This stretch of murals, also called the B_Line, is an ongoing work. It was created in 1971--and…read moreyes, you heard that correctly; it's over 50 years old. Ricardo Alonzo was an SAIC graduate and started the project with an environmental focus, but over time they have evolved. The organization that assumed responsibility for murals selects artists from around the world to paint them, and flies them out here to create their work. While most of the original murals from 50 years ago have faded away with time, they try to preserve what they can and create new art when they can't. It's an interesting stretch of about a mile, and is not a city project. The organization has an arrangement in perpetuity with the railroad for which the embankment is built. It will be interesting to see how this evolves and what new works are created.

These murals make a reason to visit in an otherwise bland elevated rail infrastructure,separating…read morethe Fulton market neighborhood. Each segment, uniquely different, are an homage to the city and its people. Colorful and vibrant, it paints a picture of unique individualism and whimsy countering a gentrifying area of the city.

My family loves driving through this neighborhood to see both the uniqueness of each home's…read moredecorations as well as the design and style of the exterior of the house itself. We even saw some Hanukkah decorations, so cool!

A little off season now, I know - I had been wanting to finish this review during the holidays but…read moregot a little bit busy. So here it is, if you're wanting the experience of enjoying Christmas lights, at a really slow pace while you're in the comfort of your car - come here and drive around the Lincolnwood Towers Subdivision (still thinking of Rush). But of course, come in the evening to get the full effect. I promise you that it'll become tradition, especially if you have little kids or even big kids. They in turn, will eventually take their kids. It only takes about 20 minutes, at the most. I've actually picked up folks at O'Hare from outta the country and have taken them directly here for a quick tour - before going home. They were amazed!! The decorations and displays are over the top and my favorite of all time...drum roll please...is the house with the Christmas tree seemingly protruding through the roof. How clever!! Ahem, these are our Lincolnwood neighbors sacrificing their privacy and convenience, so please be courteous to those driving their Range Rovers and G Wagons. Pretentiousness aside, this is a really nice neighborhood that puts on a great display of the Christmas spirit and therefore, a big thank you to these folks!!

Edgewater is one of the 77 community areas within Chicago, and the newest of them; it was created…read morein 1980 when Uptown was divided and Edgewater established. As the name suggests, it is a neighborhood that borders Lake Michigan. It's home to one of the most popular neighborhoods in the city, Andersonville--the Swedish neighborhood home to lots of eyewear shops, restaurants, and so on. It was once one of the most desired neighborhoods in the city; there were many a mansion that lined the lake in this city. Hillary Rodham Clinton was born in Edgewater at Edgewater Hospital, and their family lived here for a few years of her childhood before moving to the suburbs. The notorious John Wayne Gary was also born at Edgewater Hospital. The hospital itself was a sordid history; due to medicare fraud, it was closed essentially overnight in the 1990s and sat empty for decades--it was only demolished about 10 years ago, when condos were built on the site. I saw some photos from urban spelunkers who broke in and explored the building, and it was honestly quite eerie. The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is very active, and there are lots of activities and events that are planned throughout the year. Those include Midsommerfest, trick or treating along Clark, the Andersonville Farmer's Market, and other events. The Swedish Museum hosts a celebration for Santa Lucia day every year. Lakewood Balmoral Neighborhood Association hosts a yard sale every year that is huge, with at over 40 homes participating when I went last year. It's a nice neighborhood with a good deal of diversity.

It was a nice sunny day, so I thought I'd check out the Edgewater neighborhood. My goal is to…read morebecome more familiar with more of this great city's neighborhoods. Edgewater is very easy to get to; you can take LSD or the Red Line which I did. Like many neighborhoods, it liked parking is at a premium so take public transportation. From my relaxing stroll on Bryn Mawr, Broadway and some of the side streets, I noticed a variety of restaurants from the small mom & pop restaurants to very upscale restaurants such as Francesca's. I wish I had more time in the area but I will return to check more of this 'hood out.

What a cool, unique event…read more The Monster Truck Mash (subtitle: A Steamroller Printing Festival) is a one day event that Chicago Printmakers hosts every other year or so. It is a FREE event, though they welcome donations! They held the first one in 2016, followed by 2018, and then... the world fell apart in 2020, and they're back for 2022. It can get a bit tight, as it's held in the building's back lot. They get a steamroller (I think use of the steamroller and driver is donated--really kind of them), and using extra large wood blocks create images on yards of fabric. Six to eight people work together to arrange the fabric on the block to ensure the image comes out correctly, and that the fabric doesn't get bunched up. The steamroller provides even pressure similar to a smaller press. And the images come out perfectly! I'm in awe of the artistry at work here. Inside, folks can wander the shop and see the art that's been produced (which is for purchase), see the shop, get a t-shirt made, and more. They will print on a shirt you bring or they have blank white shirts that you can have printed for a higher price. They had 8-10 blocks to choose from so there was a good variety here. I considered having a shirt printed, but I don't like white T-shirt's or crew-neck shirts; I'll have to consider if I want to buy a blank v-neck for the next time this fest rolls around! Also in the shop they had veggie printing. Ostensibly this was for the kids, but when I was watching there were at least twice as many adults as kids creating here. It's pretty clever, actually; the festival volunteers had essentially created stamps out of carrots, parsnips, maybe rutabagas or other vegetables. Then they had different color acrylic paints out so you could paint the stamp and then stamp it on your paper. People were being really creative and I just love this idea. Can you imagine how fun it would be for a child's birthday party or something? There were a couple nearby businesses selling refreshments, too. Baker Miller had some sweet pastries, drinks, and tacos (breakfast and lunch varieties), and Tropical Smoothies was there as well. Nice that these businesses are supporting one another and I'm glad I was able to support at least one of them. They also had a band playing bluegrass, complete with a washtub bass. They sounded great; it was an unexpected treat. I loved this event. It was fun, something very different to do, outdoors, inexpensive, unique... ticks lots of boxes for me. I only wish there had been more space! For my part I stayed about 50-60 minutes, and didn't feel like I missed anything. I had another event to attend today but even if I hadn't I may have left about then, if for no other reason than I think people weren't able to stay and watch because there were so many folks here. It would be great if they could expand a bit and use the Ainslie Arts Plaza for this the next time they hold it--it's right across the street and would probably triple the amount of space. I'm so glad my SO told me about this event, because I probably would have missed it otherwise. I'm looking forward to the next Monster Truck Mash!

This review is for Sculptor Louise Nevelson's "Dawn Shadows Sculpture" in the Chicago Loop…read more.... I was on the Brown Line L Train platform and peered down from the right side of Wells Street looking South....and saw the amazing artwork at 200 W. Madison Street...which in itself is a striking modernistic building made of glass allowing the passengers from the L platform to see the art inside the building which I understand is an apartment building with office suites. This is where I learned about the famous Sculptor Louise Nevelson....born in Ukraine in 1899 she passed away in New York City in 1988. Her contributions and artwork includes: "monumental, monochromatic, wooden wall pieces and outdoor sculptures." According to Wikipedia. Her works can be viewed at the Museums of Modern Art in both New York City and San Francisco among other museums. She was influenced by Alexander Calder and Pablo Picasso among others. The Harris Theater also features a sculpture of a Stage Curtain for the Opera Orfeo and Euridice from 1984! Ms. Nevelson designed the sets and costumes for Christoph Willibald Gluck's Orfeo and Euridice Opera. See:http://www.nytimes.com/1984/06/08/arts/opera-gluck-s-orfeo-in-st-louis.html?mcubz=0 Her Featured "Dawn Shadows Sculpture" was influenced by the Loop Brown Line and the best vantage point is from the Brown Line Platform at the Washington/Wells Stop. The City of Chicago states, "[I]n "Dawn Shadows," Ms. Nevelson is best known for her large wooden relief sculptures composed of stacked box-enclosures and original and found objects Like most of her work, this steel sculpture is monochromatic and responds to the complexities of urban structures." Now I want to return and explore "the found objects" that are used in the sculpture....and learn more as well as visit the Harris Theater to see her sculpture there! See:https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_s_publicartlouisenevelsonsdawnshadows.html

It has become a tradition to come, meet friends, drink a beer, eat a thuringer and enjoy…read more Crowds can be large on nice days but for the most part everyone is relaxed and happy. Sunday afternoon is a great time for families.

Maifest is one of my least favorite fests in Chicago, but it's close to home so I find myself here…read moreevery year. The problem with Maifest is it is so insanely crowded. There is a thin row of standing tabletops, and other than that, there's just lots of people congregating on the (closed off) street. There is only one food stand offering sausage, pretzels, sauerkraut, etc. There is also only one beer stand offering one type each of domestic or import, the latter being $2 more. Expect long lines as there is only one tent for each. Music is lively and gets the crowd pumped. I'm always surprised how many pregnant women and babies are there; I get nervous they will get pushed or trampled. And definitely expect at least a little beer to get spilled on you, as a lot of the songs call for lifting your beer in the air, and you're surrounded by drunk people... #gross Overall, come for a beer, explore the neighborhood, and don't expect too much, otherwise you're sure to be disappointed.

I stopped by here one evening before grabbing food at a nearby restaurant. I only became aware of…read moreit as I was looking at Google maps and seeing what places were around the area of an event I attended. This sign is pretty cool. It changes colors. You cannot get very close to it but close enough to take a picture. I actually had difficulty finding it. It is near a whole alley of murals, which was great. If you're in the area, check it out!

More murals! The…read moreUptown Love mural is underneath the Wilson L station, in the Chicago Market parking lot. First and foremost you see Uptown in the mural, an homage to the neighborhood in which its' located. The LOVE part of the mural is something that I honestly didn't see when I first saw this mural a few months ago. Perhaps the light wasn't working? But it does have a neon overlay, and it changes colors (I uploaded a short video to show that). I'd like to visit the mural in the evening, when the LOVE portion is much more pronounced. The artist is Justin Weidl.

I'll give it five stars for recognition, some additional markers or information would go far to…read morespot it from the lakefront side, or more signage. You'll find this memorial a little south of northerly island close to McCormick PL. The park fittingly was dedicated September 11, 2002. A place to to pay respects and reflect.