Autumn is my favorite season of the year. The older I've gotten, the less I can stand the heat. I glory in the cool days of fall, and especially in the season's windswept skies and the high-drama clouds. So I thought I'd write about a few of the fabulous things we baby boomers can enjoy in the week ahead in this wonderful city of ours. Something for everyone---many free and some suitable for bringing grandkids along.
Mon. Oct 8 – Chicago Cultural Center new exhibit
Starting this week the beautiful Chicago Cultural Center, a hugely popular spot for seniors, features the Sarah Krepp: Blow-Out. The exhibit is open 10-7 today and 10-6 the rest of the week. Krepp makes paintings that also look like sculptures. Check out her installations and then wander around this iconic home of Chicago culture. Ask the friendly volunteers where to find the lounge with free wi-fi if you feel like sitting and surfing (or working). Nice view of the city if you just want to look out the window. 78 E. Washington, downtown. FREE.
Tues. Oct 9 – Columbus Park Farmers Market
Bring your own reusable bags and shop for farm-fresh produce at Columbus Park. Hours are 1 – 7pm. Tuesdays until Oct. 23. Get more details at www.chicagofarmersmarkets.us. Harrison and Central Avenues. FREE admission.
Wed. Oct 10 – Explore art visually and by touch
We all know we’re not supposed to touch when we go into the museum. But The Art Institute of Chicago is giving us a chance for once to sidestep that rule. They’ve set up a special gallery with several sculptures you’re actually invited to touch—it’s to demonstrate how the sense of touch can enhance your experience of an art work. A lot of kids go here, but there’s no reason we seniors can’t get in there and experience the same pleasure. Now if only we could do that for a lot more of the fabulous sculptures in the museum!
Visit the touch exhibit at the Elizabeth Morse Gallery in the Ryan Education Center in the modern wing (entrance off Monroe). Open museum hours. Free with museum admission. $18.00 general admission, $12.00 for seniors and students. BTW, it really pays to join the Art Institute if you’ll go more than once a year.
Thurs. Oct 11 – The Frock Shop
This collection of local Chicago designers. The Frock Shop Chicago Fashion Designer Search. Try on designer duds from 1 – 7 on Thursdays! Located in *Lacuna Artists Lofts* building, 2150 S. Canalport, 4th floor. FREE.
Fri. Oct 12 – Artist’s opening – Black|White|Gray: A visual investigation by Chicago artists
I love monochromatic art. That’s what this exhibit is all about. Works on paper, prints, painting, photography, 3-dimensional sculpture and installations showcase both representational and abstract forms in monochrome. 5 pm. Tom Robinson Studio/Gallery, 2416 W. North Ave., 773.227.3144. More details at http://www.tomrobinsonartist.com.
Sat. Oct 13 - I Am From: Identity through Exploration of Place
What stories can we tell through the places we are from? Want to explore how your Chicago neighborhood shaped you? Join teaching artists Seana Higgins and Anne McNamee in this half-day workshop. You'll do visual and performance-based artistic exercises that explore the intersections of place and identity. Collage and storytelling, then an exhibition of the work made during the workshop. South Chicago Art Center, 3217 E 91st Street. 773.731.9287. 1 – 5 pm. More details http://www.happyartcenter.org/. All are welcome to attend.
Sun. Oct 14 – The Life of Death
WildClaw Theatre presents the world premiere of The Life of Death by Charley Sherman, adapted from the short story by Clive Barker. Directed by Carolyn Klein. A woman who’s been facing death herself becomes fascinated with a Christmas-time serial killer in London. 3 pm. Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph St., Storefront Theater. $25 general admission, $15 for seniors and students. More details at visit wildclawtheatre.com.
Hey, it's beautiful fall! Get out and enjoy the treasures of your Chicago.
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