Interested in ballet? Want the background scoop? If so, then lucky you for living in (or near) Chicago! The Joffrey Ballet offers free tours on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. Although they are free, you can’t just pop in– you have to call at least a few days in advance and reserve a spot as space is limited.
Another neat thing they offer? Lunchtime lectures…These aren’t regularly scheduled, so you will have to check their website (and again, contact them in advance).
Phone: 312.386.8921
It’s getting to be that time of year again…indoor activities! I like galleries and museums, plays and concerts during the winter. It is a nice counterpoint to summertime fests and beer:)
People who live or work near River North, West Loop, and Fulton Market district can enjoy free gallery walks on the first Thursday of each month. Presented by the Art Dealers Association of Chicago, the galleries in these neighborhoods stay open from 5- 7 pm so you can explore the neighborhood galleries.
2011 dates: 3 November, 1 December
If you want to add a meal, both neighborhoods have (or are near) some great restaurants. BeerBistro is my favorite bar in the West Loop (it is the half baked cookie, I admit it)– so that would be my recommendation if you want food after touring the West Loop galleries. (I haven’t been to the Fulton Market Galleries yet; anyone have any recs on where to eat near there?)
Your interest in art doesn’t have to be confined to the Monets at the Art Institute [nor should it be!]. But one you get outside of established districts like River North, where do you go?
A favorite is in the Pilsen East neighborhood, which holds court every second Friday [hosted by the Chicago Arts District and the Podmajersky family, who rent out most of the artists' lofts and galleries in this 'hood]. There are some fabulous art/garden spaces here, along with an eclectic crowd with which to mingle and share some Two-Buck Chuck.
What differs about this neighborhood’s galleries is that many change constantly, and are usually not the established artists you find in River North. The result is fresh perspectives and a variety of work.
The galleries are open from 6-10pm (very reasonable hours for a gallery walk!).  The dates for 2010 are: January 8, February 12, March 12, April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9, August 13, September 10, October 8, November 12 and December 10, and the action starts around Halsted and 18th, going south to around Cermak.
I also suggest checking out Kristoffer’s Cafe, right at 18th and Halsted. The tres leches cake is amazing and addictive [sorry!] and their tamales [Mexican and Mayan] are welcome as it’s a bit of a trek before you hit more restaurants. UIC is also nearby, so there are plenty of other options just a bit north.
Okay, that is a horrible play on words, but it just fit:)
Anyway, the Shakespeare Project of Chicago is offering three free plays “readings” over the next few months. The plays are held at the Newberry Library in Chicago, the Wilmette Public Library, and the Highland Park Public Library.
50-minute Hamlet : 21 July 2011, 7:00PM -Park Ridge Public Library
Richard III: 22-23 October 2011
The Duchess of Malfi: 21-22 January 2012
The Taming of the Shrew: 25-26 February 2012
Troilus and Cressida: 21-22 April 2012
Performances on Saturdays are at the Newberry Library at 10Am and the Wilmette Public Library at 2PM. Sunday performances are the Highland Park Library at 2PM.
The Art Institute of Chicago is my favorite museum in this city. I enjoy picking a new-to-me gallery, inspecting it thoroughly, and then heading off to visit my favorite art works. Since the price of admission is rather high, I can’t do this very often. But I have been paying attention to their admission fees and here are the things I’ve noticed:
1) Admission is free on Thursdays from 5-8 p.m. I think most people kn
ow about this one. See #5!
2) City residents receive a $2 discount if they present proof of residency at the ticket booth. While not fabulous, discounts always help.
3) This one isn’t posted on their Web site. I have noticed that a few times I’ve received an additional discount after 4 p.m.
4) City residents can obtain free museum passes (for a lot of museums, not just this one) through their local library. Since each library only has one pass to circulate, it is first-come-first-serve. It is also rare to see the Art Institute pass available– it is very popular.
5) Free days resume! The first and second Wednesday of each month are free! Whoo hoo! I’ve missed free days the past few years.
Are you thinking of heading into Wicker Park or Bucktown on a Friday night?  Both neighborhoods are full of restaurants and bars, but there isРof courseРthe famous architecture.  The Flat Iron Building is the most notable building for both neighborhoods.
Although both neighborhoods have become trendier in the past few years, the local artists still maintain their presence.¬† While no longer home to Around the Coyote art fest, they have begun their own First Friday¬†art event, hosted by the Flat Iron Artists’ Association and the Wicker Park/Bucktown Chamber of Commerce.
2010 dates: The first event in 2010 is 5 February.¬† While the site hasn’t listed dates for future vents, the first Friday of each month in 2010 is: 5 March, 2 April, 7 May, 4 June, 2 July, 6 August, 3 September, 1 October, 5 November, and 3 December.
Address:
1579 North Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622
I noticed that the email contact for this even is Kevin Lahvic.¬† I just saw his work at the One of a Kind Show in December and one day I hope to own one of his “tree” paintings.¬† One more reason I am willing to look for deals on other things!
