August 1 - 7, 2022 Vol. 31 No. 31
$3 $1.85 + Tips go to your Vendor
Starting
June 27 Streetwise will cost
$3 + Tips
We Are Giving Our Vendors a Raise! Beginning June 27, StreetWise costs $3.00 + tips. Vendors will now earn $1.85 per issue instead of $1.10 for every magazine sold.
Why now? StreetWise has not increased the price of our magazine to the vendors or customers since 2008! It was only the second increase in the 30-year history of StreetWise. The cost of living has gone up 34% since 2008. A dollar's worth of goods in 2008 would cost $1.34 today. Our vendors deserve more money in their pockets to offset the rising costs of food, transportation and housing. StreetWise magazine is an award-winning weekly publication that also serves as a platform for people with lived experience to share their stories and their views as writers and more. Post-COVID inflation has hit us hard. Our production costs have increased 25% over last year.
Selling StreetWise is a Job Selling StreetWise isn’t begging, and it isn’t asking for charity. It’s a job. Our vendors are self-employed microentrepreneurs who build relationships and create connections between and across communities that change perceptions about homeless and low-income individuals. The new price of $3, with vendors paying $1.15 for their papers, means each paper sold nets the vendor a solid $1.85. It raises the floor so that our vendors earn a wage that is worth their while. It’s time for this to happen. We talked with our vendors and received feedback from some of our customers and supporters. We have nearly unanimous support for the price increase. Now is the time. The price increase, by expanding one of the most reliable income sources we have, will give StreetWise vendors an income they need to thrive, and not just survive.
Our Vendors Deserve a Raise!
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Arts & (Home) Entertainment
More and more events are happening in Chicago, and we want you to know about the best of the best!
6 SportsWise
The SportsWise team discuss the greatest siblings in tennis history: Venus and Serena Williams.
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Cover Story: Our Favorite Chicago places
Enjoy the last days of summer, as StreetWise vendors and staff describe their favorite places around Chicago. From museums to the riverwalk, to the lakefront, and more, we go in-depth about places to work and worship, to be inspired and to have authentic experiences with other people.
The Playground THIS PAGE: A bedazzled stormtrooper peruses the show floor at Chicago Comics & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) (Dave Hamilton photo). DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the authors and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of StreetWise.
Dave Hamilton, Creative Director/Publisher
dhamilton@streetwise.org
StreetWiseChicago @StreetWise_CHI
Suzanne Hanney, Editor-In-Chief
suzannestreetwise@yahoo.com
Amanda Jones, Director of programs
ajones@streetwise.org
Julie Youngquist, Executive director
jyoungquist@streetwise.org
Ph: 773-334-6600 Office: 2009 S. State St., Chicago, IL, 60616
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS Compiled by Emma Slings
The Power of Dance!
Kyiv City Ballet Opening the Auditorium Theatre’s (50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) fall season is Kyiv City Ballet with its first-ever Chicago performance. Dancing as the “voice of resistance amidst a greater struggle,” the Kyiv City Ballet presents dazzling excerpts from Swan Lake featuring two of the top prima ballerinas of Ukraine: Krystina Kadashevych and Oksana Bondarenko. On September 24 and 25, support those “who are risking it all to bring culture to their communities” as you enjoy the expertise of these classically trained dancers. “As we welcome back audiences to our landmark stage, the Auditorium Theatre is especially proud of this season’s Global Dance offerings… We hope to attract not only dance lovers but all who stand behind Ukraine to show support for these brave artists,” said Auditorium Theatre CEO Rich Regan. Tickets for The Kyiv City Ballet range from $40-$94 at auditoriumtheatre.org. Get 15-25% off your purchase with a create-your-own-series subscription! The Auditorium Theatre is a not-for-profit organization “committed to presenting the finest in international, cultural, community and educational programming to all of Chicago.” Future performances include American Ballet Theatre, Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, Trinity Irish Dance Company and much more.
Let's Talk Books!
(HOME) ENTERTAINMENT
Unique Subscription Bookclub Do you love reading but can’t commit to a book club? Are you looking for something a little extra? Workshop leader Alice Moody and bookseller Ann Walters have created a unique literary subscription series to fill those needs! Talk books with these two ladies at The Book Stall (811 Elm St. in Winnetka) on Wednesday, August 3 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Learn more about this book series, the “surprise” books, the “Siskel & Ebert” style talks and the “carefully curated selection of titles.” There will also be a raffle for a 6-month subscription (3 books and 3 talks)! Bookworms do not want to miss this free event. Visit thebookstall.com for more information.
Splashdown!
Chicago Ducky Derby Watch as over 70,000 rubber ducks splash into the Chicago River in support of Special Olympics Illinois on August 4! But first, attend the Family Festival at 401 N. Michigan Ave. for free activities and live music. At 1 p.m., the ducks will splash down at Columbus Bridge and race down the river. Watch along the Chicago River near Columbus Drive Bridge, with live entertainment at The Northman (233 E. Riverwalk) or listen via FOX32. For more information or to adopt a duck for $5, go to soill.org – your duck might be the lucky winner of a 2022 Chevy Equinox, cash, or more!
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Museum Quality Artifacts!
The Jim Irsay Collection Owner and CEO of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, Jim Irsay, is bringing items from The Jim Irsay Collection, “a renowned assemblage of iconic artifacts from rock music, American history and pop culture,” to Chicago. It's “one of the most comprehensive overviews of American culture in the world,” said Mike Mills, bassist and founding member of alternative rock band R.E.M. Head to the Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.) on Tuesday, August 2, from 7 - 10 p.m. In addition to the grand display, attendees will enjoy a performance by The Jim Irsay Band! This event is free, but capacity is limited, so tickets are required. Get yours at eventbrite.com. For a sneak peak, visit jimirsaycollection.com.
The Sonic Story Continues!
Epiphany Center for the Arts: 'Jazz Occurrence' Experience Lewis Achenbach’s visual improvisation of the music scene as he pairs sonic and visual arts in his latest project, "Jazz Occurrence." "Jazz Occurrence" uses storytelling with key frames and poses to tell The Sonic Story through layered “paints you can smell; wood panel scribed with pastels, charcoal and carpenter’s chalk; and sketches of sound on paper.” Achenbach graduated from NYU Tisch School of the Arts for Film and Animation. He is skilled in traditional animation, printmaking, decorative painting and has been making music since 2012. Attend the free opening reception of Jazz Occurrence on August 5 at 6 p.m. at the Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S. Ashland. This exhibition runs through September 17. Visit epiphanychi.com.
Market With A Purpose!
Argyle Night Market It’s time for the annual Argyle Night Market! Enjoy food from local restaurants and live cultural music each Thursday evening through August 25! This free event welcomes and supports those from every socioeconomic and racial background. Partnerships and donations go to organizations and headliners such as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI), Japanese taiko drummers and youth circus performers. Head to 1000 W. Argyle for foods and goods offered from 5 - 9 p.m. This year, enjoy the new beer garden and trellised alfresco dining areas! Visit exploreuptown.org for details.
Pedal Into The Night!
Night Owl Bike Ride Join a fun, late-night biking group for the TLC Night Owl Bike Ride! Cruise the lanes and trails of Crystal Lake (100 W. Woodstock St.) on Saturday, August 6, starting before the ride at 8:30 p.m. with live music and fun. Ride starts at 10 p.m. The main route is about 20 miles long, but a shorter, family-friendly 9.5-mile route is also available. Proceeds benefit The Land Conservancy of McHenry County. For more information or to get tickets ($15), see conservemc.org.
BBQ For A Cause!
Backlot BBQ Fest Raise money for Designs with Dignity and women in construction at the Backlot BBQ Fest! Enjoy delicious BBQ bites and sides from local chefs with craft beer or an artisanal cocktail. Play games like giant Jenga and Cornhole as you jam with the DJ, or enter raffles to win lounge furniture, grills and more! Don’t miss this evening of good-purposed fun on Wednesday, August 10, from 5-10 p.m at the Merchandise Mart, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza. Tickets start at $75 at eventbrite.com. This event is presented by the Building Industry Association of Greater Chicago.
Dancing In The Streets!
Chicago Brewing District Attend a “one-of-a-kind craft beer and live music event” at Dancing in the Streets! Enjoy live music, curated drinks, food trucks and activities for the whole family! Thanks to local non-profits, kids can enjoy crafts, games, tie-dyeing and face painting! Dancing in the Streets runs 5-10 p.m. August 7 at the Chicago Brewing District, 1700-1800 W. Hubbard St. For more, visit dancinginthestreetschicago.com. This event is presented by the West Town Chamber of Commerce, On Tour Brewing, and the Chicago Brewing District.
Laugh Your Sins Off!
'Are You Smarter Than Your 8th Grade Nun?' Enjoy a night of laughs at the Greenhouse Theater Center (2257 N. Lincoln Ave.) with Vicki Quade’s "Are You Smarter Than Your 8th Grade Nun?" This interactive comedy game show welcomes willing audience members to the stage for a quiz on school subjects like history, geography, arithmetic and science. Too many wrong questions put you in Purgatory, where you must answer a religious question to get out! Play for your chance to win glow-in-thedark rosaries, holy cards or a free pass to heaven! This show is extended through August 28. For more information, visit nuns4fun.com. For other plays throughout Chicago, see chicagoplays.com.
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Vendors Russell Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat about the world of sports with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.
Patrick: So, fellas, let’s speak about, arguably, the greatest siblings duo in tennis history: The Williams sisters. Let’s talk post-tennis. Russ? Russ: Well, beginning with Serena, whose tennis life is holding on a bit longer than Venus, Serena is the proud parent of a daughter, as well as the wife to one Alexis Ohanian. With her family, she can now spend that time with them and make it—if not already—her absolute no. 1 priority. Shoot, I wouldn’t be surprised if she didn’t teach her daughter how to play tennis. I could see her coaching the youth or, even, college players.
SPORTSWISE
John: From what I’ve found, Venus designed a clothing line for clothing company Wilsons Leather. Russ: She’s also inked deals with Reebok, Wrigley Gum, Avon and Nortel Networks. Patrick: What’s Nortel Networks? Russ: A Canadian telecommunications and data company, doing webcasts and online clinics. Donald: Well, knowing the Williams sisters, they have
solid plans for their retirement. They’re having a tough time wrapping up their tennis careers—understandable based on their success—but, throughout their careers, they’ve moonlighted on their main jobs. Both have clothing lines that seem to be doing well. On a personal tip, I’m a bit torn because I’ve been watching and enjoying them play tennis at such a high level, with such flair—
own lovable vibe, though. Venus with that long, classy, clothes-designing aura; can take your air without you even realizing she’s even gotten into your space. Serena comes at you with so much power and grit and aggression that you’d have to make a decision—assuming there’s time—whether your health was strong enough to sustain the “love” that was bearing down on you from Venus’ younger sister.
Russ: Something we don’t get a lot of when it comes to tennis.
Russ: (Laughter.) A heckuva description!
Donald: Right. It hurts, though, that, at some point, we won’t get to watch and root for them.
Patrick: Not only that, as mentioned earlier, both have clothing lines. This is a huge undertaking for one person in a family—let alone two. Venus, in 2007, created her own brand called EleVen, and it’s still solid. Serena’s line, S by Serena, finally launched in 2018 after a few false starts. I learned, but hadn’t known until very recently, that Serena, at 18, had juggled her tennis career and fash-
Patrick: I agree, Don. I can say the only tennis matches I’ve never enjoyed—fully— are ones that have Venus on one side and Serena on the other—especially later when Serena won every match! Big Venus fan here. Each has her
ion school. To be that good at something that requires elitism Rashanah Baldwin for success, and to voluntarily give over some of that focus to something so intense as an artstudy—especially something as specific as clothing design—is kudos-worthy. John: Honestly, this is more interesting than I thought it would be. I didn’t realize the height of their talents outside of tennis. Donald: John, we got you. And, again, both are huge about family, so if nothing else, they can sink into those as comfortably as they slipped into the world of championship tennis. And, you out there, please feel free to send your thoughts to the e-mail address below about the Williams sisters and what we’ve said today. Also, let us know if you want to hear us discuss something in particular. Any comments or suggestions? Email pedwards@streetwise.org
CHICAGO LOVE OUR FAVORITE PLACES TO SPEND THE LAST DAYS OF SUMMER There is just enough summer left for a short getaway – and luckily, Illinois is the 15th best state for road trips and 6th best for number of attractions, according to WalletHub. Many of these sites are in Chicago: the lakefront, various museums and Millennium Park. StreetWise vendors and staff give you their picks for a last grab at summer fun.
LAKEFRONT & WRIGLEY LOVE
(Both photos choosechicago.com)
My favorite place in the Chicago area is the lakefront between Oak Street and North Avenue Beaches, near the north end by the ladders, where it’s deeper and people can go swimming. When there’s more choppy waves, it’s great fun. It teaches you how to swim and have fun with the youth. Going to Wrigleyville near Clark and Addison is another great experience. Lots of street vendors sell everything from magazines to water. It’s a fun, carnival atmosphere and you meet great people. -Recommended by Vendor John Hagan
NAVY PIER My favorite place is Navy Pier, where my grandparents met, and they were married for 50 years. I like the food, the rides, the walking for exercise, the friendly people and especially, the cruises on the river and the lake. -Recommended by Participant Lisa Getches (Navy Pier photo)
C2E2 Enjoy a weekend that is the only comic, cosplay, and pop culture convention in the heart of Chicago. It is a gathering of A- to D-list celebrities, unique exhibitors, incredible comic artists, and larger-than-life literary authors in McCormick Place, 2302 S. King Drive, to celebrate pop culture fandoms. There is something for everyone, from a show floor packed with top exhibitors, autograph sessions, panels, screening rooms, exclusive souvenirs, After Dark events and a massive Artist Alley. If you’ve always dreamed of attending the biggest geek party in the Midwest, then look no further. This is your weekend to get wild and be free with other nerdy Chicagoans. Epic memories and awesome friendships await at Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2)! THIS WEEKEND! 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. August 5 & 6, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. August 7. 3-day passes start at $99, daily passes start at $40 (and you can save even more if you purchase your pass at a local comic book store! May I suggest visiting our friends at Graham Crackers Comics Andersonville, 5028 N. Clark St.) -Recommended by Publisher / Creative Director Dave Hamilton (Reed Pop photos)
GO EXPLORING!
Riverwalk & Millennium Park (Choose Chicago photos)
I love Chicago for its attractions. You can be celebrating a special event, birthday, or just taking in what this wonderful city has to offer with friends on a nice day. Just the day before yesterday, I met two of my friends and had a wonderful time. We got on the Green Line and got off on State & Lake, walked down to the River Walk and enjoyed ourselves for a couple of hours, just soaking up the sun. We made conversation with other people—who were also out with friends kickin’ it and having fun—and when evening came down, we walked to Millennium Park just to be doing something because, as we all know, time flies when you’re having fun! Before we knew it, we were walking down the Mag Mile, just looking at all of the very talented performers. Soon, we were back on the Red Line, headed home. These were just a couple of the things we did as Chicago has so many things to do; that’s why I love my town, because I could go on and on about it. There’s just not enough pen and paper to do so, because, like I said, there is so much to see and do. If you are a true Chicagoan, you know just what I’m talking about. So, until the next time pen and paper meet again, enjoy yourself and have all the fun you can handle! -Recommended by Vendor Julius Vance
Marshall's Landing (Charles de Vaivre photo) Winter Garden (Chicago Public Library photo)
A CHANGE OF SCENERY FOR 'WORK FROM HOME' As a remote worker new to Chicago, I was on a mission to find spaces for both me and my laptop to enjoy. This meant free WiFi, accessible power outlets and an overall enjoyable environment available during business hours. And it’s only been a couple of months, but I’ve settled into a satisfactory cycle of WFH locations throughout the city. So, whether you’ve been working remotely since the start of the pandemic or you want to WFH without being at home, here are my favorite places in Chicago: The first spot is on the second floor of the Merchandise Mart, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, the world’s largest commercial building. On your left after a few strides through the front door, you’ll see a flight of red-cushioned granite steps leading to an open ledge with a restaurant, bar and coffee bar: the industrial-modern Marshall’s Landing. While you’re more than welcome to order a bite of angry chicken fries, a hibiscus mule or a vanilla latte, you are free to work in this place without making a purchase. While sitting in a low, leather swivel chair and clacking away on my laptop, I feel elevated from the intern status to a professional businessperson waiting for a very important conference call. But in reality, I’m answering emails while HGTV or ESPN is projected on the large wall across from me. My favorite WFH gem is the Winter Garden on the 9th floor of the Harold Washington Library, 400 S. State St. Its 52-foot glass-paneled dome invites the sun to bounce off the terrazzo and marble floor onto the powder blue walls and surrounding greenery. I always need a minute to appreciate the beauty before starting my tasks. This is a place designed for quiet work – it’s a very echoey room. Although there aren’t any power outlets to use, you can find plenty of them on the floors below. Get there earlier in the day to make sure you get a table! -Recommended by Journalism Intern Emma Slings
GRANT PARK Grant Park is often referred to as “Chicago’s Front Yard.” The most popular and populous places in Grant Park are clearly Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park, the Petrillo Music Shell, and Buckingham Fountain. But my favorite part of Grant Park is the south end, between the Museum Campus and Buckingham Fountain. My son opened my eyes to the area after a day at the Adler Planetarium. I had no idea there was a beach (12th Street Beach), nestled in between the Planetarium and Burnham Harbor. There are beautiful views of the lake and Monroe Harbor as the Lakefront Trail winds around the Shedd Aquarium. After crossing underneath Lake Shore Drive and the Metra tracks, you are suddenly in this lush oasis with stunning views of Chicago’s iconic skyline. The walking paths are tree-lined with beautiful gardens and fountains. The paths lead to open areas with park benches and grassy patches to sit and enjoy some shade with the lake breeze. It’s almost unbelievable that this is nestled between Lake Shore Drive and Michigan Avenue; it's so quiet. You can easily forget that you are in a bustling city until you catch a glimpse of some of the skyscrapers through a break in the trees. Eventually you emerge into the open air near Buckingham Fountain. Just like that, you are back in the urban jungle. I highly recommend you explore this gem hidden in plain sight. -Recommended by Executive Director Julie Youngquist
(Julie Youngquist photos)
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(DuSable Museum of African American History photos)
DuSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY In 1961, Dr. Margaret Taylor Burroughs and her husband Charles established the Ebony Museum of Negro History, which later became known as the Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Place. What drew me to the DuSable Museum was that I needed a sense of knowing about my history and culture. The DuSable Museum is the oldest African American history museum in the United States, with a collection of 15,000 paintings, sculptures and historical memorabilia. Every time I visit, I get a sense of purpose, a sense of belonging that helps me keep my focus on the things I need to accomplish. It helps me stay grounded. What I am most proud of is that DuSable is credited for founding the trading post that became Chicago in 1779. The art there is overwhelming to see: pictures of ancient African artifacts and the story of indigenous peoples who were settled here. I feel that I really belong here in Chicago. -Recommended by Vendor Lee A. Holmes
NORTH MICHIGAN AVENUE
(Mag Mile photos)
One of my favorite places to visit in Chicago is the John Hancock Center and vicinity. When you go up to 360 Chicago on the 94th floor, you can look out the window and see all of Chicago and the lake. They also have a concession stand for souvenirs, snacks, and pop or beer. There's a restaurant on the 95th floor and lounge on the 96th. And of course you don't want to miss Water Tower Place. It has an elevator you can ride to the top floor and hear a recording of Harry Caray singing TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME on your way to the Chicago Sports Museum. That part of downtown also has Sprinkles in Water Tower Place and at 50 E. Walton St., for Chicago's best cupcakes. There's also a Starbucks Roastery at 646 N. Michigan Ave., which is something you have to see to be able to truly describe. You can order coffee on every floor, and it has one of the world’s only spiral escalators. Give it a try. -Recommended by Vendor William Plowman
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Paula D. Holmes, Father Matthew Litak and Lee A. Holmes; Paula and Father Peter Wojcik; interior of St. Clement's (all photos provided by Paula D. Holmes)
ST. CLEMENT'S CHURCH
One of my favorite places to visit is St. Clement’s Church, 642 W. Deming Place in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The reason is the kindness that the parish has shown me. I sell StreetWise before and after all three masses on Sunday. The priests, Father Matt and Father Peter, encourage people to buy them from me. St. Clement’s was founded in 1905 by German-speaking immigrants along Lincoln Avenue and built in 1917-18 in the Byzantine style, with a dome like that of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. St. Clement was the third successor to St. Peter as Bishop of Rome, and as pope. I enjoy talking to Father Matt and Father Peter. To me, the Catholic ritual is no different than the Baptist: we stand up and pray, we give money and there’s a sermon. I look forward to going there every Sunday. Thank you, Father Matt and Father Peter, for being an inspiration to me. -Recommended by Vendor Paula D. Holmes
ART INSTITUTE I took a class there for painting when I was 18. I learned a lot about different painting techniques and a lot about what it means to be a struggling artist, how important it is in general to me and what an impact it has made in life. -Recommended by Participant Tracy Byer (Art Institute of Chicago photo)
ALL AROUND THE CITY I have a couple of favorite places in Chicago. I like to go to the Skate Rink on Cottage Grove. You rent skates for $7 and you get to skate for hours. I can take my daughter. She can skate on her side and I can skate on my side with adults. Then, another place I like is on the bike trail at Roosevelt. Dogs will be out playing. Skate boarders and people will be standing around feeding birds. You can park your bike and sit down and have a sandwich. There are sprinklers. There is so much to see riding your bike downtown on Roosevelt, or you can just ride over the bridge to the lakefront bike trail. It’s important to keep paper and garbage off the bike trail and, when riding on the trail, you have to be careful because people are jogging along the lake. One day, I am going to park my bike and do some jogging myself. There are a lot of nice and free places to go and visit in Chicago, like the flower house – the Garfield Park Conservatory. You get off the CTA Green Line right in front of it. Check it out. -Recommended by Vendor Kianna Drummond
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(Museum of Science & Industry photos)
THE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY
The Museum of Science and Industry has a lot of interesting discoveries — as soon as you finish climbing the entry stairs. You’ll observe the big pillars at the entrance and then once you enter, be fascinated by the hugeness of the space, including the airplane suspended from the ceiling. Then, as you continue to work your way to the center, you will notice a huge pendulum hanging from the ceiling to the basement; it’s a timekeeper, or watch, of some kind. There are countless things to see and experience. I remember as kids we used to stand on the footprints in front of this half-bubble made of glass, speak in the bubble and it would echo to the person some 30 feet behind you. You could even hear their whisper. That was simply amazing to me, like a sneak preview of cell phones. Last, but not least, the real captured World War II German submarine that you can actually go into. When you enter, you can feel the closeness the men encountered while under the sea. They even have a periscope that you can look through to see up top, outside. It would be what the sailor would look through to see what was on the surface when they were underwater. It was a great experience, something you can’t read about, something that you must encounter. It’s just one museum that offers an educational experience. -Recommended by Vendor A. Allen
A BIG CHICAGO FAN We got festivals, the Taste of Chicago, the Air and Water Show; we can go to the Willis Tower; we can go on a boat ride. Chicago is very, very interesting. There’s always something to do. Okay. You’ve got the sports teams. People are friendly. The Friendly City. I’ve been here all my life. And I really enjoy it. That’s the most important thing to me: That I stay here. I can get around. I have a nice location selling magazines (Clark & Lake Streets during the day, Washington & Wells in the evening). Customers treat me right. Basically, do the right thing, and you’ll be okay. I really enjoy going to the baseball games, the basketball games. StreetWise takes care of most of that for me, so I don’t have to pay a ton out of my pocket. That’s a good thing. I’m going to a WNBA game next month, and it’s because our staff heard us and worked with the Chicago Sky community-building team to help make this happen. I know I appreciate this. Chicago is the peacefulest city, and it’s continuous entertainment. We got Navy Pier, baseball games, Millennium Park, Block 37—Chicago is a great city and I love it. Wouldn’t trade it for the world. -Recommended by Vendor Russell Adams (DCASE photos)
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"The Artist's House at Argenteuil" by Claude Monet; "Nighthawks" by Edward Hopper (Art Institute of Chicago photos)
THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
The Art Institute of Chicago has the largest collection of French Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings outside Europe, so I bless my high school French teacher for sending us there for extra credit. As a teen, I was suddenly visiting on my own and on Saturday for a docent-led tour. TripAdvisor named the Art Institute the top museum in the world in 2014 and I always recommend it to tourists. I’ve been to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the Uffizi in Florence, the Acropolis in Athens, the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, but I still rank the Art Institute right up there. The reason is that its collection has fantastic cultural breadth, whereas marquee pieces in many other museums come primarily from their own nations. The Art Institute guide to “What to See in an Hour” encompasses not only “The Bedroom” by Vincent Van Gogh and “A Sunday on LaGrande Jatte,” by Georges Seurat, for example, but also an African Face Mask and the “Buddha Shakyamuni Seated in Meditation.” This guide is available online in a free app and in printed brochures/maps stacked right inside the entrance. I took the challenge on a Thursday, when the museum is open until 8 p.m. and crowds are smaller. Normally, I would spend most of my time in 1870s-80s France with the Impressionists: Claude Monet haystacks and lilies, Edgar Degas dancers, Henri de Toulouse Lautrec at the Moulin Rouge. A copy of Monet’s “The Artist’s House at Argenteuil” (1873) hung in my college dorm room because his 5-year-old son in the picture resembled me in a painting my aunt did on the wall of her kitchen. She had taken classes at the Art Institute, so she depicted my family on the way to church on Sunday. I was wearing my red coat and hat, reaching up to hold my parents’ hands, my feet solidly placed, just like Monet’s son. But the one-hour challenge means experiencing new art: African, Asian, Native American, modern American. Running up and down stairs, between the different wings of the Art Institute, you have enough time to see the pieces and read their labels, but not to overanalyze them, so there’s no pressure. There’s a certain serendipity to it. “Nighthawks,” of a couple sitting together-but-alone in a New York City diner, was impossible to miss on the back wall of the “Arts of the Americas 1860-1950” gallery. On the way, I breezed by “The Wedding” by Jacob Lawrence. Georgia O’Keeffe’s “Sky Above Clouds IV,” her memory of airplane travel, also dominates the wall over the stairway at the far east end of the museum. She undertook the 8-foot by 24-foot work in 1965, when she was 77, because she had always wanted to do a large mural. On the way to Pablo Picasso’s “The Old Guitarist” in the modern wing, I happened on a black reductionfired bowl with feather design by the Native American New Mexico artist Maria Martinez. I circled around it. Martinez’s nephew was the husband of an Hispanic artist who owned a bed and breakfast in Taos who became like a second mother to me after my own mother’s death. Finally reaching the Picasso, I was inspired. Picasso became one of the most famous artists of all time, but when he painted the old, blind man in 1903-04, he was in the middle of his “Blue Period,” from poverty he had experienced the previous year. -Recommended by Editor in Chief Suzanne Hanney
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THE PEOPLE OF CHICAGO
My favorite things in Chicago all revolve around memories and people with whom they are shared. On more than one occasion, I have lucked into a conversation with a random person who knows the lakefront and the beauty of the “Rocks”—the outer and the inner. I’ve discussed the differing quality of Harold’s Chicken restaurants (53rd Street location back in the day, anyone?). I’ve chatted about the childhood games we, in low-income housing, partook in, e.g., Red Rover (Red Rover, Red Rover, send Jazmine right over), Red Light/Green Light (I was the king of freeze!), Beat the Belt (ouch), Crate Ball (no basketball court? I’m still going to find a means to hoop), marbles (You’re not getting my boulder!). Basically, the people within the shared memories is where it’s at. Which brings me to the television show “Good Times,” set in Cabrini-Green. I accepted every “Good Times” character as a person in my life, (not even subconsciously, I can sincerely say). To run into many, many random folks who could match me show-for-show regarding its episodes—especially the good ones—that is my ultimate Chicago experience. For example, there was an episode when J.J. painted his version of Jesus, for which Ned the Wino was the model. Other than Florida (the mother), the household began falling into good fortune, and it seemed to be because they were praying to the painting. Florida, however, a true religious follower, thought it wrong. There was the episode when J.J. was being recruited by a local gang. The father, James Evans, Sr., stepped in and kept the Evans family intact. The greatest episode—yet nearly the saddest and most traumatic—is when James Sr. was killed in a car accident while out of town. The Evans family was in the middle of throwing a going-away party to celebrate the remerging of their family; they were scheduled to join their father and husband in their new home in Mississippi. However, when letters were read at the party, a telegram arrived with the news about James Evans, Sr. J.J.’s and Thelma’s and Michael’s father had died…my father had died. Every Black child’s—and probably some white ones as well—father had passed on that day. And when Florida’s defenses were down—finally—she uttered the most powerful three-word sentence in the history of television: “Damn…damn…damn!” When I run across someone else who was/is a fan of “Good Times” and they’re knowledgeable about these and other scenes, episodes, and the feelings, it is easily one of the greatest moments of my life. My Chicago Top Ten Favorite List cedes spots to these Good-Times moments. -Recommended by Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards
MILLENNIUM PARK SUMMER MUSIC SERIES One of my favorite things about Chicago is all of the free art and cultural events that take place, especially in the summer. The Millennium Park Summer Music Series is at the top of my list. Every Monday and Thursday throughout the summer at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. you can sit on the beautiful lawn, eat a picnic, drink a beer, and listen to great live music from all over the world. It feels like we’re all hanging out in Chicago’s backyard! -Recommended by Director of Programs Amanda Jones
(Millennium Park photo)
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e1 to 7/24/17 Sudoku 9.
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Streetwise 8/14/17 Crossword To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the Sudoku numbers 1 to 9.
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54 Watch face 55 Happen again 57 Condo, e.g. 59 Part of a plot 60 Provide an address 61 Not a lick 62 Cincinnati team 63 Fills up 64 Leg’s midpoint
5 Make bubbly 32 Second growth 6 Organic of grass in a fertilizer season 7 Ship that 34 It may be wild Medea rode in 38 Basketball shot 8 Stocking part 40 Money, in 9 Gist slang 10 Animal 41 Hammer part organism 43 Fierce wild 11 Goldbrick dogs 12 Whopper 44 Took the gold 13 Auction off 45 Stock units 21 Filly’s father 47 Sharp as a tack 23 Map abbr. 48 Purim’s month Down 25 Succeed 49 Riviera city 1 Donnybrook 26 Old hairdos 50 Sail support 2 Resting on 27 Hot spot 51 Skedaddle 3 Greek 28 Spruce up 52 Bartlett’s abbr. 29 Pizazz promenade 53 Field of work 4 “It’s ___ as 30 Soft palate 56 Baseball stat usual” Copyright 31 ©2017 TomatoPuzzleJunction.com blight 58 Kind of time
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last week's Solution Puzzle Answers
Solution
Solution
PuzzleJu
Crossword Across 1 Off-the-cuff 6 No-win situation 10 W.W. II fliers 13 Swimming briefs (trademark) 14 Abundant 15 Groove-billed ___ ( cuckoo) 16 Fireplace part 17 Mingle 19 Baseball’s Mel 20 Poles, e.g. 22 Bars 23 Mariner’s aid 25 Zorro’s marks 27 Gusted 29 Actor MacLachlan 30 Ming tree 32 Airport posting 33 Plane reservation 63 Danger to 35 Stings divers 37 Agree out of 64 “___ Lang court Syne” 39 Dance step 65 Refines, as ore 40 Slants 66 Sample 41 Humid 67 Poet Angelou 42 Switch 68 Sleep disorder positions 43 Wage Down 46 Inactive 1 Voters’ 50 Falafel bread problem 52 Palm starch 2 Type of floss 53 Inside info 3 Permit 54 School terms, 4 That is, in briefly Latin 56 Beguile 5 Cotton capsule 58 Will Smith title 6 Strongly role motivated 59 Afflicted 7 Salon jobs 61 Like most 8 Away from the sonnets bow
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9 Blubber 10 Some rose bushes 11 Sweet liqueur 12 Quandary 13 Artist’s coverall 18 Irritation 21 Nitrogen, previously 24 Staff symbols 26 Walk nonchalantly 28 Used to be 30 Lightweight woods 31 Prayer leader 34 Quebec seasons 36 Jellied garnish 37 Ominous 38 Type of wind
39 Storage medium 40 Hit on the head 44 “What have you done for me ___?” 45 Docket 47 Within reach 48 Sue Lyon title role 49 Long stories 51 Athos, to Porthos 53 After food or rubber 55 Shell game 57 Tower site 59 Collector’s goal 60 Malaysian airport inits. 62 ___ Working (road sign)
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Solution
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