Visit the Flat Iron Building in Wicker Park Chicago April 12

Visit the Artists of the Flat Iron Building

The Flat Iron Building will be celebrating the grand opening of

their new tennant on the first floor.  Bank of America will be in

the spot that has seen every thing from a hot dog joint to a

cigar shop to a coffee shop.  Now as things continue

to change in the area, the Flat Iron Building welcomes it’s

newest tennant.  The artists that occupy the studios and

galleries will welcome Bank of  America to the community. 

Please join in the grand opening celebration happening on

Saturday April 12.  The building will be open for all to visit,

the artists enjoy those that appreciate art, stop by and

see some art, you never know, you just may buy something. 

It’s just that much fun!

Riverside High of South Carolina Performs in Chicago

 I had the opportunity to escort a group of students from Riverside High. For some of them this was their first time away from home and for some it was their first time traveling on a plane and for most, it was their first time in Chicago. Small town students meet the big city. They were ready for the adventure.

On the second day of the four day visit the group had the opportunity to perform at The Alice S. Millar Chapel on the Northwestern University campus. The chapel is a gift to Northwestern University of Mr. and Mrs.Foster G. McGaw. Alice Millar McGaw was Mr. McGaw’s mother. There are twelve stained glass windows that are quite beautiful and each tells a story. The great chancel window at the front of he chapel encompasses all of biblical theology in the themes of “Creation, Redemption and Triumph.”

The marvelous stained glass was designed by artist Benoit Gilsoul. Henry Lee Willet and his son E. Crosby Willet of the Willet Stained Glass Studio of Philadelphia, gave their special attention to the design, fabrication and installation of the windows which was completed in 1963, soon after the chapel opened.

As all took photos of the stained glass windows before settling in to perform in the sacred space. The sacred songs were delivered with a feeling of respect for the surroundings. Though the students performed to a very small audience, the chaperons, the chapel administrator and myself, the songs resonated the chapel and bought a peaceful feeling. The performance was to familiarize the students with the acoustics and performing in a sacred space.

From the Northwestern campus to the Daley Plaza was the next performance stop. The students were able to see the lake shore from Evanston to Millineum Park and realize that Chicago’s lake front is a free and clear space available for all. I was able to answer questions about city life as we made our way downtown.

The performance at Daley Plaza under the Picasso was actually in the lobby of the Daley Center court building. The fun renditions of songs from Hairspray and Fame had those traversing the building pause for a moment to enjoy the music and fun choreography. The students enjoyed performing and were fascinated by Picasso statue behind them.

After the performances it was fun time for all. The students had come to Chicago to perform and now it was time to take in more of the city and its sights. There was a tour of the Oriental and Palace Theatres as well as shopping to round out the day. And of course, no trip to Chicago would be complete without taking in a performance of Wicked.

It was one of four great days Riverside High had while in Chicago. They were here long enough to see snow and really experience cold. They had the Chicago food experience and stories to take back to their family, friends and classmates in South Carolina.