Chicago tips

"Don't Miss: "Mug Shots" and Henry Darger Room At Intuit

art, current calendar, culture

Here are two exceptional offerings at Intuit you shouldn't miss.  You don't even have to be an art aficionado to enjoy either one.

After many years of planning, a re-creation of  the Henry Darger Room has opened.  It's a new permanent exhibit at Intuit:  The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art at 756 N. Milwaukee Av. http://www.art.org.

You'll also see the fascinating "Mugshots" exhibit, officially dubbed "Least Wanted:  A Century of American Mugshots" that's so cool it's been featured on Channel 7 and elsewhere in the mainstream press.   Mark Michaelson, the major collector of these historic American relics has curated a thought provoking assemblage of "bored, sheepish, proud, coy, tough, defiant, bounced and bruised...innocent until-proven-guilty faces that stare back at the camera..." 

Michaelson emphasizes that none of these anonymous subjects had been tried in a court of law at the time they were photographed.  Somehow, I think, there is a poignant assumption of guilt latent in the photos nevertheless, providing us a window into a shocking world of imagined crimes to which we might well have been oblivious previous to this exhibit.   See the photos, read the intriguing comments that accompany some,  a unique experience awaits.  Mug Shots will close April 12.

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Chicago artist Henry Darger lived in the midst of a then much more down at the heels Lincoln Park at 851 W. Webster St. from 1932 until he died in 1972.  He was the reclusive tenant of Bauhaus photographer Nathan Lerner and his wife Kiyoko.  They discovered, as the elderly and ill Darger began to decline, that he had created a phenomenally unusual body of hundreds of drawings depicting the struggle of a band of seven young girls, "the Vivian Girls" against an evil army he called "Glandeleninians."

In addition, an enormous text  depicting this struggle (and others) and numbering over 30,000 pages was found in Darger's tiny apartment;  his combined home and studio.  Thanks to the Lerners this amazing body of work has been saved and is now admired internationally by both Darger devotees and the just plain curious.  Comparisons have been made to influences from Japanese prints and multiple other coincidental influences.  Many people are freaked out and many are fascinated by the subject matter

Darger did keep up with the current events of his day, depending on his level of interest in same.

Eventually his life's work began to envelop his space, taking over his bed and relegating Darger to a chair for sleep.

His eccentric story only becomes more complex as it unfolds.  Intuit is showing a number of Darger's drawings (water colors, sketches and collages) in their back gallery and, for the first time, The Henry Darger Room, the permanent and long-awaited installation of the re-creation of his apartment is on view.  Kiyoko Lerner generously donated the contents of the apartment to Intuit prior to its demolition.

An  unusual collection of source material awaits to amaze, but you should visit yourself so I won't describe the room's contents here.  Intuit also has a great deal of research material on site which you may peruse at leisure.  Phone 312.860.9008 to learn more.

Don't miss this special chance to see the room in conjunction with the 13 Darger drawings on display.  This exhibit is not permanent and closes  on June 28.

There is always something amazing awaiting you at Intuit  but these two exhibits are something you shouldn't miss. 

Don't say I didn't warn you!  Check out the frequent and multiple activities from Intuit at http://www.art.org

Two Terrific Exhibits Just A Bit North In Wisconsin

art, culture, travel

There are two unusual art exhibits going on right now in Wisconsin.  If you have a bit of extra time off during the holiday season this is a perfect  and adventuresome way to spend it.  Check out their January closing dates below so you don't miss out!

One of the best art exhibits I've ever seen (and you can guess I'm a veteran of many) is at the John  Michael Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan, about 2.5 hours from Chicago entitled Sublime Spaces. & Visionary Worlds. The Kohler has made it a special mission to save environmental art.  They've salvaged sites that were threatened with demolition and restored others enabling them to remain in place.  This wondrous exhibit (you can get an idea from these two photos, courtesy of the Center) takes up the whole museum, located in downtown Sheboygan.  You'll see in depth work from quite a few artists including a whole and very unique house belonging to Loy Bowlin, the self-proclaimed Rhinestone Cowboy who lived and dressed the part, even riding around his hometown of McComb MS in his similarly themed Cadillac.

There are woodcarvers represented and a mind-boggling assemblage of "healing machines" (photo at left) fashioned by Emory Blagdon, a reclusive Nebraska farmer.  The whole exhibit has the aura of fantasy lands come to life via the massive efforts of chief curator Leslie Umberger and her staff.

If you're lucky, Leslie herself may be giving a tour.  Call ahead to find out.  However, printed info on each artist is available on site, a user friendly device that I wish were used more frequently in museums.

Another exciting exhibit is on view in Milwaukee at the Santiago Calatrava designed Milwaukee Art Museum.  That's the one you've been meaning to visit anyway, the one with the sunscreen  that opens at noon daily, emulating the wings of a bird overlooking its' perch on the shores of Lake Michigan.

The current exhibit is of the work of Martin Ramirez;  a collection of (mostly) large drawings by this Mexican immigrant to California in the early part of the last century.

Ramirez was recently called "simply one of the greatest artists of the 20th century" by The New York Times.  Mr Ramirez spent most of his adult life in a mental institution that became a kind refuge for him to pursue his artistic obsession.  A doctor at the hospital recognized his genius and saved some of his drawings.  More were recently discovered, causing a small furor in the art world.  Now some drawings (photo at left) are in the permanent collections of both the Whitney Museum and The American Museum of Folk Art in New York.

There was a recent exhibit at the latter that has traveled to Milwaukee with some particularly marvelous additions from the collection of Jim Nutt and Gladys Nilsson, Chicago artists who were early admirers of Ramirez' work.

Warning:  The exhibit at the Kohler, www.jmkac.org closes in sections, beginning January 6 and the Ramirez exhibit at the Milwaukee Art Museum, www.mam.org closes January 13.  There are plenty of lodging accommodations and good restaurants in both cities.   Have fun!

Recycled Pencils Point Way To Innovative Gifts

shopping, culture

You just knew, didn't you that the Intuit store, a discreet but lively corner of the non-profit outsider art organization Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art would save the day for you re those hard to please but special people on your holiday list. 

Sue Lowenberg has fashioned great looking bracelets, necklaces, picture frames and more from ordinary but colorful pencils.  It's not just anyone who'd be lucky enough to enjoy this amazing but utilitarian pencil covered wastebasket in their home or office.  Then there's the tie on necktie for the off  beat tie wearer;  photos of both shown.  Prices range from $38 for the bracelets to $175 for the wastebasket and $330 for the necktie.

Lou Robinson, another local artisan has carved handsome spoons and other wooden items including hair sticks, letter openers and cheese spreaders which are also available at the store.  Many other gift suggestions here that you won't find elsewhere in town.

While at Intuit, enjoy the current exhibit of drawings by AG Rizzoli, a California outsider artist who began work in 1936 as a draftsman for an architectural firm in San Francisco.  His large renderings are minutely detailed to depict his very personal  and surprising ideas.  People he knew and loved have been transformed into buildings by his careful hand!  The image at right is courtesy The Ames Gallery, Berkeley, CA.  Although Rizzoli died in 1981 his work lives on through the efforts of Intuit and others including San Francisco art dealer Bonnie Grossman.  Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art is at 756 N. Milwaukee Av., and is open Tues.-Sat. from 11AM-5PM and Thursday from 11:30AM-7:30PM.  Street parking available.

Check out Intuit's shockingly cool domain name plus at http://www.art.org   for a list of choice activities now and in the future.

Christmas Is Aglow At This Logan Square Landmark; Try Lula Cafe Nearby

culture, current calendar

For many years the large house on the Northeast corner of Logan Boulevard and Washtenaw has been decorated for the holidays.  Halloween is impressive but Christmas is over the top!

We love to take our out of town holiday guests to see this busy amalgam of decorations which never fails to impress.  The house itself, front and side and the adjoining yards are deluged with embellishments.  This time colored foil has been added so it looks resplendent in the daytime too.  It's such fun that you'll definitely want to return after dark to for a totally different experience.

There's a rumor that the house is owned by someone in the outdoor decorations business which, when you see this marvelous environment, you'll agree is entirely possible.  In the evening you'll see groups of people stopping by to enjoy the display.  For us it's an important part of the holiday season.

The other day we were headed out of town so we stopped at Lula Cafe for lunch.  This is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago.  It's welcoming and low key.  The staff is pleasant and helpful and the customers look like you'd like to have them as friends.  That's pretty much a rarity in these days of hip.  Lula is definitely an outpost for the Logan Square area and beyond.  There was a short wait last Friday, so arrive by noon if you want to be seated promptly.  Check out the art too...I liked the work currently on view and I'm really picky.

Lula opens at 9AM daily and serves breakfast until 2:30.  This enables some to segue into lunch while others begin their day.  I had a delicious tofu scramble with ginger miso sauce.  There's always a homemade soup.  The pan seared celery root with spaghetti sauce sounded good too.  There's lots to choose from including more serious entrees for dinner.  Not surprisingly there's a special brunch menu on weekends but a prix fixe "Farmer's dinner" on Monday evenings  is a novel twist.

For more on Lula Cafe look on our archives  under "food and drink", noting "This Is Lula"  on January 22 of '07.

The Christmas House, Logan Blvd and Washtenaw;  Lula Cafe, 2537 N. Kedzie, 773.489.9554.  Lula is closed on Tuesdays.

Halloween Is Everywhere. Check It Out.

current calendar, culture

With the approach of Halloween I'm on the lookout for intriguing scenarios and I offer these two as an alternative to the ubiquitous white (and green) veiling around town.

First, there's this ghoulish larger than life size grim reaper beckoning all to come in for a car wash at Car Care Specialists at 2909 N. Lincoln.  I'm not sure if this guy is out all night but he sure is during daylight hours.  His companion, who was waiting for her car, was gracious about posing cause I thought a size comparison might be helpful.

Then there's Avenue Tavern, 2916 N. Broadway, where for a number of years now John Powers, below at right, has been decorating the windows with rows and rows of pumpkins.  I caught him out there yesterday in the alley south of the bar with his power drill in hand, getting ready to replace one that was past its prime.

Of course this marvelous orange festival encompassing two big windows is best seen at night sincethat's when every pumpkin is all aglow.

If you've seen anything Halloweenish that we all should visit just send on a photo and we'll add it with your name and pertinent comments.

Revolution Tattoo Halloween Exhibit Begins Saturday

art, culture, current calendar

Check out Revolution Tattoo at 2221 N. Western.  This Saturday, October 13 is a perfect time since their annual Halloween Art Exhibit reception is from 8PM til midnight.

Revolution has a swell looking red neon star in the window that I couldn't resist so I went in to talk to Max Brown (see photo).  He explained that Revolution is a custom tattoo shop and began five years ago as a gallery, adding tattoos after the first two years.  Principals are Omar Guitierrez, his soon to be wife, Cheri Basak and Max along with his brother Marshall (Brown too).

Tattoos used to be synonymous with biker culture but no more.  You may remember that not so long ago they were pretty standard, boringly so.  Now complete arm and leg tattoos, handsomely rendered are not unusual.  Servers in hip restaurants often succumb to cool-looking visuals.

I am fascinated.  In New York recently I noted a young Brooklyn father with a tattoo covering his completely shaved head and realized he can wear or not wear his decorations, depending on his chosen hairstyle of the moment, the best of both worlds, I figure.

Much of Revolution's business is referral based, although there's walk in traffic too.  Ask to see some of their reference books and you'll realize that Japanese culture, among many others is rich with the tattooing tradition.

Revolution is open Monday through Saturday from 12noon-9PM, 2221 N. Western Av., 773.486.8888.

Enjoy The Quirky Gardens Of Michigan Avenue

culture, current calendar, gardening

Now the sidewalk gardens along Michigan Av., are sprouting a variety of dress forms, (see photo), some of which defy description. That's because the Greater North Michigan Avenue Assn., the sponsor of these growing spaces wants to call everyone's attention to the fashion aspect of the Mag Mile.   

I met Mary, my informant,  at a bus stop in front of the Apple store a couple of weeks ago and she gave me fair warning of all this.  Mary had been chatting prior to my arrival with another bus rider who is a volunteer for the Michigan Ave. Assn. and that's how she got an advance clue-in.   She was obviously very enthusiastic about something so I just had to introduce myself.

She thought the dressmaker forms were a great idea and planned to bring her mother-in-law who is a recovering cancer patient there for a cheer-up.    Mary herself is a walking cheer-up.  She called my attention to the babbling brook to the north of the Apple Store.   I noted others on the boulevard itself.  The lush plantings are sponsored by retailers in the area.

The GNMMA was responsible for the bicycle component installations that graced these gardens  recently.  Although I personally disagree  that all this is "art",  it is a diversion that many find  pleasant.  I guess we owe all this inspiration to the "year of the cows."  Remember?

The dressmaker bust pictured, entitled Dahlia Pinnata was created by Shawn Holtaway, a student at the International Academy of Design and Technology here in town.   

The association wants you to visit their website, www.themagnificentmile.com but frankly when I did I was uninspired.

Anyone You Know Deserve A Pinata Party?

culture, shopping

Maybe someone close to you is up for a slightly different birthday fiesta.  Chicago is actually ringed with pinata stores!  Recently I found one of the La Dulceria Mexicana branches at 6718 N. Clark, inside an inauspicious strip mall, but check their website www.dulcelandia.com and you'll find the others. They are a kind of Spanish culture party store.  Pinatas are brightly colored papier mache decorations with a purpose since they're filled with wrapped candies and small toys.

The object is to blindfold players, one at a time, who try break the pinata with a stick or a bat, resulting in a shower of goodies for all to share.  It's not easy to do, especially since someone savvy is raising and lowering the pinata constantly. 

Excitement always builds.  I remember one of my sons ending up in tears at his own birthday, so you may want to consider a bit of adult cheating to ensure that everyone has fun.

I think this tradition is great for children's parties and it's good for Christmas or any other holiday.  A gifted party giver could alter theme, favors, etc. at will.

The large and varied selection of pinatas is inspirational in itself.  There are animals, cars, balls for all sports and of course superheroes. These places offer lots of candy, pre-packaged to go as well as many accessories that one can add.  Package deals are available for the lazy in several price ranges.  Or, you can add your own contents and favors.   I was enthusiastic about some of the celebratory candles available at reasonable prices and pictured in the lower photo.

In addition to the four Chicago stores there are others in Aurora, Melrose Park and Cicero.

La Dulceria Mexicana's office is at 773.523.8105.

Lonnie Holley Is Intuit's First Artist In Residence

art, culture, current calendar

Be sure to get over to Intuit:  The Center For Intuitive and Outsider Art to meet outsider artist, Lonnie Holley who's visiting Chicago from Birmingham, Alabama as their first artist in residence.  You can actually see him at work until this Friday when he'll be showing the results of his two week visit to Chicago at a 5 PM reception.

Holley has taken over the main gallery of this non-profit arts organization, a recent participant in Artropolis, to demonstrate how he makes his work.     With the aid of Lucy Slivinski, a mainstream artist who uses discarded materials in her work, he has toured much of the city and its' environs for appropriate salvage and any remnants of urban life he may want to use.

Holley is the confident survivor of an extraordinarily difficult life.  He was one of 27 children, lived for a time in foster care as well as in the Industrial School for Negro Children in Mount Meigs, AL., from which he ran away.  He left school before completing 7th grade and became a student of National Geographic magazine.

His art began with carving sandstone which was used as industrial waste and progressed to painting and sculpture using found or recycled material.

His work has been shown at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC., the American Folk Art Museum in New York and the High Museum in Atlanta.

Do stop in to meet Holley while he's in town.  He's extremely articulate and is happy to answer questions.  The exhibit continues at Intuit through September 1, however.  Don't miss it.  The photo of his chair sculpture is included, courtesy of William Arnett.

For more information about Intuit and its' many activities, access its' website www.art.org.
Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 11AM-5PM and Thursday, 11AM-7:30PM.

 

Huge Rat Invades The Loop

architecure, culture, shopping

I'm always on the prowl for unusual happenings and earlier this week as I was emerging from my dentist's building in the Loop, I couldn't help noticing a giant rat being inflated right on the sidewalk in front of the Pittsfield Building at 55 W. Washington near Wabash.

There were some strikers there too so I asked one if the rat had some relation to their mission.

"Sure," he said, "there's demolition going on in the building and they're using non-union workers."

Not sure how to respond to that, I went across the street to take a picture.  It's not clear to me who's the rat, the building management, its' tenant, the workers or all three.  Mostly, I just loved the big rat there in such a public place.

You might want to stop by and take a look, especially if you're downtown anyway.

Be sure to check out the inside of the Pittsfield Building,  a Chicago Landmark.  The unusual five story lobby atrium is ablaze with elegant brasswork and marble.  The building is Art Deco style and also includes Neo Gothic elements.  It was designed by the noted architectural firm of Graham, Anderson, Probst and White and completed in 1927.

You never know when you might need to "rent a rat" or another inflatable creature but this one is from Big Sky Balloons and Searchlights in Plainfield.  You can reach them at 800.769.8000 or at www.bigskyballoons.com.  No price list there but plenty of ideas for the adventuresome advertiser or party giver.  My personal favorite is the cockroach.