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STAY TUNED!

2/26/2016

It's Friday and time for a new blog post at ChicagoFreeForAll.com but due to a family emergency I won't be able to publish today.
Stay tuned! I hope to be back next week.

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The Magnificent Mile Neighborhoods

2/18/2016

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This week we are heading north of the Chicago River on Michigan Avenue to explore the “Magnificent Mile” and the neighborhoods Streeterville to the east and River North to the west. The Magnificent Mile extends from the Chicago River on the south to Oak Street on the north and is another great shopping district. But there is much more to do for free.

Let’s start at the River on the west side of Michigan Avenue at the Wrigley Buildings. In a courtyard just north of the buildings is a statue of Benito Juarez. He is one of the pieces in the Statute Stories. Scan the QR code near the statue and listen to his story.

Looking across Michigan Avenue the building in the next block north is the Intercontinental Hotel, once the exclusive Shriners Men’s Athletic Club. Go see the concierge in the lobby, leave a photo ID and you will get an audio tour for free that guides you around the building and tells you the story of the Club. Be sure to go up to the swimming pool where Johnny Weissmuller and Esther Williams are said to have taken a dip or two.

The building south of the hotel is the Tribune Building. Take a walk around it to see all the artifacts mounted in the walls. There is a piece from every State in the Union and from many cities around the world. See if you can find one from your hometown. While supplies last, the security guards in the lobby have free brochures which have information about the building and a list of all the stones and their locations.

By the way this is one of those lobbies you don’t want to miss. You'll want to see the relief map behind the guard desk made out of $1,000,000.00 of shredded money.

Stop by the Tribune Building courtyard with the statue of Nathan Hale. He was an American Revolutionary War martyr who famously said, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country”. Mr. Hale is another in the Statue Stories Chicago. Find the QR code to scan and listen to Nathan Hale.

On the corner of the Tribune building is the WGN Radio studio. From time–to-time they broadcast from this space. On the south side of the building is the WGN Radio Walk of Fame honoring on-air personalities from the past and present. Also on the plaza to the south of the building is a statue of Jack Brickhouse is his broadcasting booth. He is a former Chicago sports announcer.

Nearer the river is a bust of Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable. He is the area's first, permanent non-native resident and considered the Father of Chicago. The bust is located on Pioneer Court a public space honoring his pioneering spirit. The DuSable bust is also part of the Statue Stories Chicago program. Scan the QR symbol and see what DuSable has to say to you.

Periodically Pioneer Court is the site of art fairs and last year it was the spot for free movies as part of the ZRG Film Festival. It has not been announced if the movies will return this summer, but stay tuned.

Pioneer Court is also the perfect place to be at 9:30 AM (9:30) on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day to see the Chicago River dyed green. Afterwards, head to Columbus Drive (follow the crowds) to see the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The Parade steps off at noon. (Whenever March 17th falls on a Saturday both events will be held on St. Patrick's Day.)

North Michigan Avenue is also a special place to visit during the December holidays. On the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year the Magnificent Light Parade is held. Free family activities are available throughout the day up and down the street. During the parade millions of tiny lights in the trees along Michigan Avenue are lit and usually stay lit through February. The parade ends at the River with a fireworks display.

Now take the stairs down to the riverwalk and head east to the Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain. The fountain runs from spring through fall. It’s fun to explore; you can even walk behind the fountain. Try to arrive when the water cannon shoots water across the river. Times are every hour on the hour from 10 AM (10:00) to 2 PM (14:00) and again from 3 PM (15:00) to midnight (24:00)

At the fountain turn north and walk to Illinois Street. Now turn right and walk out to Navy Pier the #1 tourist attraction in the Midwest. From Memorial Day (end of May) through Labor Day (the first weekend in September) you can enjoy fireworks displays every Wednesday starting at 9:30 PM (17:30) and at 10:15 PM (22:15) on Saturdays.

To the south of the entrance is the "Captain at the Helm" statue and on the far east end of the pier is the Bob Newhart statue. Bob is another one in the Statue Stories Chicago. See what he has to say.

Live performances occur inside on the Family Pavilion Stage and wandering entertainers pop-up along the Pier throughout the day. Stop at the Information Booth for the daily schedule of activities.

For the next few months Neighborhoods of the World will be at the Pier Sundays 12 to 4 PM (12:00 – 16:00). This is a celebration of the cultural diversity of Chicago. The festival offers “folk music, traditional dance, cuisine and crafts”. All activities are free. Each week a different country and its cultural is showcased.

The Crystal Garden is a 6-story glass atrium enclosing a 1-acre botanic garden and “leapfrog” fountains. The outdoor Beer Garden near the far east end of the Pier has a stage where you can enjoy free live music during the summer months.

On June 10-12, 2016 Chicago will make history by hosting the American’s Cup. This is the fist time in the 164 year history of the race it will be held in fresh water and the start and finish lines will be right off Navy Pier. For more information check Navy Pier or the America’s Cup World Series sites.

This summer the Tall Ships Festival is returning to Navy Pier July 27-31st. While there is a fee to board and tour the ships, you can walk the Pier and enjoy the beautiful ships docked along the way for free. The day of arrival the boats parade by the Pier.

One night a year the Chicago boaters decorate their boats for the Venetian Night parade. This year it will be held at Navy Pier on Sept 10th.

Last summer a free outdoor movie series was held at the Pier; no announcement has been made for 2016, but keep checking for updates.

The Chicago Children’s Museum is located on Navy Pier. It is open for free for everyone every Thursday evening from 5 to 8 PM (17:00 – 20:00) and it is free for children 15 years and under on the 1st Sunday of the month. Veterans and active military receive free admission every day with a valid military ID. Teachers, firefighters and police receive $5.00 admission with a valid form of employment ID. Finally, all Illinois EBT card / Link card holders can bring up to 6 people for only $3.

If you are visiting in late October Navy Pier offers many free family activities for Halloween. You don’t have to come in a costume.

From Navy Pier you have a great view of the Chicago skyline and it’s a great place to see and be seen. Take a walk inside and out and watch for the posters inside that tell you the history of the Pier.

As you leave Navy Pier head north along the lakefront. In the summer you can enjoy the beach at Ohio Street. Now walk to the east through the gates that form the entrance to the Milton Lee Olive Park. This green space is a memorial to PFC Olive who was the first African-American recipient of the Medal of Honor for his heroism in the Vietnam War.

Continue along the lakefront on the pedestrian and bike path. Be careful during the winter and when the waves are high. At the Oak Street Beach take the tunnel to Michigan Avenue, the north end of the Magnificent Mile.

Now head south a couple of blocks to the John Hancock Building the first mega-structure built in Chicago. It’s free to take the elevator up to the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor. Back in the plaza level they offer a Summer Concert Series at 5 PM (17:00). The 2016 season has not yet been announced.

Across the street from the John Hancock is Fourth Presbyterian Church -.one of several places of worship in the “Cathedral District”. The sanctuary at the church was used for the wedding scene in the movie “My Best Friend’s Wedding”. The church is open every day (unless used for private services) and free tours are offered most Sundays at noon. There are also free Noonday Concerts at the Church every Friday. Occasionally evening concerts during the work week and Sunday afternoon. are offered. Finally, free art exhibits are presented in the Loggia. Hours are from 9 AM (9:00) to 5pm (17:00) Monday through Friday and after church services on Sundays.

South of the John Hancock Building between Chestnut and Pearson Streets is the Water Tower Shopping Mall. On the 7th floor is the Chicago Sports Museum. Admission is free if you eat at the Harry Cary’s restaurant right next door (minimum purchase required). I do recommend this. It is a very interactive space that can keep children and adults occupied for an hour or more. The Museum was rated the best in Chicago for families!

At Pearson Street you will see 2 stone buildings – one looks like a castle the other like a lighthouse. The one on the east side of the street is the Pumping Station and the tall building on the west is the original Water Tower. These were built in 1869 and are the only 2 municipally owned buildings to have survived the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. The Water Tower is a beloved icon of the city. Use the free Public Art Chicago App for more details.

The Pumping Station is currently a branch of the Chicago Public Library and home to the Looking Glass Theater, but you can also go in and see the machinery still pumping water from Lake Michigan today. Also notice near the entrance the marble drinking fountain with access for people and pets “dedicated to the thirsty”.

Behind the Pumping Station is a lovely children’s playground and beyond that is the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. In the front of the Museum are temporary exhibits of large-scale pieces of art. At the back of the Museum is the sculpture garden which is visible from the pathway behind the museum. The Museum offers student and senior citizen discounts and is open for free on Tuesdays for Illinois residents with a government-issued ID. It is also one of the museums on the Bank of America Museums on Us program. If you have a BOA debit or credit card you can visit the MCA for free on the first full weekend of each month. Remember the MCA is closed on Mondays. MCA also sponsors free outdoor concerts on their back patio Tuesday nights during the summer. Every Tuesday during the summer a farmers market is held on the plaza in front of the museum. The 2-story Museum Shop is fun to browse through for modern designs.

Head back to Michigan Avenue to the Water Tower. This structure now serves as the City Gallery a space dedicated to Chicago-based artists. It is free and open every day except between shows.

On the plaza by the Water Tower you will find a fountain and the water fountain for humans and horses. Across the plaza from the Water Tower is Loyola University Museum of Art. LUMA is free on Tuesdays for Illinois residents with a government-issued ID. It is also free every day for members of the clergy, employees of other museums, youth 17 and under, and active military members and their families. The Museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Heading west one block on Pearson you will come to the St. James Chapel at the Archbishop Quigley Center at 835 North Rush Street. Known for its magnificent stained glass windows, you can take a free guided tour Saturday mornings. A docent is available from 9 AM (9:00) to 11am (11:00). In addition they host free one-hour classical concerts on the Second Saturday of most months at 2 PM (14:00). The "Second Saturday at Two" series runs from September through May.

Holy Name Cathedral is a few blocks away on State Street between Chicago Avenue and Superior Street. Look for the hole in the cornerstone to the right of the center door. It is said to have been made by a bullet during a gangster shootout in the 1920's. This is a favorite place for brides and grooms and visitors to take a picture.

Saint James Cathedral Episcopal Church is 2 blocks away at 65 E Huron St Saint James Cathedral hosts a free summer concert series called Rush Hour Concerts every Tuesday. Doors open at 5 PM (17:00). Throughout the rest of the year you can attend the free concert there. Days and times vary so check their website for the schedule. Around the corner the Chapel is open every day for prayer and meditation and worth a quick but quiet look. Oh, the bell tower is another survivor of the Great Chicago Fire.

The Poetry Foundation is located at 61 West Superior. Stop by and visit their library or see the current free gallery exhibition. Then go to their website to read the poem of the day, find the schedule of free events including Wednesday PoemTime, Pop Up Poetry events, movie screenings, and live performances at the Poetry Foundation and around the city. You can also sign up for their free enewsletter, download their free POETRY App and click on their free self-guided Poetry Tour. You can find the details of all these activities on their website or like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter .

The Chicago Gallery News sponsors free 1 1/2 hour art gallery tours every Saturday (except on major holiday weekends) through the River North Gallery District. Meet at the Starbucks at 750 North Franklin Street on the southwest corner of Chicago Avenue and Franklin Street at 11 AM (11:00). Four different galleries are showcased each week. Also check the Chicago Gallery News calendar for other public events including opening receptions.

A bit farther west and one block south at 630 N Kingsbury is Ward Park. This is a lovely green space right on the banks of the north branch of the Chicago River. The Chicago Park District and the River North Residents Association show free movies during the summer there. The 2016 schedule is in the process of being finalized.

Heading back south stop by the two-story McDonalds restaurant at 600 North Clark Street. Take the escalator up to the top floor and wander through the free McDonald’s museum. It traces the McDonalds story decade by decade.

One block west at 630 North LaSalle Street is the Sports Authority store. On the walls outside and inside you will find the Chicago's Sports Authority Wall of Fame hand prints of some of Chicago’s sports figures. See how your hands measures up.

A few more streets south and west is the Merchandise Mart at 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza. This is an Art Deco building that is worth exploring. Every year the Mart is host to CANstruction. This is a charity event competition for architecture firms. Their challenge is to “build” huge structures with can goods and boxed foods. It seems each year they competitors are more and more creative. At the end of the project all the food is donated to the Greater Chicago Food Depository which serves the needy in Chicagoland. This year the event will be held August 10 – Sept 6. Check out the CANstruction website for entries from previous years.

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On the riverside of the Merchandise Mart is the Merchandise Mart Hall of Fame a series of busts of the some of the retailing giants of the late 19th and early 20th century. Some say it looks more like a PEZ dispenser museum. See how many names you recognize.

This week we walked up the Magnificent Mile and around Streeterville and River North. I hope you enjoyed all the things there were to do for free.

All information was correct at the time of this post, but before you come, please check the websites to get the most up-to-date information.

If you know of any free events in Chicago you’d like me to share, email me at chicagofreeforall@gmail.com

Don’t forget to sign up for a free Chicago Greeter visit (1/1/2016 post) at www.chicagogreeter.com

Please follow me on Facebook at ChicagoFreeForAll. Be sure to friend me to get notices of updates to my blog.

Next week I’ll showcase a few more nearby neighborhoods in Chicago and all they have to offer that is free for all.

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The Loop

2/12/2016

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In the past 2 weeks I showcased the Cultural Mile (1/29/2016 post) and the Wabash Arts Corridor (2/5/2016 post) both are part of a neighbor known as the Loop. Purists might say the Loop is the area inside the circle made by the elevated train tracks. But this neighborhood is more broadly considered the area from Michigan Avenue on the east to the south branch of the Chicago River on the west. Its north and south boundaries are the main branch of the Chicago River and Congress Parkway respectively.

Traditionally the Loop was viewed as the downtown business district, but today it is much more than that and there are a number of organizations and institutions helping to expand that definition. Each offers events that are free for all.

The Harold Washington Library on Congress Parkway between State and Dearborn Streets is a great place to start your search for free things to do and see. This is the main branch for the Chicago Public Library (CPL) and one of more than 70 CPL locations around the city. Each year the CPL offers hundreds of programs, events and exhibits geared to infants, toddlers, adolescents, teens and adults. I will elaborate much more about the CPL free programming in a later post.

Across State Street from the library is the Robert Morris University. At street level is the free State Street Gallery. It is open Monday through Thursday, 10 AM (10:00) to 6 PM (18:00) with the exception of holidays and the University closings.

The Chicago Loop Alliance is a not-for-profit organization that “creates, manages and promotes high-performing urban experiences”. Here are some of their free events and exhibits.

Pritzker Park is a green space and plaza at the intersection of Van Buren and State Streets. The retaining wall is adorned with inspirational quotes from famous authors. This summer you can expect seating, concession stands with free performances and family-friendly activities there.

Lightscape is a multisensory installation in the planters all along State Street. From 10 AM (10:00) to 8 PM (20:00) every day the lights are synchronized to music. The fixtures use low energy LED lights, an example of the effort to “green” the city".

The Pop-Up Art initiative utilizes empty storefronts in the Loop to create temporary galleries and studios for local artists. 2016 marks the 8th year of this program providing opportunities for the public to meet the artists and see their work. Watch for these spaces primarily along State Street and Wabash Avenue and check the website for more details.

Activate transforms alleys around the Loop into art and music venues for one evening a month during the warm weather. Sign up for updates about these free events and if you are 21 years or older you get a free drink when you register in advanced.

The Gateway also known as the “people plaza” is a space in the middle of State Street between Wacker Drive and Lake Street. This space provides a place for sitting and relaxing in the middle of a busy roadway. Chairs, umbrella tables and landscaping welcome passersby. Occasionally, public art is installed on the plaza or musicians are there to entertain you.

Now and then the Chicago Loop Alliance commissions temporary art to be placed in public spaces in the Loop. The previous pieces are described on their website. Watch for upcoming installations and events by following the Chicago Loop Alliance on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram, YouTube and Google+. Also sign up for their blog and email list.

The Chicago Visitor Center is located in the lower level of the Macy’s Department Store at 111 North State Street. That’s a great place to start your visit as there are guest representatives there to answer your questions and free brochures and maps to get you around town. Before you come you can request a free copy of the Official Visitors Guide or download it online.

While you are in Macy’s go to the cosmetics department and look up to the largest Louis Comfort Tiffany mosaic ceiling in the world. It is made of more than 1 million pieces of glass and took 2 years to install.

From the basement of Macy’s you can access the Pedway – an underground passageway connecting many of the buildings downtown. If you see this logo on a building at street level you know the building is connected to the Pedway. You can download the Pedway Map at the City of Chicago website for free.

In the Pedway at Macy’s is The Art of American Victorian Stained Glass installation. A dozen pieces from the Smith Museum of Stained Glass are on display there.

Head west in the Pedway past the Red Line CTA station and you are in Block 37. There you enjoy a free concert or enjoy an art show. The Stage 37 Pedway Performance Series and Artist Series runs from June through August. You can find the complete schedule on their website.

Also, in Block 37 is the Foodseum! Stop by this interactive space to smell, touch and taste what's cooking. Their mission is for you "to learn about, celebrate and be inspired by food." Check their website for their next exhibit and sign up for their mailing list.

Three other organizations offering free events from time-to-time are Friends of Downtown, Landmark Illinois and Friends of the Chicago River. Check their websites for their 2016 schedule of programs.

Want to watch a live broadcast of the local news? Head to State Street between Randolph and Lake Streets to the ABC storefront studio or the intersection of Dearborn and Washington Streets to watch the CBS broadcast. The 30-minutes news programs start at 5 PM (17:00), 6 PM (18:00) and 10 PM (22:00). Sometimes they turn the cameras to the street and put the crowd on television.

Landmark Buildings are found all over the Loop and are worth searching out. Watch for the plaques designating the landmark status. Don’t forget to check out the lobbies. Dearborn and LaSalle are my two favorite streets for lobbies of both historic and new buildings. You can explore on your own and as always introduce yourself to the guard so he/she knows you are there to see the lobby. Don’t forget to ask if photography is permitted inside. If you prefer to have a guide, sign up for a free Chicago Greeter (1/1/2016 post) visit or stop by for a InstaGreeter walk (1/1/2016 post).

Watch for the signage along State Street giving you a description of and information about the historic buildings in the Loop.

All around Chicago you will see brown and white street signs. These are locations that honor individuals, organizations and communities. To find out more check out Honorary Ave and Honorary Chicago.

Other websites to find historic markers in the area are the Illinois State Historical Society and Stopping Points.

On the northeast corner of Jackson Boulevard and LaSalle Street is the site of the former Grand Pacific Hotel. It was there that the General Time Convention was held in 1883 at which the 4 time zones were proposed. Look for the plaque commemorating this historic event.

On State Street at Quincy Court a tropical oasis is "growing" all year long. There you will see the large glass and metal palm trees and seating area, part of the beautification plan for the Loop.

State Street is also home to several parades throughout the year. including the Polish Constitution Day Parade on May 7, 2016, Chicago's Memorial Day Parade May 28, 2016, Disability Pride Parade July 23, 2016, Columbus Day Parade October 10, 2016 and the McDonald's Thanksgiving Day Parade November 24, 2016.

Along Dearborn Street you will find 3 major public plazas each with a large-scale piece of art by 3 prominent artists. At the Federal Plaza (Adams and Dearborn) is "Flamingo" by Alfred Calder. Two blocks north at the Chase Bank Plaza (Monroe and Dearborn) is Marc Chegal’s "Four Seasons" mosaic and farther north at the Daley Plaza (on Washington Street between Dearborn and Clark) is the unnamed sculpture by Pablo Picasso lovingly referred to as “The Picasso”.

While you are in the neighborhood look around for 2 other sculptures near the Daley Plaza: Joan Miro’s “Miro’s Chicago” and...

...Jean Dubuffet's “Monument with Standing Beast”.

Use the free Public Art Chicago App for more information about these and other pieces around the city and download the free Chicago Public Art Guide. Some of the statues in the Loop are part of the Statue Stories program. Look for the red, white and blue signs, scan the QR symbol and see what the statues have to say to you.

The Federal Center and Daley Plaza are also the sites for weekly farmers markets during the summer and the Under The Picasso cultural and music events are held at the Daley Plaza each day at noon.

Also in the neighborhood of the Daley Plaza visit the First Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple at 77 W Washington Street. Founded in 1831, it is the oldest congregation in the city. Worshipers have gathered at the current site known as “Methodist Corner” since 1838. The first floor of this skyscraper is the sanctuary which is open daily, but it’s the top of the building you’ll want to see. Four hundred feet (almost 192 meters) above the street is the Sky Chapel and you can take a free guided tour to the top. Tours are offered Monday through Saturday at 2 PM and Sundays after each worship service. Please note the Sky Chapel is not handicap accessible.

There are several other places of worship in the Loop. Chicago Loop Synagogue 16 South Clark Street, Downtown Islamic Center 231 South State, I Am Temple of Chicago 176 West Washington Street and Saint Peter's In the Loop Roman Catholic Church 100 West Madison Street and Seventeenth Church of Christ Science at 55 East Wacker Drive.

The Union League Club at 65 W Jackson is a private club housing an extensive art collection. On the first Monday of every month at 10 AM (10:00) the curator offers 45-60 minute tours for free. You must sign up well in advance. Go to the The Union League Club website to contact the curator and make a reservation.

One of my favorite free places to visit in the Loop is the Federal Reserve Bank Money Museum.
Located at 230 South LaSalle Street the Money Museum is open Monday through Friday except bank holidays and is free of charge. You can visit this interactive museum on your own, or take the free 30-minute guided tour at 1 PM (13:00). Be sure to take a selfie with the displays of $1,000,000.00! Keep in mind adults must show a valid government-issued ID and before entering everyone must pass through the security screening. There is a free App that explains how the Federal Reserve Bank works. It is currently available only for Apple devices.

Also within the Loop is the main theater district and there are some bargains here too.

Hot Tix, at 72 East Randolph Street and in Block 37 at 108 North State Street, sells ½ price tickets to theatrical productions performed at more than 200 venues around the city. You can also get the discount when you purchase tickets on the Hot Tix website.

There are 6 major theaters downtown. The Auditorium Theater of Roosevelt University, the PrivateBank Theater, the Chicago Theater, the Cadillac Palace Theater, the Oriental Theater and the Goodman Theater. Some productions offer half price tickets the day of the performance and/or senior citizen discounts. Stop by the theater box office during the day to inquire.


On the north end of the Loop is the Chicago Riverwalk. In the past few years this pathway along the Chicago River has been transformed to a pedestrian-friendly space.The Riverwalk stretches from the lakefront paths at Lake Shore Drive to Franklin Street a span of 1.3 miles (2 km). Along the way you will see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, seating and landscaped spaces. It is open all year long, but it is during the warmer months that the Riverwalk comes alive. Concessions include shops, restaurants and boat rentals, but you’ll want to go for the free concerts showcasing a variety of music. This summer will be the first year the entire stretch of the walkway is open and I expect as its popularity grows more and more events will be scheduled.

As you walk along the Riverwalk be sure to admire our bridgehouses. The architecture of each one is different. The McCormick Tribune Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum (2/9/2016 post) at Michigan Avenue is open for free on Sundays from mid May to the end of October.

The December holiday season is also a great time to explore the Loop. First, stop by Macy’s Department Store on State Street to see their decorated windows and go in to see their Christmas tree in the Walnut Room restaurant on the 7th floor. Second, on Daley Plaza each year is the Chriskindlmarket, This outdoor event has shopping, eating and drinking and free entertainment. Originally solely a German market it now has vendors from other countries. For the children you can download free holiday pictures to color and children under 14 can sign up to be a free Kinder Club membership entitling them to special activities and events, Don’t forget to sign up for the Chriskindl newsletter.

I hope you will spend some time in the Loop enjoying all that is free for all.

All information was correct at the time of this post, but before you come, please check the websites to get the most up-to-date information.

If you know of a free event in Chicago you’d like me to share, email me at chicagofreeforall@gmail.com

Don’t forget to sign up for a free Chicago Greeter visit (1/1/2016 post) at www.chicagogreeter.com

Please follow me on Facebook at ChicagoFreeForAll. Be sure to friend me to get notices of updates to my blog.

Next week we are heading north of the Chicago River to the "Magnificent Mile" and the nearby neighborhoods of Streeterville and River North. Until then, I hope to see you in Chicago!

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The Wabash Arts Corridor (WAC)

2/5/2016

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Nestled between Michigan Avenue, “The Chicago Cultural Mile” and State Street “that great street”, Wabash Avenue was overlooked as an important destination for far too long. In 2013 the Wabash Arts Corridor (WAC) was created to change that.

The WAC brings together 8 educational institutions, 14 performing arts venues, 19 galleries and art installations, 5 hotels, more than 40 restaurants and dozens of businesses. Their goal is to connect “local businesses and commerce with education, cultural programming and the visual, performing and media arts”. Described as a “living urban canvas” the WAC uses public spaces to showcase the work of established, emerging and student artists.

The WAC includes more than a mile-long stretch of Wabash Avenue between Van Buren Street on the north and Roosevelt Road on the south. But the district also includes parts of South Michigan Avenue and South State Street.

The WAC members offer more than 1,000 cultural events each year and many of them are free for all. Some of the current exhibits include:

Twelve 15 X 25” fashion photographs mounted on the exterior of the Hilton Chicago Hotel at 8th Street and Wabash Avenue. Known as the Hilton WAC Project, the installation showcases the work of Columbia College fashion photography students.

The Harrison Gateway, a project in collaboration with the Chicago Transit Authority is a series of images and haiku poems displayed under the elevated train tracks at Harrison Street. Being an urban setting this work has been "enhanced" by flyers.

At 8th Street and Wabash you will find the Papermaker’s Garden. This space is planted with materials used in paper making at the Center for Book and Paper Arts of Columbia College.

Since 2012 large-scale murals have graced some of the building exteriors along Wabash Avenue. Working with building owners, student and established artists are invited to create art on these unique canvases. A list of the more than 2 dozen murals currently on view with locations and artist information can be found on the WAC website; click on “Projects”.

Annual free events along the WAC include:

Manifest Urban Arts Festival is an annual event celebrating the years’ graduating seniors and graduate students of Columbia College. This year it will be held on May 15th. The event includes art exhibitions, live performances, fashion shows, literary readings, movie screenings and more. Everything is open to the public and free of charge. It is a unique opportunity to meet and see the work of future leaders in these fields.

Running up to Manifest Urban Arts Festival the WAC will again present BIG WALLS. Between May 1–13, the public will have the unique opportunity to watch 10 internationally recognized artists transform public spaces along Wabash Avenue. Media used will include “image projections on walls; an exhibition of cellophane street art and chalk art on sidewalks and new ideas for using fabric in public art". In addition storefront windows will feature The Portrait Project and one of the Flying Creatures sculptures will be unveiled. The sculptures will eventually be installed in sidewalk planters along Wabash Avenue.

Every October WAC sponsors the Wabash Arts Corridor Crawl . "The WAC Crawl" is an opportunity to explore public art, enjoy dance and music performances and take guided tours of new and historic buildings for free. In addition, culinary specials can be had at local restaurants and bars. The date in October for 2016 has yet to be announced. Check the website for more information about The WAC Crawl and other WAC events.

Also along Wabash Avenue, just north of the WAC district you will see a new light installation being mounted under the elevated train tracks called the Wabash Lights. Envisioned by Jack Newell and Seth Unger, self-described ”…normal guys with one big idea”. the project was launched through a Kickstarter campaign in 2015. To date they have 918 backers, but they are looking for more.

The plan is to install more than 5,000 programmable LED lights on a 2 block stretch of Wabash Avenue between Madison and Adams Streets. The lights will eventually be connected to the web and a free App allowing you to control the light display making you an instant artist. Four 12' lights are currently on and running a preprogrammed light display. This section of lights will stay on for the next 6 to 12 months while they are tested.

To monitor the progress and to contribute to the project, visit the Wabash Lights website. You can also sign up for their enewsletter and follow them on Facebook.

I hope you see Wabash Avenue is worth visiting any time of the year because there is always something to do or see that is free for all.

All information was correct at the time of this post, but before you come, please check the websites to get the most up-to-date information.

If you know of a free event in Chicago you’d like me to share, email me at chicagofreeforall@gmail.com

Don’t forget to sign up for a free Chicago Greeter visit (1/1/2016 post) at www.chicagogreeter.com

Please follow me on Facebook at ChicagoFreeForAll. Be sure to friend me to get notices of updates to my blog.

Next week we will explore "The Loop". Until then, I hope to see you in Chicago!

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STAY TUNED!

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