY

How is acting in a superhero series different from other roles? There is a weight when you’re working on a show that has characters who have been loved for years and years. Kamilla is not in the comics, so I have a little more freedom to play. There’s a certain responsibility in playing the characters and portraying the story well. It’s a good challenge. I never really found a character [who’s] this similar to me. I read the script and said, “I understand her.” The initial [draw] was her sense of humor. She’s a very positive person … a little snarky and sassy. Acting was not a plan for you. What changed? I [moved] to L.A. to pursue directing and ended up joining an acting class. It’s a good tool for directors to be able to understand actors [and I wanted] to meet people because I didn’t really know anybody in L.A. I ended up falling in love with it. I always loved playing pretend and make-believe. Acting is a way to never give that up. For superhero series in particular, there’s that imagination. It’s more fun to play in those roles because you are playing pretend. When someone believes in you, how does that affect your performance? I have the best team ever and I know that’s rare in this industry. My manager discovered me through that class and really believed in me and took a chance on me and took my career and made it what it is today. It is the greatest thing ever to have their support and guidance. Acting is a very tumultuous and emotional journey. When you’re joining a show like “The Flash,” which has such a huge fan following, it’s a little nerve-racking. There are definitely times when I get down on myself and lose hope. They’ve never lost hope in me; they’ve always believed in me.

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If you could have any superpower, what would it be? If I could continue to eat all the things in the world without getting full, getting sick, or gaining weight, that would be a really practical superpower and benefit my life greatly. When I lived in Chicago, I didn’t eat deep dish pizza that much, but now that I’m in L.A. and can’t get it, I crave Lou Malnati’s and Pequod’s all the time. “The Flash” airs Tuesdays at 7 p.m. on The CW.

PHOTOS BY PAUL SMITH

ictoria Park never had plans to be in front of the camera. She graduated from Palatine’s Fremd High School in 2006 and headed to Northwestern to pursue dreams of directing and producing, and graduated with a degree in radio/television/ film. “I was always influenced by the visual aspect of movies, which is why I concentrated on cinematography,” she says. But “things change.” And within a year of moving to Los Angeles, Park was scouted by a talent manager to go in front of the lens. Now with a decade of acting under her belt, the 31-year-old is best known for her role as photographer and bartender Kamilla Hwang on The CW’s “The Flash.” Currently in its sixth season, the show builds suspense with a plot line about a supersized crisis that spans across its sister shows, “Supergirl,” “Batwoman,” “Arrow,” and “Legends of Tomorrow.”

How do you maintain confidence in Hollywood? It’s really easy to compare yourself to others and that makes it difficult, especially with how connected everyone is these days in the pervasive culture of social media. Comparing yourself to others and saying, “This person seems ahead of me” or “Why don’t I have what they have?” is a difficult obstacle to overcome. But unplugging and grounding yourself in people who are not in the industry and encourage you for being who you are has been helpful for me to not fall into that trap.

ARTS

MASTER PLANS

The Art Institute takes a good hard look at the great El Greco BY THOMAS CONNORS

rt history is full of painters who insisted on coloring outside the lines: Albert Pinkham Ryder, Salvador Dalí, and Chicago’s own Ivan Albright. These artists all had a firm grasp on technique and an understanding of their predecessors. They didn’t stray entirely from artistic convention. But they didn’t always stick to the tried and true, either. One might say the same about El Greco, the Spanish master whose work is being celebrated at the Art Institute with “El Greco: Ambition and Defiance,” beginning March 7. Born in Crete in 1541, El Greco spent time in the studio of Titian in Venice and tried his luck in Rome (where he said nasty things about Michelangelo) before establishing a career in Spain, first in Madrid and later in Toledo, executing work for churches and monasteries. One of his greatest achievements was “Assumption of the Virgin” (1577), which entered the

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collection of the Art Institute in 1906. While this altarpiece remained true to the standard narrative requirements of ecclesiastical painting, the palette and the modeling of the figures presaged the vivacious fluidity and eye-catching color of his later works. The elongated figures and sense of space that followed had roots in the work of 16th-century Italian EXCLUSIVE SELECTIONS painters, but the full refinement of El Greco’s visual logic seems something all Handmade American his own. His almost freewheeling sense Fine Wood Furniture of space suggest the fantasies of Chagall, and his landscapes appear as modern as anything by van Gogh. In fact, El Greco has long been admired as a man ahead of his time. That seems to have been true for Chicago collector Joseph Winterbotham, suggests Art Institute curator Rebecca Long. “[We’re] lucky to have several other works by the artist, including ‘The Feast in the House of Simon’ that was originally part of the

Winterbotham Collection, indicating that for the collector, El Greco was a parallel to modern painters, as it was the only old master painting in his collection.” Looking at these canvases, one wonders about the man behind them. “El Greco was a striver,” says Long. “He could have settled for a career as an icon painter on Crete, but that seems to not have been enough. He lived beyond his means, renting an increasingly large apartment in a palace in Toledo, demanded large sums for his commissions and then sued when his patrons disagreed with what his work was worth.” As the artist said himself, “I suffer for my art and despise the witless moneyed scoundrels who praise it.” “El Greco: Ambition and Defiance” runs March 7-June 21. Tickets $7, in addition to regular museum admission. The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan; artic.edu

El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos). “The Assumption of the Virgin,” 1577–79. The Art Institute of Chicago, Gift of Nancy Atwood Sprague in memory of Albert Arnold Sprague.

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WHO TO WATCH

KATHLEEN CASEY & ERIN CASEY WOLF

WEDDING BELLES The mother-daughter duo makes bridesmaids feel as eye-catching as the bride BY ALLISON DUNCAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA HINSBERGER

14 CHICAGOSPLASH.COM | MARCH MAY 2019 2020

AGES 64 (Casey) and 39 (Casey Wolf) LIVE IN Edison Park (Casey) and Glenview (Casey Wolf) CLAIMS TO FAME After opening a franchise in 2007, the pair acquired bridesmaid dress showroom Bella Bridesmaids in 2012 and grew it to 58 outposts throughout the U.S. MOTHERLY INSTINCT In 2007, Casey Wolf was engaged and had to plan a 500-person wedding in eight months. At the same time, her mother saw an advertisement for franchising opportunities with Bella Bridesmaids. “She [Casey] called me, and I rolled my eyes,” says Casey Wolf. “But we went to San Francisco to meet the founder on Mother’s Day weekend and opened in the Gold Coast that September. Mom is always right.” COLOR STORY Both say bridesmaid dresses should complement the structure and formality of the bridal gown. “We call bridesmaids dresses the interior decorating of the wedding party,” says Casey. In terms of trends, “clean lines and monochromatic looks are dominant,” says Casey Wolf. “In Chicago, it’s traditional midnight, navy, and emerald green.” FAMILY AFFAIR Life has changed dramatically since they invested in Bella Bridesmaids 13 years ago, but one thing remains: “The entire family—mom, dad, husband and kids—is committed to the business,” says Casey Wolf. DREAM JOB Casey was born on the West Side of Chicago and eventually moved to Edison Park, where her husband is a Chicago firefighter. “I’d drive down the Kennedy to go to work and be slapping myself in the face,” says Casey. “I’m just a kid from the West Side who now owns a business in the Gold Coast. It’s rather amazing.” LUCK OF THE IRISH An Irish family, the Caseys love watching the Chicago River turn green and support the Irish American Heritage Center (4626 N. Knox) and Chicago Gaelic Park (6119 147th). “Erin’s daughter is competing in the All Irelands Irish step dancing competition this year,” says Casey. “We’re heading to Ireland to cheer her on.” For more info, visit bellabridesmaids.com

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