Writing a column for a newspaper has always been a dream for someone as opinionated as I am. Visual art was what I was most interested in. Art became my life's' profession and, having been involved in the art scene in and around Chicago my whole life, I feel I can give an artist's view of things that might be of interest to you. I want to share my experience and knowledge so that you can visit and enjoy many of the wonderful and fantastic things that are happening in our paradise by the lake. I will supply the map and resources. You can have your own great race to the adventure!
Through the years I have had the opportunity to use my art as a bridge to many wonderful people and places. By the time the '80s rolled around, my printmaking had not only gotten me into art fairs all around Chicago, but I also began several shows in Florida and Michigan and eventually beyond. I studied sculpture at the University of Illinois and received a masters in historic preservation from the School of the Art Institute—utilizing my 25 years as a resident in Pilsen East as a rich reservoir of study. I've worked intimately with the Field Museum—among other things, I painted their chair for Sweet Home Chicago and was named honorary Artist-In-Residence by the Field Museum's president, John Carter. I've been fortunate to have worked with the kids of Gallery 37—celebrating the art and architecture or our town and, for the most recent turn of the century, I was named as the 2-D artist of Illinois. Currently, I am also working with Ald. Solis as the art consultant of the 25th ward.
For my first column, let's celebrate a part of Chicago, most often overlooked by the rest of the city. This secret treasure is Hyde Park and the University of Chicago. The residents of this unique kingdom pride themselves on their individuality and spirit. One of the jewels in her crown is the 57th Street Art Fair. The oldest fair in the U.S., this art festival has been held continuously on the first weekend of June for more than the past 50 years. For the Chicagoland area, the 57th Street Art Fair is the official opening of the outdoor art show season.
Held around William H. Ray School between Kimbark and Kenwood at 57th and 56th streets, this show attracts exhibiting artists from all over the U.S. The 57th Street Art Fair is put on by people from the community and, in the egalitarian spirit of the neighborhood, every one of their t-shirts will tell you that they are all the 'Director'.
Parking for this event is always difficult but not impossible—you have to find street parking. Trains, trolleys and buses are available The area is great to get to by bicycle.
To make it all the more worth your while, there are many other things to experience once you are at the festival site. After enjoying the art, walk to the university co-op bookstore, at 57th and Kimbark, a labyrinth of books and rooms to get lost in. From here, head south down beautiful and charming Kimbark to 56th street and turn right ( west ) and behold the world-famous Frank Lloyd Wright 'Robie House'. You can go into the new Robie House bookstore and find out about the tours that suit you. Continue walking west on 56th street, which becomes the Quadrangle, a breathtakingly beautiful park shaded by 100- year -old trees and where 'Harry met Sally'! Visit tiny 'Bond Chapel' and be moved. This chapel was brought over brick by brick from England two turns of a century ago and reassembled here. From there, walk on the bridge over the pond—share a romantic embrace as so many couples have for generations. This path takes you into the student union, where you can have a great lunch in wood-paneled rooms with portraits of past presidents gazing down on you from stately gold-leafed frames.
Outside and across 57th street is Bartlett Gymnasium. This large gothic structure is no longer a gym, but housing—with a wonderful multiethnic cafeteria on the second floor. But please, walk into the lobby and behold the woodwork and unbelievable huge mural—with more gold leaf—of life-size figures. The scene is right out of Sherwood Forest or a Medieval festival. Painted by 19th century Chicago artist, Bartlett, it is a joy to behold. Bartlett was the son of an old Chicago family who made their Home on old Prairie Avenue. Their hardware business is now an Ace Hardware. ( When in Fort Lauderdale, be sure to visit Bartlett's winter home and studio, open to the public and right on the ocean. The estate is the town's best kept secret. Wild monkeys greet you at the welcome center! )
Leave by the back entrance of the Bartlett Gymnasium and walk the diagonal walkway to the Smart Museum and Court Theatre Complex. Stop in and check out the fantastic theater building and get on their mailing list for some of the most entertaining and interesting productions in Chicago. Cross the courtyard and enter the Alfred and David Smart Museum, one of the most intimate and well-appointed art museums in the city. They house different traveling exhibitions and a drop-dead permanent collection. Make sure to check out the Archibald Knox Clock.
Round out the day with reservations at the private Quadrangle Club, built by Chicago architect, Shaw, partner of Bartlett. This building seems like something right out of Philadelphia Story. Try to eat upstairs facing the tennis courts. It is private, but if you call ahead, non-members will be served.
This is just a taste of what the fabulous South Side of Chicago has to offer. It is so rich with history, culture and the people there who are so knowledgeable and nice—willing to smile back at you and happy to help with directions.
The 57th Street Art Fair is located at 57th Street and Kimbark Avenue. Free and open to the public between 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8. Call ( 773 ) 493-3247 or visit www.57thstreetartfair.org .
Columnist photo by Marcy Baim.
