Chicago Archive

Neighborhood Guide: Spring into Chicago’s Finest Open-air Dining Spots

By
Theo Skolnik
Published: April 8, 2013

Living in a town known for its legendary winters, Chicago city dwellers eagerly await the exhilarating signs that spring has sprung: surfacing city-scape perennials, once-submerged beneath mounds of icy snow, are reason enough to loom from our hollow homes and explore the latest al fresco dining environments that our city has to offer.

The J. Parker

1816 North Clark Street, 13th Floor

Indulge in a Tony Selna signature cocktail while taking in one of the most quintessential views of Chicago Northside at the J. Parker Bar above the Hotel Lincoln in the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. The outdoor patio comfortably seats a large crowd with sit-down dining areas but also plays to Chicago’s energetic nightlife scene.

The J. Parker Bar. Photo by Timothy Hiatt.

The J. Parker Bar. Photo by Timothy Hiatt.

View from J. Parker Bar. Photo by John Tolva.

For more information, visit their Twitter, Facebook or website.

RM Champagne Salon

116 North Green Street

A dimly lit pathway annexed to an industrious West Loop alleyway leads you to the entrance of RM Champagne Salon, a well-hidden gem exuding old European elegance with a modern touch. The restored-cobblestone patio, with a vivid outdoor décor glowing beneath strands of scintillating lights, will effortlessly enchant your friends or family. While at RM, which stands for “Recoltants Manipulants” and refers to an estate-grown champagne that is bottle on-site, expect an exquisite assortment of cheeses, desserts and of course, champagne, to accompany your meal.

Photo by Colin Beckett.

Photo by Anthony Todd.

For reservations, call 312.243.1199; to see more photos and videos, see their Twitter, Vimeo, Facebook or visit their website.

Piccolo Sogno

464 North Halsted Street

Extending leafy branches conveniently shade Piccolo Sogno’s outdoor dining space, where patrons indulge in seasonal rustic Italian cuisine prepared by chef and owner Tony Priolo. Protected from the city’s clamor, this patio will have your heart melting over Italian food, handpicked Italian wine pairings by owner Ciro Longobardo and a menu of delectable Italian dishes.

For reservations, call 312.421.0077; to see more photos, visit their Twitter, Facebook or visit their website.

Terrace at Trump

The Terrace at Trump, a 16-story high dining patio extending beyond the tower’s glass sheathe, will satisfy your quench for a serene night out on the town. From tropical cocktails with homemade syrups to international rums and a variety of craft spirits, the terrace is the perfect location to begin or close a warm summer night. The terrace’s modern yet comfortable décor plays to a prominent yet lax aesthetic that mimics the spectacular Southeastern view of Chicago’s skyline, which is as breathtaking by day as it is by night. Visit the terrace on Wednesdays and Saturdays after Memorial Day for fireworks over Lake Michigan.

Terrace at Trump. Photo by Wade Saathoff.

For more information, visit their Twitter, Facebook or visit their website.

 

Photo Credit: Timothy Hiatt, John Tolva, Wade Saathoff, Colin Beckett, Anthony Todd.

Theo Skolnik is an Integrated Marketing Associate at Otherwise Incorporated.

 

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Lux Life: Tailored Suits at Zaharoff

By
Ben Elkind
Published: March 28, 2013

Inside the Zaharoff flagship store, a custom suit tailor on Oak Street, the entrance is framed by hand-engraved, bas-relief stone carvings of the archangels Gabriel and Michael. The hangings are reminiscent of a classic Byzantine style, yet are clean, industrial and distinctly contemporary. Gray stone floors gradually lead past displays of vibrant cashmere scarves, up a short flight of stairs to a wall of framed ties opposite a row of carefully hung suits. The space is welcoming; a skylight, out of view, hangs over a staircase at the center of the store, accenting the warm interior with natural light. The Zaharoff line of clothing and accessories on display at the flagship store are the creation of Chicago-born designer George Zaharoff.

The distinctive look of the store that Zaharoff crafted with architect Jordan Mozer (whose furniture is available and on display on the second floor) is mirrored in his clothing designs – classic style meshed with contemporary fashion, functionality married to form, with a careful attention to detail. “I wanted it to look heavenly,” says Zaharoff referring to the soft whites and grays of his store, the light emanating from the skylight through the space.

George Zaharoff’s store launched in late 2012 with the help of the Miglin family. Zaharoff admits that “ever since I was a kid, I dreamt about [this store], so it all came together quickly. I felt no hesitation.” The stores fixtures, furniture, and glass are all hand-made and are the perfect accompaniment for his clothing.

Zaharoff, using hand picked fabrics, creates the designs for each suit, shirt, tie and other garment. “I source my materials from Italy, France, and the UK,” says Zaharoff. “The neckwear is made by the last silk maker in England. It was founded during the time Henry the 8th ruled, and now I work with [the founder’s] family.”

Each piece at Zaharoff is the result of loving attention to detail — while showing off one of his wallets, Zaharoff explains that “every little detail is important. Every detail, even down to what kind of plastic you could use in this so there isn’t glare when you show your ID. The leather goods, the cufflinks, everything is made with a great deal of care and love down to the buttons and the collar stays. I want people to know that though it’s made with a lot of care, it is still affordable luxury.”

The beauty of a suit designed by George Zaharoff is complimented and balanced by his sense of functionality and experience. “I create for the guy that travels,” Zaharoff explained, “Someone who wants something durable and well made. I have a couple million miles under my belt, and I like clothes that are durable, that you can wear to meetings. These clothes could be for a traveler who goes through a 14 hour flight, gets to his hotel, and wants to be ready to go.”

The Zaharoff store is located at 110 East Oak Street in Chicago. The online collection is available through Zaharoff360.com. You can follow George Zaharoff on twitter.

Ben Elkind is an Integrated Marketing Associate for Otherwise Incorporated.

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Neighborhood Guide: Cheese in Chicago

By
Ben Elkind
Published: March 12, 2013

We sought out the very best cheese in Chicago. Not the cheese you find tightly wrapped, a wedge barely reminiscent of it’s wheel, pasteurized, and devoid of character in a grocery’s cooler. The stores below offer something more transcendent; freshly sliced to order, carefully crafted, edible treasures that are lovingly procured and sold by experts.

Cheese Spread

Photo by Nate Steiner

Fox & Obel – 401 E. Illinois, Chicago
This gourmet market opened in 2001 and offers fresh produce, selections from their cafe, and an amazing selection of both domestic and imported cheeses. Cheeses at Fox & Obel are cut to order by their knowledgeable cheesemonger who is more than happy to help a curious patron.

Pastoral – Multiple locations
With three stores and a recently opened bar, Pastoral has made a name for itself as one of the best resources for fine cheese, bread, and small batch brews and wines in Chicago. Beyond an immense selection of cheese, Pastoral also offers classes. Current classes include an afternoon of unique pairings led by the cheesemonger, and a class focused on exploring the diverse cheeses made in Britain and Ireland. Stop by Pastoral to pick up a new cheese, a platter, enjoy a class, or just for lunch.

Provenance – Multiple locations
Provenance concentrates on specialty food items: cheeses, wine, spirits, small-batch beers and other delicacies from all across the globe. Each item at Provenance comes from a small-food artisanal supplier; making it unlikely you might find the goods from Provenance anywhere else in Chicago. It also guarantees the highest quality products possible, as Pastoral maintains relationships with all of its producers.

Publican Quality Meats – 825 W. Fulton Market
In addition to acting as a restaurant and offering an obvious meat selection, Publican’s inventory includes an array of craft cheeses, seasonal produce, beers, old world wine, olive oils, and spices. The butcher shop brings in whole animals (bovine, swine, lamb, and fowl) from farms they maintain relationships with to ensure the highest quality products. The selection of cheese, house made sausages and breads, and exceptionally fresh meat make Publican an outstanding resource in the West Loop.

Selections from those stores should allow you to satisfy your own cravings, complete the perfect recipe, and to entertain guests. If you know of any more cheese purveyors that are worth a visit, we would be delighted if you shared them with us below.

Photo credit: Nate Steiner

Ben Elkind is an Integrated Marketing Associate for Otherwise Incorporated.

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The Residences: Artist Vik Muniz

By
Emmaline Niendorf
Published: May 30, 2012

An international art collection is being curated exclusively for The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Chicago. A look at the private art collection allows a glimpse into the exceptional lifestyle and accompanying pleasures of living at The Residences.

Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Brooklyn-based visual artist Vik Muniz is represented in the 10th Floor Lobby of The Residences. Muniz is an internationally acclaimed artist known for using unexpected and unusual materials to create portraits, landscapes and still-lifes, which he photographs. He explores the power of representation through the use of materials such as chocolate syrup, toy soldiers and paper confetti in thought-provoking images that subvert the viewer’s expectations.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences Chicago_Vik Muniz_Noreaster

Vik Muniz, Noreaster. Image courtesy of Rena Bransten Gallery, San Francisco, CA.

Muniz began his career as a sculptor in the late 1980s, and is recognized for his 1997 series Pictures of Chocolate and 2006 series Pictures of Junk. Muniz also appropriates images from works by other well-known artists. For example, he used jelly and peanut butter in the creation of the work Double Mona Lisa, After Warhol, 1999, based on a 1963 screen print by pop artist Andy Warhol, which was an appropriation of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

In the 2010 documentary film Waste Land, Muniz is featured on one of the world’s largest garbage dumps on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro. The film follows Muniz around the dump as he photographs the collectors of recycled materials in which he finds inspiration and beauty. Describing the history of the photography as “the history of blindness,” his images remind viewers what it means to see, and how our preconceptions can color every experience.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences Chicago_Vik Muniz_White Orchid

Vik Muniz, White Orchid. Image courtesy of Rena Bransten Gallery, San Francisco, CA.

While Muniz is often seen as an illusionist in his art, he explains that he’s not interested in fooling people. Rather, his work aims to show people a measure in their own belief.

His work is featured in numerous public collections, a few of which include the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, DC, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, NY, Museu de Arte Moderna, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo, Japan, The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL and the Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris, France.

http://www.vikmuniz.net/

http://www.renabranstengallery.com/

http://www.renabranstengallery.com/

Vik Muniz_Vik Muniz laying on work

Vik Muniz. Image courtesy of Rena Bransten Gallery, San Francisco, CA.

The art collection is a powerful component of The Residences and a unique luxury for residents. Artists Nick Cave, Tim Anderson, Matthew Woodward, Carolyn Ottmers, Cristina Silvestri and Vik Muniz are currently represented in the collection.

Stay tuned to Simply Magnificent for an in-depth look at each of the distinguished artists featured in the collection.

Related posts: The Residences: Artist Tim Anderson & The Residences: Artist Matthew Woodward.

Emmaline Niendorf is an Integrated Marketing Associate with Otherwise Incorporated.

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Lux Life: Guide For Chicagoland Golf Courses

By
Emmaline Niendorf
Published: July 7, 2011

World-class golf courses such as Augusta National, Pine Valley, Shinnecock Hills G.C., Pebble Beach and Cypress Point Club are worth the trip, just to experience them. Yet many Chicagoland courses are considered to be some of the best in the United States. Premiere resorts such as Cog Hill, The Glen Club and Harborside offer an oasis of beauty, luscious greens and rolling terrain. Our comprehensive list features the elite courses in Illinois that have distinguished themselves as top courses for leading golfers across the country.


Butler National Golf Club - 2616 York Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523, (630) 990-3333
Located 10 miles west of Chicago, Butler National Golf Club is a private club exclusively for members and their guests. Designed by George and Tom Fazio, this 18-hole golf club measures 7,335 yards from the longest tees and features three sets of tees for diverse skill levels. Butler National has been noted as one of the most difficult tracks in the United States.

Cog Hill Golf and Country Club - 12294 Archer Avenue, Lemont, Illinois 60639, (630) 257 – 5872
Home of the PGA Tour’s BMW Championship, Cog Hill Golf and Country Club is ranked highly by Golf Week (rated #1 in Illinois courses), Golf Digest (4-stars) and Golf Magazine (ranked among the top 100 courses in the United States). While there are 4 courses at Cog Hill, #4 – “Dubsdread” is world-renowned. Tiger Woods won the 2007 BMW Championship on Course No. 4, where he surpassed the scoring record, clearing his 60th PGA Tour victory. Located 30 miles southwest of Chicago, Cog Hill is a public golfing venue. It is encouraged to contact the club in advance before showing up to play.

The Glen Club - 2901 West Lake Avenue, Glenview, IL 60026, (847) 724-7272
Previously a Naval Air Base, the land was transformed into an 18-hole course designed by Tom Fazio, which tests the skill of every golfer. The 18th hole features strategically placed bunkers and 2 water features, which creates quite a lasting impression of The Glen Club.

Harborside International Golf Center -11001 South Doty Avenue East, Chicago, IL 60628, (312) 782-7837
Situated 20 miles south of downtown Chicago lies Harborside International Golf Center, a public golfing venue with two extraordinary courses designed by Dick Nugent. Golfers who play at Harborside revel in championship Scottish link style traditional golf. Both, Port & Starboard courses at Harborside were rated #11 and #13 in Golf Week’s 2011 “Best Courses you can play per state”. Harborside International Golf Center offers spectacular views of Chicago’s skyline, the finest amenities available, first-class country club style service along with chiseled fairways and elevated greens.

Kemper Lakes – 24000 N. Old McHenry Road, Kildeer, IL 60047, (847) 320-3450
The 18-hole, par 72, 7,217-yard course offers private club members the chance to play in the shadows of some of the world’s greatest golfers- Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Annika Sorenstam, Greg Norman, Hale Irwin and Payne Stewart.

Medinah Country Club - Medinah Road, Medinah, IL 60157, (630) 773-1700
Host of the 2012 Ryder Cup, Medinah is a members-only private club. Located just four miles northeast of Bloomingdale, Medinah Country Club boasts 54 holes and three courses. Course #1, designed by Tom Bendelow, is rated “15th best in Illinois”, according to their homepage. Golfers who play on course #2 will enjoy a leisurely, pleasurable round. Course #3 was designed by Tom Bendelow and updated by Rees Jones in 2003.

North Shore Country Club – 1340 Glenview Road, Glenview, IL 60025, (847) 729-1200
The original golf course, designed by C.H. Alison, was recently redesigned with functional and infrastructure improvements and the national, award-winning project preserved its historical features. If you are ready for a challenge, North Shore Country Club is identified as one of the Midwest’s outstanding tests of golf skill.

Olympia Fields – 2800 Country Club Drive, Olympia Fields, IL 60461
Located 28 miles south of Chicago, the private golf club for members and their guests is rich in golf history and tradition. Olympia Fields hosted the U.S. Open in 2003 and is proud to host the 2011 U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship, as well as the 2015 United States Amateur Championship. Olympia Fields features two 18-hole courses. The North Course is a hidden gem in the United States and has ranked consistently in “America’s top 50 courses” by Golf Week and Golf Digest.

Rich Harvest Farms – 7 South 771 Dugan Road, Sugar Grove, IL 60554
Named in “The Rolex World’s Top 1,000 Golf Courses” and #58 in “2011/2012 America’s Top 100″ by Golf Digest, Rich Harvest Farms was first designed as a six-hole golf course that could be played as 18 holes. The original six holes were designed by Jerry Rich, who modeled it after Augusta National Golf Course. Architect Greg Martin was then brought in to build a proper course. The now exceptional nine-out, nine-back course formation is a par 72 design with hills, lakes, lagoons and a creek. The topography around Rich Harvest Farms provides a world-class experience to all of their private members.

Shoreacres Country Club – 1601 Shoreacres Road, Lake Bluff, IL, 60044, (847) 234-1470
Shoreacres Country Club is a private country club located 25 miles north of Chicago. The secret for success on this course is accuracy. The heavily-bunkered, challenging course includes narrow tree-lined fairways, ravines and creeks for a truly unique golf experience.

Skokie Country Club – 500 Washington Avenue, Glencoe, IL, 60022, (847) 835-5835
Situated 10 miles north of downtown Chicago, Skokie Country Club features 6,913 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. The 11th hole bends twice (first in one direction, then another), which is also known as a double dogleg, and the par-5 hole is the most remarkable on the course. The private, member exclusive club sits on along a brook, with a heavily bunkered fairway.

ThunderHawk Golf Club – 39700 N Lewis Avenue, Beach Park, IL 60099, (847) 968-4295
Located one hour from downtown Chicago, the Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed course is situated on 228 acres of forest, marsh and prairie. ZAGAT calls Thunderhawk one of “America’s Top Golf Courses” and Golf Week named ThunderHawk along the “10 best municipal courses in the United States” in 2009. ThunderHawk Golf Club is Illinois’s first public course to achieve the Audubon Signature Certification.

Jamie Glickstein is an Integrated Marketing Associate with Otherwise Incorporated.

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Neighborhood Guide: Italian Dining at Pelago Restaurant

By
Emmaline Niendorf
Published: June 28, 2011

One block east of Michigan Avenue, in Chicago’s Gold Coast, you can find Pelago Restaurant — a little slice of Italy nestled in the Hotel Raffaello. Chef Mauro Mafrici and his wife Kimberly play host to this upscale contemporary Italian restaurant, a beautiful escape from the busy downtown streets with exquisite food and genuine flavors.

Pelago_Dining Room

Italian born architect, Kimberly Mafrici combines a modern feel with timeless sophistication to achieve the elegant atmosphere of Pelago. Seating only 60, the dining room offers an intimate setting, the ambiance charming and romantic. Clean white tones against rich wood create a fresh and sincere simplicity that allows you to relax into the lull of your food, wine and company. Details of chandeliers, aqua colored glass and a grandeur fireplace add the perfect dose of bold beauty to the refined elegance of the dining room.

Pelago_Restaurant

Chef Mauro mixes contemporary and classic to provide a beautiful and authentic menu. Alongside delectable dishes including Italian seafood, veal, cheeses and desserts, Pelago is known particularly for their homemade pasta. If you cannot choose just one dish, try the Chef’s tasting meal, which allows you to sample a variety of entrees, pasta dishes and desserts. Offering an impressive wine list, fresh ingredients from local sources and artistic presentation, Chef Mauro creates a unique and delicious selection. These creative dishes and new sensations distinguish Pelago as exceptional Italian dining.

Pelago_Patio Dining

Described as a hidden gem in the city, Pelago combines gracious hospitality with sophisticated design and culinary delights. Surrounded by the lavish stores and distinguished streets of Gold Coast, Pelago is truly a quiet oasis amidst the bustling city. Come in to enjoy a quaint lunch, terrace dining in the summer or a romantic evening in the neighborhood.

Make reservations here. For additional information, call 312.280.0700 or email info@pelagorestaurant.com.

Hours of operation: Lunch Daily: Monday-Sunday: 11:30am – 2:30pm. Dinner Everyday: Sunday-Thursday: 4:30pm – 10:30pm. Friday and Saturday: 4:30pm – 11:pm.

201 East Delaware Place, Chicago, Illinois 60611. View map.

Photo Credit: Elenora Pasarelli.

Emmaline Niendorf is an Integrated Marketing Associate with Otherwise Incorporated.

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Simply Magnificent: Top Art Exhibitions for June 2011

By
Emmaline Niendorf
Published: June 17, 2011

Chicago is featuring a power-packed collection of world-renowned artists and their exhibitions this month. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to venture to some beautiful galleries and museums and experience the incredible artwork our city is hosting.

Mark Grotjahn
Shane Campbell Gallery
May 13 – June 25, 2011

Born and based in Los Angeles, Mark Grotjahn is an internationally acclaimed artist who has been showcased in exhibitions ranging from New York to Switzerland to Amsterdam. In Grotjahn’s first solo exhibition in Chicago, the Shane Campbell Gallery presents new paintings from the series Three to Five Faces.

Thick lines of oil paint are tangled, woven and overlaid, transforming ropes of color into the shapes of eyes and noses and mouths. This collection is bold and unique, sure to surprise and astound the viewer. The “face” paintings represent not only sublimated desire but also the complexity of self-expression and primitivism. Such works reflect acknowledgement of Pablo Picasso and German Expressionism. New York Magazine described these “face” paintings as a reminder of the pleasures of “the open, the out-there, and the untamed.”

This exhibit is located at the Shane Campbell Gallery, 673 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago Illinois.
For more information, contact John Schmid at 312.226.2223 or info@shanecampbellgallery.com.

Mark Grotjahn_Shane Campbell GalleryMark Grotjahn_Shane Campbell GalleryMark Grotjahn_Shane Campbell Gallery

Top: Mark Grotjahn
Untitled (Broken Down Beautiful Post Impressionist Face 41.71), 2011
Oil on cardboard mounted on linen
72 1/2 x 52 inches (184.2 x 132.1 cm)

Image courtesy of the artist; Shane Campbell Gallery, Chicago; Blum and Poe, Los Angeles; Anton Kern, New York; Gagosian, London.
Photo credit: Douglas M. Parker Studio, 2011.

Middle: Mark Grotjahn
Untitled (S II “Some of Us Didn’t Know We Were Indians” Painting for RH Face 41.72), 2011
Oil on cardboard mounted on linen
101 1/4 x 72 1/4 inches (257.2 x 183.5 cm)

Image courtesy of the artist; Shane Campbell Gallery, Chicago; Blum and Poe, Los Angeles; Anton Kern, New York; Gagosian, London.
Photo credit: Douglas M. Parker Studio, 2011.

Bottom: Mark Grotjahn: Three to Five Faces, May 13 – June 25, 2011
Installation View
Image courtesy the artist; Shane Campbell Gallery, Chicago.

Theaster Gates
Kavi Gupta Gallery
April 30 – July 2, 2011

Theaster Gates is an important Chicago-based artist who has woven his background studies in fine arts and urban planning together into a unique artistic vision and practice of unparalleled breadth and depth. Over the past several years, Theaster’s work has been included in an impressive host of museum exhibitions internationally, including the 2010 Whitney Biennial, and he is currently working on a project for Documenta 2012 in Kassel Germany. This exhibit, An Epitaph for Civil Rights and Other Domesticated Structures, is being featured at the Kavi Gupta Gallery. Gates uses raw material he digs out from old abandoned houses he purchases. His art reflects a transformation of the rubble and wreckage.

This exhibit showcases fragments of an embroidered loveseat, cabinet doors, cracked moldings and an electrical socket in a wall. Gates references political events, such as the 1960′s race riots and the hosing of civil rights demonstrators in Birmingham, Alabama, 1963.

This exhibit is located at the Kavi Gupta Gallery, 835 West Washington Blvd, Chicago Illinois. (Map).

Theaster Gates_Kavi Gupta Gallery

Theaster Gates_Kavi Gupta Gallery

Photo Credit: Theaster Gates An Epitaph for Civil Rights and Other Domesticated Structures, Courtesy of Kavi Gupta CHICAGO | BERLIN.

William J. O’Brien
The Renaissance Society
May 15 – June 26, 2011

Internationally recognized artist William J. O’Brien has been based in Chicago since 2001. O’Brien’s work in painting, sculpture, drawing, ceramics and installation grows out of a unique range of materials, including ceramics, textiles, wood, metal and paper.  His solo exhibition at The Renaissance Society includes around 100 ceramic pieces, many which have never been displayed before.  His pieces range from masks and urns to vessels and plates, and his sculptures are bursting with unique color, texture and design.

New City Art highly recommends this exhibit, describing O’Brien’s ceramics as a dynamic psychology that expresses “things buried and prematurely unearthed.” O’Brien is also featured in New City Art as one of seven Breakout Artists: Chicago’s next generation of image makers.

This exhibit is located at 5811 South Ellis, Cobb Hall 418, University of Chicago. The Renaissance Society is a contemporary art museum free and open to the public.

William J. O'Brien_The Renaissance Society

William J. O'Brien_The Renaissance Society

Photo Credit: William J. O’Brien Exhibition at The Renaissance Society.

Mark Bradford
Museum of Contemporary Art
May 28 – September 18, 2011

Mark Bradford is a contemporary artist who lives and works in Los Angeles. Describing himself as having always been a creator, Bradford is known for his collage paintings that reflect both the energy and poetry of city life, specifically L.A. Bradford’s exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art is a survey of Bradford’s work dating from 2001 to 2010 and exploring different media and projects.

Bradford uses materials he finds such as flyers, plywood and movie posters to create interesting layers of color and texture, pulled together into a unified space. Influenced by pop culture, identity politics and abstract painting, Bradford’s work ranges in medium from painting to sculpture to video. Drawing upon his experiences growing up in South Central L.A., many of Bradford’s titles allude to structures of class, race and gender embedded in urban society.

The exhibition is located at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago Illinois.
For more information, call 312.280.2660 (general) or 312.397.4010 (box office).

Mark Bradford_Museum of Contemporary Art

Mark Bradford_Museum of Contemporary Art

Photo Credit: Mark Bradford Exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

 

Emmaline Niendorf is an Integrated Marketing Associate with Otherwise Incorporated.

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Philanthropy: Starlight, Starbright

By
Emmaline Niendorf
Published: June 17, 2011

In mid-May, Starlight Midwest and the CNA Foundation hosted ‘Starlight Prom 2011’. In the words of Joan Steltmann, Executive Director of The Starlight Children’s Foundation Midwest, “It was magnificent. Teenagers who have illnesses do not receive the same opportunities as healthy ones. It’s about the little experiences, similar to prom, that children and teenagers remember. It makes it worthwhile for them – there is no placed judgment or reaction because everyone fits in.” The teenagers danced the night away and truly had a night to remember.

On Saturday, June 4th, Starlight Children’s Foundation Midwest, which annually participates in over 24 fundraising events and 30 children’s events, celebrated 25 years at their anniversary gala. The event took place at The Standard Club, where Academy Award nominated actress Minnie Driver made a celebrity appearance, looking radiant in a white Georges Hobeika gown with gold embellishments. This year, the anniversary gala had the largest attendance thus far, including Starlight kids and families, board members and supporters of the organization. Guests enjoyed an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeurves, live and silent auction, dinner and dancing.

Jason Muelver of Jason Edward Photography captured memorable snapshots of the prom and gala, which can be seen in the slideshow below.

 

Starlight Spotlight

The Starlight Children’s Foundation Midwest is dedicated to helping chronically and critically ill children and their families. For over 25 years, Starlight has brightened lives by bringing hope, joy and a sense of belonging to those who suffer and are affected by chronic or life-threatening medical conditions. The organization helps families cope with their pain, fear and isolation by providing entertainment, education and activities. Starlight combines support for children and their entire families in and out of hospitals from the beginning of their diagnosis through treatment. The Starlight Foundation currently partners with over 40 hospitals in and around the Chicagoland area.

Face-to-Face with Starlight’s Executive Director

“The smiles of joy, squeals of laughter and sticky hugs are the most rewarding parts about working at The Starlight Foundation,” states Joan Steltmann. “Also, the smiles on the faces of the parents when they look back at their child’s face are priceless. They finally feel a sense of relief and are able to handle the issues they are faced with.”

Joan has always been passionate about helping children. Even while working in the corporate world, she made the time to volunteer, hoping it would make a difference in the lives of sick kids. She holds an MBA in business and soon decided to combine her passion for helping sick kids with her hard-earned business expertise. When the opportunity arrived to become the Executive Director at the Starlight Foundation, she knew it was the chance of a lifetime – the most gratifying job she could ask for. Joan says, “We want to improve the children’s quality of life and help them live with their illnesses. These children are strong, resilient, inspirational and have hearts as big as their medical records.”

How can you contribute?

Last year, the organization supported more than 300,000 children and their families. According to The Starlight Foundation, 1 in 11 children qualifies to be a Starlight kid. Currently, The Starlight Foundation helps 10% of children that qualify, but their job isn’t complete until they are able to reach the additional 90% of kids who need help.

The Starlight Foundation is looking to increase visibility to new and potential donors. The foundation attracts some of the best people in the world who support the organization. Donors, workers, board members and volunteers understand the true meaning behind the work and what it means help the seriously ill children.

“Making friends who don’t stare” is how one Starlight child describes The Starlight Children’s Foundation Midwest.  Through volunteering, helping out at events and activities, assisting with office planning, fund centers in hospitals, becoming a board member, donor, sponsoring specific programs or galas, you can continue to bring additional positivity to the lives of the children in need of support.

For additional information on becoming a board member, please contact Joan Steltmann directly. For volunteering opportunities and event information, visit the website or call 312 –251 –STAR.

 

Jamie Glickstein is an Integrated Marketing Associate with Otherwise Incorporated.

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The Residences: Building “Tops Off”

By
Emmaline Niendorf
Published: June 15, 2011

The building has officially topped off! This groundswell of progress is exciting news for all of us anxiously awaiting the finished Ritz-Carlton Residences on the Magnificent Mile.

Ritz_construction

The daily concrete work is complete, which means that precast has moved into the critical point of the project. Walls have been laid out to level 27, mechanical coordination is complete and cabinets for the lower level residences are ready and waiting for installation.

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Not only are the residences now running on permanent power, Thermal Chicago has begun the street work underground, connecting piping from Wabash Street to the site.

The next step is putting up the historic façade. Limestone panel restoration is nearly complete, and historic stone panels will be installed starting in just days.

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Explore the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Chicago, Magnificent Mile website and take a virtual tour of Chicago’s premiere condominiums.

Check out our construction cam for live coverage of building progress and stay tuned for more development updates!

Emmaline Niendorf is an Integrated Marketing Associate with Otherwise Incorporated.

Photo Credit: Jamie Glickstein

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Posted in: Development Updates, The ResidencesTags: , , , , ,

Philanthropy: Connecting to Our Community

By
Emmaline Niendorf
Published: June 13, 2011

The Sinai Community Institute will hold their annual Gala on Saturday, June 18, 2011 at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers. The event, Connecting to Our Community, is led by Merri Dee and David Vitale, and will be hosted by sports legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson.

The Gala raises money for the Sinai Community Institute, which focuses on promoting health education, teaching job skills and training, developing knowledgeable youth, providing health resources to women and children and building safe and connected communities. The Gala celebrates establishing and maintaining a connection to the community. SCI represents vulnerable members of society by empowering them with knowledge and resources and ultimately enhancing their quality of life. Serving more than 30,000 individuals a year, SCI reflects Sinai Health System’s mission to provide a national model for urban health care delivery.

This elegant evening will encompass cocktails, dinner, a brief awards ceremony, silent auction and dancing. The Gala will feature some of Chicago’s outstanding musical talent, including Jamiah “On Fire” and The Red Machine, as well as the FLOW Orchestra. Individual tickets are priced at $300, and $500 tickets include a private reception with Magic Johnson. The Gala begins at 6 PM.

Call 773.257.6070 or email jonren@sinai.org for tickets and additional information.

When: 6 PM – 12 AM, Saturday, June 18, 2011

Where: Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers, 301 North Water Street, Chicago IL

Click here for directions.

Emma Niendorf is an Integrated Marketing Associate at Otherwise Incorporated.

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Posted in: Lux LIfe - Chicago, PhilanthropyTags: , , , , , , ,
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