(A Late) Five on Friday

So last week kind of got away from me... So this Five on Friday post from last week is being posted now. Since I've finished it you might understand why I got behind and am posting it now. 

I can officially say that I can start on my ISP. I wrote earlier this week about turning in the proposal. Well I passed the first stage! Que. the jumping up and down. But its an up hill battle from here. I figured out we only have 8 weeks till the final presentation. Time to get a move on... 

The Apple Computer at the ACM Office

This picture might sum it all up for me... 

But mainly because I've been playing on this gem all week. Mainly in Adobe Illustrator for my ISP. 

ACM really does hook up its students. 

Makerspace at Harold Washington 

Our ISP group came together to go to another makerspace in the city. Unlike Pumping Station One the Makerspace at Harold Washington Public Library was placed in a more educational setting. The space provides educational workshops on laser cutters and 3-d printers. 

We were taught how to use a free design software InkScape to alter text. Our ending product was a key chain! 

Jane Adams Hull House Soup Night

Hull House was a settlement house co-founded by Jane Adams in the late 1800s. It served as a pillar to Chicago during its operation. Today very little of the full settlement was is still in tacked today. However, the main house of the settlement (Hull House) has been turned into a museum. Parallel to the museum is a dining hall where the museum holds events on a regular schedule. 

As a group our Art Seminar class attended a soup night called "Re-Thinking Soup". Where we were provided soup while we listened to Susan Levine and Nadia Sulayman discuss the state of school lunches today. It was a really enlightening experience and discussion and I personally look forward to going to another event held there. 

Ann Hamilton at The Poetry Foundation

For those of you that do not know who Ann Hamilton is.. please go ahead and click here. The biography on the linked page can do more justice of explaining Ann than I can. Last thursday night my Art Seminar class made our way downtown. There at the Poetry Foundation we listened to Ann Hamilton, Jessica Stockholder and Srikanth Reddy.  The main event of the night was Ann Hamilton explaining the language and nature of her latest installment "The Event of a Thread". 

 Outside of the Poetry Foundation

Ann Hamilton speaking on Event of a Thread

*Photos taken by ACM Student Carly Ellefsen

Centerline 2013 at Zhou B Art Center  

The name of the exhibit almost says it all. Centerline, is the annual show showcasing the artists located in the Zhou B Art Center. The curator happened to be my internship supervisor, Robin Rios. As part of the Zhou B family 4Art artists were also in the show. 

Now, usually interns work mondays and wednesdays in the program. For me the internship days tend to be a little more vexed. Like most galleries around the city, 4Art is closed on Mondays. This detailed changed my internship days to Wednesday and Saturdays. 

This weekend however I was even busier, and worked all weekend. Friday through Sunday. 

Centerline was not the only event planned for the weekend at Zhou B. The center and the foundation gardens were both Open House Chicago locations. 

Okay I'm Back

So, I know it's been a while guys. I've been busy--promise I have metric ton of stuff to tell you about. Lucky for you guys, Vaughn's been keeping you nicely updated on most things.

I think I'll talk about my ISP a little first then we'll get around to my internship, because both things are getting really exciting right now. So, for my ISP, I'm really interested in cat-calling. Before I'd come to Chicago, I don't think I'd ever been cat-called (or as we say in my neck of the woods, "hollered at"). It's come as a real shock to me. So, for my ISP, I'm going to interview different women from around Chicago to talk about their experience. I'll not bore you with the details quite yet (actually I just don't want to make any promises about he end product), but it should be pretty cool. I'll at least learn some interesting stuff, for sure.

And my internship is starting to ramp up. I'll be working to network for the Peace Parks of North Lawndale project, involving transforming 10 vacant lots into park spaces for the community. I get to bump elbows with a lot of Lawndale's most important faces and learn about urban planning and arts as community connectors--that's right up my alley.

And, besides that, I've just been having an all around exciting time in Chi City. Like, look at this:

I got to meet Van Gogh at the Art Institute. Super fly. And for my internship we took a group of kids to the Field Museum and I got to meet Sue!

Wunderbar! (That means "wonderful" when English people say it. It's a German word. It actually means something else. At least, that's what my dad says.) I also took a random adventure to Wilmette, a Chicago 'burb, and saw the Bahai House of Worship. It's very impressive.

Also, I was just blown away by Wilmette. All the houses are so lovely and there's yards and trees and brick-paved roads and stuff. Very different from Uptown, where I live. It's crazy to think that just a half-hour on the train away that things are so different. It's enough to turn your brain to peanut butter.

And, here's a bonus pick, just to remind you all that sexism exists (and also to make you laugh because why is this real?).

(I'm talking about the "Men Only" hotel by the way)

Well, as Tigger used to say: TTFN.

(Ta Ta For Now) (Tigger was ahead of the times).

Yours,

Sara

ISP: Independent Study Project

All the classes here in Chicago have been go, go, go since the very beginning. But one component of the program has still been looming over my head. That being the independent study project, or better known as ISP. I mean, Chicago is so big and so many different things are happening in this city. However could I ever narrow down one project to do during my time here... I want to do them all!!

Since that is highly unlikely to happen. This past week I narrowed down my list to one and really focused to make it something I'd be happy to spend my time on here in Chicago.

As I have said before, before this program I had never been to Chicago. So of course I had heard from everyone and the mother about what chicago was "really like". Good, bad and the ugly. Also I heard non-stop about The Bean, Magnificent Mile and of course John Hancock Tower. All the iconic symbols and places that "was" Chicago.

But when I arrived and went through the busy week called orientation. I was pleasantly surprised that after seeing and crossing off my list of "must sees"; that I really wasn't even scratching the surface of what made up Chicago. The true Chicago. The heart of Chicago.

In my mind and in my short time here, one thing or should say 100+ things have screamed out. Saying it/they are what makes up the heart of the city. This "it/they"is the many neighborhoods of Chicago. Miss Dorothy said, that a true Chicagoan doesn't just say they are from Chicago. But they identify themselves with one of those particular neighborhoods.

This in part is the heart of my ISP. I want to make a guide for someone like me or who I was before I came to Chicago. A guide that I wish I would have had if I didn't come to Chicago through the Chicago Program.

So wish me good luck as I begin my process of roaming the city!

Hyde Park/Uptown Neighborhood Tours

All throughout the lands of Hyde Park and Uptown 

Did the ACM Students stir

For they had a big task upon them...

Yes, last week was the final week to prepare for our large core course assignment. Each neighborhood (Hyde Park and Uptown) had to work together to gather assets and put together a tour of our respective neighborhood. Individually we were responsible to go into our neighbors and find 3 businesses or institutions that were beneficial to the community. ACM described the assignment as "asset mapping". After we had located the businesses or institutions that were assets to our neighborhood. We were required to have an interview with someone from the location. After we had completed the asset mapping we came together to chose a route to present to the class.

This is were the team work came into play. Each neighborhood had a 2 hours for the tour and 75$ for food.

Even though it was a long day... it was an interesting assignment and experience. The two neighborhoods, Uptown and Hyde Park, contrast in comparison. On the North side Uptown is a densely populated community with an immediate hustle and bustle feel. While on the South side, Hyde Park has a more relaxed feel to it. Both neighborhoods are diverse and are going through conflicts of fighting gentrification in their community.

So I open up the discussion to you. Do you see gentrification as a positive or a negative to a community?

Five on Friday

Our one big assignment for the week had everyone's attention, and stress. But as the due date was today and we all survived; I can say that it was a good week. The large assignment I am referring to was our Neighborhood Guided Tours. As neighborhood groups, we had to compile a tour to highlight the "assets" that were located in our neighborhood. Along with giving a guided hour tour to the program students we also had to feed them. Even though the tours and asset mapping took up most of my week. I was still able to explore the city and find new things about Chicago. So drum roll please, here is this week's five on Friday! 

Comer's Children's Hospital 5k in Hyde Park

This Sunday my roommate and I ran in our first Chicago 5k. Since being in Chicago I have upped my running habits and workouts. So having this 5k planned was really exciting not to mention running it with Carly. We couldn't have asked for a better day for the race to fall on. It was one of those perfect fall days, one that you can usually only imagine Chicago to be. The race started on the University of Chicago's campus in the quad, went through hyde park, partly on the lake front trail and ended back on the university's campus. When the race finished we were happy to see some of the students from the program cheering us on at the finish line. 

Carly and I did a great job in our division. I placed 10th in our age division (20-24) and Carly placed 25th. We've already signed up for another race at the end of month! Must have the running fever from all the Chicago Marathon buzz going on that is happening this Sunday.

Chicago Cultural Center

Downtown in the old Chicago Public Library lies a true treasure! This treasure is the Chicago Cultural Center. Earlier this week as a group my art seminar class visited the site. Glimery mosaics immediately caught my eye as I entered the building. As I traveled up the winding staircases I was stuck with awe; as I found myself standing under a huge dome. 

Other than the outstanding interior and exterior of the building the Center was host of numorous exhibits free to the public. A interactive light exhibit called Shift was a group favorite. The artists installed three different light shows that had the viewers be a large part of the work. Here are some pictures from the amazing show. 

Another amazing find our class had in the Center was StoryCorps. StoryCorp is an nonprofit organization with the mission of recording everyday americans stories. There we were able to listen to amazing stories and sign up to tell our own. When you sign up, you come in for 40 mins to record the story. You walk out with a broadcast quality CD of the recording. It was really interesting to hear about.. here is a link if you are interested in what they are all about. 

Mello Yellow in Hyde Park

For some reason this week I've eaten out a lot. I don't know if it was just that I was on the go all throughout the week or if I was just being lazy. However, whatever the reason I was able to find some really good places to eat. My favorite place that I ate at this week was Mello Yellow in Hyde Park. Before this week I hadn't explored much of 53rd street. But wow now I know that place like the back of my hand. Mello Yellow is a locally owner family restaurant that has been in Hyde Park over 20 years. They are famous for there Chicken and Waffles and I would recommend them! 

NATALIA KILLS: Midnight Concert

So if you don't know who Natalia Kills is... You might want to look her up right now. She is going to be the next big thing. Anyway, on a completely spontaneous whim a group of program students travel north to Boytown from Hyde Park. Without any preconceived notions to what we were going to we found ourselves in a gay bar being serenaded by drag queens. Maybe, not the most typical Wednesday night.. But I don't regret my decision to going out that night. We were able to truly experience the city and listen to great performance as well!  

Kilwin's Chocolate Shop on 53rd in Hyde Park

Yes, one of the things I love about Hyde Park as you can tell is the food. I stumbled upon this gem the other day and immediately fell in love. Kilwin's is a locally owned chocolate and ice cream shop. A must get if you visit is the Hyde Park Mud Fudge. 

Five on Friday

“Busy as a bee”. That’s what I feel like currently. I’ve been working at a steady pace constantly since I’ve been in Chicago. Or at least moving at a constant pace, if it was work related or not. There is just some much to do here in the city. I’ve seen, tasted, smelled and participated in so many things so far. To help condense my experiences each week I will be posting a “Five on Friday” post. Highlighting my favorite five things of the week.

In the meantime, this here is this weeks Five on Friday!

One: Art Institute of Chicago

            More than likely not the last time to featured on Five on Friday. A visit to the Art Institute headed off my week. Sunday I visited the museum to make a last minute stop to see the special exhibit “Impressionism, Fashion and Modernity.” Not only did I get to see work by my favorite impressionist artist Degas. I finally got to see Seurat’s Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.

            Tuesday, I returned to the Institute with my Art Seminar class. Our teacher lead us through the permanent impressionism collection of the museum. Our main focus currently in class is women’s roll in art.

Two: BonJour Bakery in Hyde Park

            My roommate and I stumbled across this little bakery in the Hyde Park shopping center this past weekend during the Hyde Park Jazz Festival. So of course this week I’ve stopped in more than once to get my coffee fix on.

Three: Newest Addition to Apartment 905 : Swiffer Jet Mop

            Yes, I did list a Swiffer jet mop. One thing that ACM forgot to mention or draw emphasis to was the need to a mop in our apartments. It just happens too that Carly’s lovely parents visited this past weekend. Along with the other goodies they brought her the mop was probably my favorite. Looking forward to making our hard wood floors sparkle, sparkle, sparkle!

Four: Welcome OCTOBER!

  I welcome October with wide open arms. Because October is the month of warm drinks in cool weather, scarves and boots, Chicago Artist Month,  colorful leaves and the last bit of pleasant weather before the unbearably cold Chicago winter.

Five: Pullman Porter Blues

Thursday night we went to the Goodman theatre to watch the musical Pullman Porter Blues. It was an amazing production that told the story of the African American Porters. 

Third Fridays..

Are you in the market of looking for a friendly, nurturing, and innovative art gallery? Then I know just the place for you. Hello, my name is Vaughn and I’m the residing intern at 4Art gallery for the Fall 2013 semester. Now, back to your perfect fit art gallery… you might guess but it is 4Art gallery.

I say this not to be a phony sales man for my internship, but a true testament to what I’ve experienced in my short time here. Before a month ago I had never been to Chicago, let alone a Chicago art gallery. Upon arrival I quickly looked up all the galleries around the city. Quickly rushed out the door and visited as many as I could. What surprised me most was the feeling I had from these visits. Uncomfortable, unwelcoming and snobby were some of the words come to mind. Not at all what I had day dreamed in my countless art history and art class back at my college campus.

However, my morale was quickly lifted when I began work at 4Art.

Here, each month the artist and galleries of the Zhou B Art Center invite community members in to experience a night of art appreciation and fun, this night is referred to as “Third Friday”, for literal purposes. This past “Third Friday” was a night that lifted my spirits.

The night also hosted the 2^nd annual group theme show for 4Art. Shattered Mirror, was the show’s theme. The world seems to always want to put a label on something. Labeling is particularly a nasty thing in the art world. If you are a photographer you are a photographer. If you work in music, you only compose music. The list of “onlys” and labels at times can be endless. In Shattered Mirror however, artists broke these labels. They either worked out of their usual media or concept. Breaking the boundaries and exploring their interests

For instance, artist George Lindmark a tradition portraitist broke away from his normal context and media. Tapping into his personal interests with comic novels and science fiction he created a large-scale story board.

Another gallery artist, Tim Hughes broke his boundaries as well. By transforming one of his paintings into a relief sculpture. “This is something entirely new to Tim” said Rios. And she seemed very happy about what was produced.

One 4Art artist, Mo Flint, was participating in his first every show. Flint showcased three mixed media sculptures. Resembling robots, these sculptures have a quirky unique look about them. Flint was successful in instilling a personality in each sculpture that captured the viewers’ attention. A common reaction throughout the night was curiosity and fascination in regards to the sculptures. The viewer was able to set their imaginations free to work out the backstories to these quirky robots.

 4Art is a place that encourages the creative process in its artists and other community artists as well. Coming up is the gallery’s 10-year anniversary. Gallery owner Robin Monique Rios’ mission is to make the environment around the gallery open and friendly. A mission that she has worked hard to stay close to these past 10 years. 

Lake Michigan, Amongst Other Things

I like Lake Michigan. Maybe that's a trite way to start things, but it's the truth. I live so close to Montrose beach, to the dog park, actually. I love to watch the dogs jump in the water. They never really tire of it. I wish I was more like that. To be delighted with the world around me, to do the same exact things with the same exact vigor every day.

I like to draw it. I like to draw the surf. I can never quite capture the movement of the water, but I like to think I can catch the idea. It's all been particularly inspiring to me. I've been here a whole month, and everything still fills me with awe. Maybe I'm more like the dogs than I thought.

Tata for now.
Sara

I'm Vaughn. Now Lets Start This Adventure...

Until about a week and half ago I had never been to Chicago. Nope, not even once in elementary school. So on a whim of wanting to get out and explore the big world, I threw out my worries and started looking for the perfect fit for my adventure. There in my counselor's office is when I knew the Chicago Program would be my perfect fit.

Hi, my name is Vaughn and yes I have a large wonderful case of wanderlust. I hail from Hanover College where I am an Art History major and part of the Business Scholars Program.

I hope you enjoy my adventure in Chicago! 

I am Now BFFs with Chicago

So this is probably one of the best ways to be welcomed into Chicago: Riot Fest. 10/10, would recommend. It was a totally awesome, totally crazy weekend! The first night I went (Friday) my goal was primarily to see Fall Out Boy (not that I didn't appreciate all the other pop/punk bands that showed up). I'm still raving about how great it was.

I showed up three hours early just to get the lay out down and listen to some great music. I was wandering around Humboldt Park when I ran into someone I've always wanted to meet, Mark Hoppus (the bassist of Blink-182). I walked up to him and told him that I loved his band and I appreciated what he did. He then told me that he liked my hair. Rad.

So, that may seem pretty hard to top. But that night did. Twice. I got right up against the barricade for Fall Out Boy (that is, the first 2-3 rows of people, it's pretty much a big deal). I was in a group of girls who were a bit smaller than me (being around 5' and I'm easily 5'6''). I was there specifically because I could see around them. Well, the crowd started moshing, and Fall Out Boy fans are notorious for being unruly in mosh pits (knocking each other down, etc). A couple of VERY LARGE dudes were crowd surfing and came right over my group of petite friends. Two of the girls fell, so I was hold these two guys up alone. I soon crumbled along with them. So, we now have at least six people on the ground in a mosh pit freaking out, probably because they're afraid of getting trampled (totally reasonable). Now, I play rugby back at Hanover College. I'm a prop, which is a difficult position. You get tackled and tackle a lot and spend a lot of time rolling around on the ground dodging cleats. This was very useful experience to me. I protected my head and my hands and somehow found a way to push two of the girls off me and back upright. Then I got one of the dudes up. He got the other dude up. Then they picked me up, and up, and over. I was crowd surfing. ME! CROWD SURFING! It was awesome. I surfed my way across and PETE WENTZ GAVE ME A HIGH FIVE as I went over the barricade into the staff member's arms. Seriously. Like whaaaaat.

Then, on the way home, I found some street art that I think is probably by the street artist Swoon. I'm not entirely sure, but my research points to a yes. If not, it's still some pretty fly street art and I'm definitely going back to document it. I absolutely love Swoon and I would definitely like to prove that these works are hers. But that's a project for another day.

And I went back to Riot Fest on Sunday. It rained literally all day long. I even took a nap in the rain at one point (I had only had four hours of sleep, give me a break) on top of a pile of posters and woke up because my feet were wet. My island had flooded. But, it got me warm and moving. I went to see Brand New (they never tour, it's a big deal) and the Wonder Years primarily and got to see All Time Low as an added bonus. At the Brand New show I moshed really hardcore in shin-deep mud.

This mud pit, actually.

Brand New, Riot Fest, Sunday

*credit to chemicalkidsunderthesea on tumblr

 Here's some photos from Riot Fest, none of which were mine, because I lost my phone on Thursday and just recently got a new one (and by recently I mean today. So, I'm also really proud of myself for making it around the city without Google Maps to help me out).

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, still great after all these years, Friday Night

*credit to rottenrapture on tumblr

Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy, Riot Fest, Friday Night (I am the ginger head in front of this person)

*credit to deremeto-jump at tumblr

The Wonder Years, Riot Fest, Sunday (I'm directly in front of the guy with the cup. He spilled it on me. It was just lemonade. It's fine.)

*credit to secondcitybom519 on tumblr

Also, here is a bonus pick of the pants I wore on Sunday to Brand New:

and my shoes too, I guess

shoes and pants from Riot Fest, Sunday 9-15-13

obviously, they both need some TLC. However, I have more important things to do, like homework and blogging and eating potato chips and watching Netflix.

Anyway, until next time.

Yours,

Sara Wines