Encores: After the Theatre and Other Stories - Opening Soon!

Piven Theatre Workshop Presents An artful exploration of the complexities of love through the words of master storyteller Anton Chekhov Opening Night: Wednesday, April 25 7:30 pm April 27-May 20 Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 pm, Saturdays and Sundays 2:30 pm   Previews: April 22 2:30 pm, April 24 7:30 pm  Tickets: $25 - Group, senior, and student rates available Previews: $15  Pay What You Can Offer! Saturday matinee performances of Encores: After the Theatre are Pay What You Can at the door.  Call 847-866-8049 or order tickets online to reserve your seats at full price. The production features Joanne Underwood and Daniel Smith, who both recently starred in Piven's production of Three Sisters, and Gillian Hemme and Nathanial Williams, both making their debuts at Piven. Celebrating 40 years of artistic excellence, Joyce Piven returns to direct a multi-generational cast of artists she has mentored and trained over the last several decades. From Sarah Ruhl's adaptation of Lady with a Pet Dog, to veteran Piven actors, to actors from our Young People's Company, Joyce brings new insight into timeless stories.   The cast: Susan Applebaum, Olivia Cygan, Gillian Hemme, Allison Hendrix, Michael Moran, Tom Schneider, Aly Sklare, Daniel Smith, Joanne Underwood, Warren Weber, and Nathaniel Williams       Get a Chekhov Flex Pass with Piccolo Theatre's production of The Cherry Orchard! Call our box office at 847.866.8049 and pay only $20 per ticket to each show!   Now Playing at   Noyes Cultural Arts Center!   Next Theatre Company presents:   After the Revolution April 5-May 13   By Amy Herzog Directed by Kimberly Senior   Featuring: Mike Nussbaum*, Christine Stulik, and MaryAnn Thebus*, with Dana Black, Tasha Anne James, Phil Ridarelli*, and Mick Weber*. The young, brilliant Emma Joseph proudly carries the torch of her family's Marxist tradition by devoting her life to the memory of her famously blacklisted grandfather. When history reveals a shocking truth about the man himself, the entire family is forced to confront questions of honesty and an allegiance they thought had been long resolved. AFTER THE REVOLUTION is a bold and hilariously moving portrait of a Jewish American family, forced to reconcile a thorny and delicate legacy. To buy tickets:  CLICK HERE

May events at Women & Children First in Chicago

May Events at Women & Children First Wednesday, May 2nd - Geeta Maker-Clark and Marla Rose 7:30 p.m. This I Believe: On Motherhood   This I Believe, Inc. An offshoot of the popular public radio series This I Believe, This I Believe: On Motherhood is an inspirational compilation of original essays, offering the insight and wisdom of sixty contributors--both celebrated and unknown--exploring what is arguably the most complex of all human relationships: that between a mother and her children. Two local contributors, Geeta Maker-Clark and Marla Rose, will share their stories from a collection that would make a wonderful gift for all mothers and mothers-to-be.  Thursday, May 3rd - Tamam Kahn 7:30 p.m. Untold: The History of the Wives of Prophet Muhammad   Monkfish Press              For too long, the story of the wives of the Prophet Muhammad has been shadowy and incomplete. In her meticulously researched biography, poet and Sufi teacher Tamam Kahn lifts the veil that has obscured the lives of these extraordinary women, giving them the stature and historical significance they so richly deserve.  Friday, May 4th - Barbara Cully, Jennifer Harris, and Maureen Seaton     7:00 p.m. Jackleg Press Poetry Reading Featuring Barbara Cully, Jennifer Harris, and Maureen Seaton Jackleg magazine is becoming Jackleg Press, an independent publisher of poetry and fiction. Tonight's reading from three acclaimed poets celebrates the launch of Jackleg's new incarnation. Barbara Cully is the author of four poetry collections, including Desire Reclining and That Place Where. Jennifer Harris's first novel, Pink, was hailed as a "true poetic read" by New York Quarterly. Her poetry has appeared in many journals and anthologies. Maureen Seaton is the Lambda Literary Award-winning author of fourteen poetry collections and the memoir Sex Talk to Girls.  Saturday May 5th through Sunday May 6th - Chicago Green Festival Saturday, May 5, noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 6, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Chicago Green Festival Navy Pier Women & Children First is happy to once again be the official bookseller at the Chicago Green Festival, a symposium bringing together hundreds of presenters and exhibitors exploring pathways to environmentally responsible and sustainable living. Free admission tickets for the Chicago Green Festival are available at the bookstore on a first-come basis, while supplies last. For more information on the Chicago Green Festival, visit http://www.greenfestivals.org/chicago/   . Wednesday, May 9th - Jac Jemc 7:30 p.m. My Only Wife   Dzanc Books When the narrator unlocks the door of his wrecked apartment, suddenly empty of any trace of his wife, his response is as stunning as her disappearance. Jac Jemc's debut novel My Only Wife tells the story of a man so paralyzed by his idealized recollections of his wife that he is unable to go find her. Jemc is the author of the story chapbook These Strangers She'd Invited, and her work has appeared in The Denver Quarterly and Caketrain, among others. We're thrilled for Jac's success; she worked at WCF from 2008 to 2011! "I adored this book. I adored the slippery, enigmatic wife of the title and I adored her adoring husband and I adored every lovely, heartbreaking sentence in this deftly written, beautiful book." --Elizabeth Crane, author of We Only Know So Much Thursday, May 10th - Alice Kessler-Harris 7:30 p.m. A Difficult Woman: The Challenging Life and Times of Lillian Hellman   Bloomsbury Lillian Hellman was a giant of twentieth-century letters and a groundbreaking figure as one of the most successful female playwrights on Broadway. Yet the author of The Little Foxes and An Unfinished Woman is today remembered more as a combative, bitter survivor and literary fabulist. In her revelatory and provocative biography, renowned historian Alice Kessler-Harris undertakes a feat few would attempt: rescuing Hellman from her own reputation. Friday, May 11th - Kate Hopper 7:30pm Use Your Words: A Writing Guide for Mothers   Cleis Press According to a 2010 Ad Age article, there are 3.9 million women writers blogging about the experience of motherhood. Use Your Words is the first writer's guide presenting motherhood as a literary lens and source for creative inspiration. A writing workshop between the covers, each chapter of Use Your Words contains a lecture, a published essay by a contributing writer, and exercises that serve as jumping-off points for the reader's own writing.  Wednesday, May 16th -  Storytime Special Event: A Fairy Tale Reading for Tots   10:30 a.m. Storytime Special Event: A Fairy Tale Reading for Tots Featuring Katy Collins from the Vintage Theater Collective Join storyteller Katy Collins as she reads and invites children to act out a new version of the classic fable, "The Twelve Dancing Princesses." Song, dance, and role-playing will be used to discover this magical story. This is the launch event for The Fable Festival, a weekend of new, short works based on international fairy tales and fables. Wednesday, May 16th - Alison Bechdel 7:30 p.m. Are You My Mother?   Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Swedish American Museum 5211 N. Clark St. Doors open at 7 p.m. We are thrilled to host Alison Bechdel, as she presents the highly anticipated sequel to her bestselling graphic memoir, Fun Home. In Fun Home Bechdel explored the enigmatic life of her closeted gay father; in Are You My Mother? Bechdel turns her attention to her relationship with her critical mother and her effect on Bechdel's creative development and sense of self-worth. In a starred review, Publishers Weekly praised Are You My Mother? as "a fiercely honest work about the field of combat that is family." Alison will be presenting a slide show, and refreshments will be served. Tickets are free with the purchase of a book. The book releases May 1st but can be ordered in advance for this event. Companion tickets are $7.00. Saturday, May 19th - Sappho's Salon        7:30 p.m. Sappho's Salon: A Provocative Night of Lesbian Diversions Featuring Catherine Lundoff and Beth Grogg, with Special Guest Host C. C. Carter $7 to $10 sliding scale includes food and wine              This month's installment of our popular salon night for lesbians and their friends presents writers Catherine Lundoff and Beth Grogg. Minnesota-based Lundoff is the award-winning author of several books, including Night's Kiss and Silver Moon: A Wolves of Wolf's Point Novel, editor of Haunted Hearths and Sapphic Shades: Lesbian Ghost Stories, and co-editor of Hellebore and Rue: Takes of Queer Women and Magic. Although her first love is poetry, Chicagoan Beth Grogg has also written screenplays, a one-woman show, performance pieces, journalism, and, alas, advertising and public relations copy. (A girl's gotta eat, right?) She is also a former Sappho's volunteer and long-time Sappho's Salon supporter. Tonight's special guest host is nationally renowned, award-winning spoken word artist and POW-WOW founder, C. C. Carter.       Proceeds benefit the artists and the Women's Voices Fund.  Sunday, May 20th - Why it Matters that Katniss is a Girl 4:30 p.m. Why it Matters that Katniss is a Girl: The Hunger Games YA & Parent's book discussion With moderator Alicia Sowisdral              The Hunger Games' Katniss Everdeen is a unique protagonist whose identity resonates with boys and girls. While many critics have celebrated the gender-neutral appeal of Katniss, we shouldn't be too quick to disregard the importance of her gender. Facilitated by feminist pop-culture blogger Alicia Sowisdral, this dialogue will explore what Katniss means for our cultural understanding of gender and the female experience. Friday, June 1st -  Jeanne Cordova 7:30 p.m. When We Were Outlaws   Spinsters Ink In Conversation with Achy Obejas              In her sweeping memoir, groundbreaking queer journalist Jeanne Cordova presents a raw and intimate chronicle of an activist torn between conflicting personal longing and political goals. When We Were Outlaws presents the true story of a brash young radical lesbian during the early struggles for gay and women's rights. Featuring an introduction by renowned historian Lillian Faderman, When We Were Outlaws paints a vivid portrait of political engagement and the search for self-identity, set within the maelstrom of 1970s social and sexual revolutions. Tonight's program presents Cordova in conversation with two-time Lambda Award-winning novelist (Ruins, Days of Awe) and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Achy Obejas. Mark Your Calendars! Saturday, June 16 7:30 p.m. Sappho's Salon featuring legendary women's music artist Deidre McCalla with special guest Monica Del Castillo.   Book Groups Tuesday, May 1st - 7:15 p.m. - Classics Book Group   - Democracy by Joan Didion Sunday, May 6th - 2 p.m. - Family of Women Book Group   - The Poinsonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver Tuesday, May 15th - 7:30 p.m. - Women's Book Group   - The Little Bride by Anna Solomon Sunday, May 20th - 6:00 p.m. - Feminist Book Group   - The Queer Art of Failure by Judith Halberstam

New seasonal food items, specialty cocktails, shots, and daily drink specials at The Fifty/50

New seasonal food items, specialty cocktails, shots, and daily drink specials at The Fifty/50

  Wicker Park upscale sports bar and comfort food restaurant The Fifty/50 (2047 W Division St) has new summer food specials, new summer specialty cocktails served in The Fifty/50’s signature 24oz red keeper cups, new summer shots, and new daily drink specials. They’re all listed below.

Summer Food Specials

The Four-Courser … $10
Whole pork shoulder sprinkled with Fifty/50’s BBQ rub, smoked over apple wood for 13 hours, hand-pulled, and then tossed in a gouda béchamel. Topped with fried jalapenos, BBQ sweet potato chips, a mac ‘n’ cheese waffle, and drizzled with a smoky sweet BBQ sauce. Served on a warm pretzel bun with your choice of fries.

Foie Gras & Bone Marrow Slider … $7
Hudson Valley foie gras topped with slow-roasted bone marrow, whipped brie cheese, parsley persillade, and drizzled with a balsamic port wine demi-glace. Served on thick-cut toasted brioche.

Beef Wellington Bites … $10
Five pan-seared skirt steak bites topped with Hudson Valley foie gras and mushroom duxelle that’s all wrapped in a flaky puff pastry crust. Served with a sweet port wine dipping sauce.

Ahi Tuna, Salmon, & Avocado Sashimi … $15
Sashimi grade Ahi tuna, sustainable harvested Atlantic salmon, and avocado drizzled with wasabi cream and sesame vinaigrette. Served with crispy wontons.

The Big Herd Burger … $12
High Plains all-natural bison patty topped with whipped cheddar cheese, pickled red wine onions, and an herb-mushroom-pepper chutney. Served on a fresh baked potato roll with your choice of fries.


Fifty/50 Signature 24oz Red Keeper Cup Cocktails

Naughty Lemonade … $10
The Fifty/50’s signature summer drink: Skyy Passion Fruit vodka and freshly-squeezed lemonade.
 
Cherry Limeade … $10
Skyy Cherry vodka, muddled limes and cherries, freshly-squeezed sour mix, 7 Up, club soda, and a grenadine splash.

Double Rum Runner … $10
Malibu rum, Malibu Black rum, pineapple juice, and a grenadine splash.

Wild Berry Shandy … $10
Bacardi Razz rum, Framboise Lambic, Kriek Lambic, Hoegaarden, freshly-squeezed wild berry lemonade, and lemon juice topped with fresh berries.

Peach Berry Margarita … $10
Cazadores Tequila Blanco, peach schnapps, freshly-squeezed wild berry lemonade, 7 Up, and club soda.

Stoli Poli … $10
Stoli Razberi vodka, Stoli Blueberi vodka, muddled orange slices, freshly-squeezed orange juice, cranberry juice, 7 Up, and club soda.


Fifty/50 Signature 24oz Red Keeper Cup Draft Beers

Goose Island Summertime… $8
Goose Island Green Line Pale Ale … $8
Stella Artois … $8
Hoegaarden … $8


Summer Shot Specials

Twisted Di-Vision … $6
Skyy Coconut vodka, Midori melon liquor, and pineapple juice.

Dirty Sanchez … $6
Tanteo Tropical tequila and freshly-squeezed orange juice.

Chocolate Pretzel … $7
Pinnacle Whipped vodka, Frangelico hazelnut liqueur, and a salt rim.

Cherry Poppins … $7
Grey Goose Cherry Noir vodka, freshly-squeezed sour mix, grenadine, and a Pixy Stix rim.

Jesse Bomb … $8
Stoli Blueberi vodka and Sugar Free Red Bull.

Jackie Bomb … $14
The staff favorite: Jameson shot with a Bacardi O Bomb chaser.


Weekly Specials

Mondays
$2 domestic beer bottles
$5 Tequila Avión shots

Tuesdays
$3 Jack Daniel’s shots
$3 Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey shots

Wednesdays
$3 Fireball Cinnamon Whisky shots
$5 Bacardi mojitos

Thursdays
$3 Jameson shots
$5 Absolut bombs

Saturdays & Sundays
$16 5-beer domestic buckets
$20 5-beer import buckets
$20 mimosa buckets



About The Fifty/50: Dining scene vets Greg Mohr and Scott Weiner co-own this Wicker Park tri-level restaurant and 18-flatscreened upscale sports bar with a 65-seat outdoor patio that was recently voted the best sports bar in America by Yahoo! and Thrillist and was also named best sports bar in the country by Maxim magazine. Open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, The Fifty/50 specializes in fresh, scratch-made elevated comfort fare ranging from the tri-meat blended “The Triple Secret Burger”, to in-house smoked pulled pork and ribs with housemade BBQ sauce, to its massive chicken wings recently voted “Best Wings In Chicago” by RedEye, Metromix, and WGN that are now also served in the bleachers at Wrigley Field during every Chicago Cubs game. The Fifty/50 is also known for its 24oz cocktails served in red “keeper” cups and irresponsibly low-priced bottle service. Located at 2047 W Division St (773.489.5050), The Fifty/50 is open 11am-2am Monday thru Friday, 10am-3am Saturday, and 10am-2am Sunday. Additional info, full menus, and complete booze lists available at http://www.TheFifty50.com.

 

“Like” The Fifty/50 on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TheFifty50

 

and follow The Fifty/50 on Twitter at http://twitter.com/TheFifty50

 

and check out The Fifty/50 on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/TheFifty50Chicago

 

 

Sara Jessica Parker guest hosts the Lurie Children's Hospital Gala Preview

Sara Jessica Parker was the guest host of  the,"Lurie Children's Hospital Gala Preview."  Chicago philanthropist Ann Lurie, along with a committee of leading philanthropists and Chicago civic leaders hosted a gala to offer a first look at the newly-completed Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.
Other Chicago notables in attendance were David and Susan Axelrod,Shelley Macarthur Farley,Lovie Smith and wife MaryAnne,Scottie Pippena and wife Larsa,Chicago Cubs Chairman,Tom Rickets and wife Cece.

The beautiful child friendly hospital will be open in June of 2012.


Pictured baove:: Ann Lurie and Sarah Jessica Parker wearing an Oscar de la Renta coat over her evening gown.

Tom Rickets and wife Cece.

Scottie Pippen and wife Larsa

Rights managed images available for licensing only to accredited publications. Contact us for licensing details

 Photos copyright © Linda Matlow/PIXINTL http://pixintl.com All rights reserved Photos may not be used, published,posted online or distributed in any manner without written license from PIX INTERNATIONAL,LLC
 

Kelsey Grammer receives the Hugo Award from Cinema Chicago!

 Kelsey Grammar was honored with the Career Achievement Award at the 48th Hugo Television Awards Ceremony .Kelsey arrived with his wife Kayte(expecting twins) and his 'Frasier' co-star John Mahoney who was on hand to present the award to him along with Cinema Chicago/Chicago International Film Festival Founder and Director Michael Kutza   at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in  Chicago.



We license only to accredited publications: Contact us for licensing!

 Photo copyright © Linda Matlow/PIXINTL http://pixintl.com All rights reserved Photos may not be used, published,posted online or distributed in any manner without written license from PIX INTERNATIONAL,LLC
 

Levon Helm of the Band dies at 71

Levon Helm of the Band dies at 71

http://entertainment.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/19/11290229-levon-helm-of-the-band-dies-at-71?lite

Ashton Kutcher Buys Ritzy L.A. Home!

 

Ashton Kutcher was not about to be outdone by Justin Bieber. With Biebs circling the swank Los Angeles, CA home he had previously been renting like a shark, Kutcher purchased the home. It is unclear how much of the $10.8 million asking price he shelled out for the glass, steel and stone contemporary home that overlooks Lake Hollywood.

 

The newly minted Casa de Kutcher can be found high in the Hollywood Hills on a half-acre lot and enjoys spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Designed by the Mills Studio architectural firm, the 9,400-square-foot house offers five bedrooms and eight bathrooms. An extensive use of glass was integrated into the design of the property, with glass-floor bridges, floor-to-ceiling windows and multiple cantilevered rooms and balconies that open the home to the reservoir.

 

Here are the links to the video and embed code, as well as a related blog post for use on your site. 

 

YOUTUBE:

 

 

 

BLOG:

http://www.realtor.com/blogs/2012/04/02/stand-aside-justin-bieber-ashton-kutcher-buys-los-angeles-house-photos/

 

 

Friends of Prentice and 900 North Michigan Shops Present "Day For Her" on Sat., May 12 - chance to receive free passes to "What To Expect When You're Expecting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FRIENDS OF PRENTICE AND 900 NORTH MICHIGAN SHOPS

PRESENT

A DAY FOR HER

SATURDAY, MAY 12^TH FROM 10 AM – 6:30 PM

All Proceeds Benefit Friends of Prentice

 

First Ticket Buyers Will Attend Screening Of Hilarious New Comedy

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING

 

 Grab your gal pals and shop to celebrate women, when 900 North Michigan Shops and Friends of Prentice present “A Day for Her,” an all-day shopping event featuring exclusive offers  on Saturday, May 12 from 10 a.m. - 6:30p.m.  A special ticket price of $20 in advance and $30 at the door leads the way to fabulous discounts, activities, treats and raffle prizes.  All proceeds from the ticket price will benefit Friends of Prentice, the fundraising board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Prentice Women’s Hospital.

 

The first 75 ticket buyers to purchase their tickets in advance, and the first 25 people to purchase

event tickets the day of, will each receive two complimentary passes to an advance screening of LIONSGATE’S “WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING,” on Monday, May 14 at

7 p.m. promptly at a downtown Chicago theater. The kaleidoscopic comedy, as universal as it is unpredictable, finds humor and uplift in all the unexpected trials and triumphs of welcoming a child into the world. The film stars Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Chace Crawford, Brooklyn Decker, Anna Kendrick, Matthew Morrison, Dennis Quaid, Chris Rock, Rodrigo Santoro, Ben Falcone and Joe Manganiello. WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, May 18. For more information about WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING, please visit https://www.facebook.com/WhatToExpectMovie

 

, and http://whattoexpectthefilm.com

 

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The ticket price gives access to 20% off at the following participating retailers:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The ticket price also gives you access to other perks:

 

ACTIVITIES & TREATS

 

 

 

   Receive an all-day $10 Parking Validation Ticket at the Level 2 Registration Desk.

   Tickets for the event are available for pre-purchase for $20, and day of event tickets can be

   purchased at Level 2 at the Registration Desk for $30. For more information, call 312.915.3916

   or visit: friendsofprentice.org/shop900

 

.

ABOUT FRIENDS OF PRENTICE

   Our Mission:  Friends of Prentice is committed to superior healthcare spanning the full

   spectrum of a woman’s life.  We fund leading edge initiatives that improve the quality of

   health for women and infants in our immediate community and across the globe.

 

   Who We Are:  Friends of Prentice harnesses the creativity and resources of a diverse and

   engaged volunteer board, sharing a common passion for women’s health. Working in

   partnership  with Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Prentice Women’s Hospital, our

   organization advances  the quality of care provided to women by investing in emerging

   technologies and medical advancements including groundbreaking research, clinical care

   programs and advanced  educational opportunities.  We nurture a proud legacy of philanthropy

   and volunteerism as we strive to improve health and wellness throughout the arc of a woman’s

life. More for information please visit www.friendsofprentice.org

 

.

ABOUT WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING

Inspired by the perennial New York Times bestseller of the same name and the first book in a series that has sold over 32 million copies worldwide, WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING is a hilarious and heartfelt big screen comedy about five couples whose intertwined lives are turned upside down by the challenges of impending parenthood. 

 

Over the moon about starting a family, TV fitness guru Jules and dance show star Evan find that their high-octane celebrity lives don’t stand a chance against the surprise demands of pregnancy. Baby-crazy author and advocate Wendy gets a taste of her own militant mommy advice when pregnancy hormones ravage her body; while Wendy’s husband, Gary, struggles not to be outdone by his competitive alpha-Dad, who’s expecting twins with his much younger trophy wife, Skyler.  Photographer Holly is prepared to travel the globe to adopt a child, but her husband Alex isn’t so sure, and tries to quiet his panic by attending a “dudes” support group, where new fathers get to tell it like it really is.  And rival food truck chefs Rosie and Marco’s surprise hook-up results in an unexpected quandary: what to do when your first child comes before your first date?

 

A kaleidoscopic comedy as universal as it is unpredictable, WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING finds humor and uplift in all the unexpected trials and triumphs of welcoming a child into the world.   The film stars Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Chace Crawford, Brooklyn Decker, Ben Falcone, Anna Kendrick, Matthew Morrison, Dennis Quaid, Chris Rock, Rodrigo Santoro, Joe Manganiello, Rob Huebel, Tom Lennon and Amir Talai. The film is directed by Kirk Jones, written by Shauna Cross and Heather Hach and inspired by the book “What To Expect When You’re Expecting” by Heidi Murkoff.   Lionsgate presents in association with Alcon Entertainment, a Phoenix Pictures production / a Lionsgate production of a Kirk Jones film.

 

ABOUT 900 NORTH MICHIGAN SHOPS

Anchored by Bloomingdale’s, 900 North Michigan Shops features 70 luxury retailers on        levels, including Gucci, MaxMara, Michael Kors, DNA 2050, Club Monaco, J.Crew,

Lululemon Athletica, Williams-Sonoma, Mark Shale and many more. Over its two-decade

residence, the 900 North Michigan Shops has provided the Magnificent Mile with a diverse

collection of luxury lifestyle brands, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining Michigan

Avenue as an internationally recognized shopping mecca.

Bridge to Eden art exhibit Opening Reception Saturday April 21

Bridge to Eden: The Green World as Artist art exhibit Opening Reception Saturday, April 21, 2012 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM   Exhibit runs April 21 - June 19, 2012 Free admission to Opening & Closing Receptions & exhibit Gallery hours: 1:30 - 6:30 Mondays & Thursdays & by appointment Celebrate Nature as the greatest artist, and view artistic collaboration between humans and the plant world at Bridge to Eden: The Green World as Artist, an art exhibit running April 21 - June 19, 2012 at Life Force Arts Center gallery, 1609 W Belmont, Chicago IL 60657. Opening Reception is Earth Day weekend, Saturday, April 21, 2012 from 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM. Closing Reception is Tuesday, June 19,  2012 from 6 - 10 PM. Gallery hours are Mondays and Thursdays 1:30 - 6:30 PM, and by appointment. Admission to the exhibit and Opening and Closing receptions is free. For more information, please contact Joan Forest Mage, Executive Director, (773) 327-7224, joan@LifeForceArts.org. Germination (c) Joan Riise (photo by Jonathan Leaf) For centuries, the Green World of plants has been the model of beauty and aesthetic form that humans in cultures worldwide have imitated in countless drawings, paintings, sculptures and photographs. In addition, there are arts such as landscaping and flower arranging that utilize plants themselves as the artistic medium. "An actual rose is the most perfect artwork," says Joan Forest Mage, Life Force Arts Center's Executive Director, who along with Artists Steven Blaine Adams and Judy Demchuk created the concept of the exhibit. "In Bridge to Eden, we honor the Green World as a conscious, artistic creator and colleague. This raises thought-provoking issues about what is art, what is creation and who is Creator. We asked participating human artists to work from a consciousness of co-creating art together with the Green World by incorporating live plants into their artwork in safe and respectful ways. The exhibit also highlights artwork made from natural plant material: wood carving, oil on canvas, sumi ink on rice paper." Many of the pieces remind us of the human interaction with the world of vegetation, including the gifts of food, medicine, clothing, furniture and housing that plants give us. We explore how a conscious and reciprocal relationship between humans and the Green World can help us create a new Eden, an ideal place where life flourishes harmoniously. Featured human artists in Bridge to Eden include Steven Blaine Adams, Sharon Bechtold,   Fred Casselman   , Judy Demchuk   , Britt Posmer   and Joan Riise.   Bridge to Eden: The Green World as Artist is the second of three art exhibits Life Force Arts Center (LFAC) is presenting that explore the theme of "animal-vegetable-mineral": humans' relationship with their fellow dwellers on Earth. In addition to the art exhibit, LFAC will present other events related to the Green World, including performances, lectures and workshops on aromatherapy, herbal healing and vegetarian cooking. Life Force Arts Foundation (LFAF) presents artistically excellent, spiritually based visual, literary, and performing art. We define spiritual art as art that flows from spiritual practice, art that strives to connect the audience with Spirit, and art that creates spiritual awakening, healing, or evolution. We focus on the arts as a common ground of human expression, where artists and audiences of diverse spiritual traditions can honor each other, and share their personal and collective experiences of the spiritual aspect of life. LFAF's goals are to develop spiritual artists, the spiritual arts audience, and the spiritual arts community. LFAF advances the field of spiritual art through events and publications that promote awareness of the art-spirituality connection.  Life Force Arts Foundation operates Life Force Arts Center (LFAC), Chicago's spiritual art gallery and performance space, which presents visual art exhibits, dance, theater and music performances, author book signings and workshops with artists who are experts in spiritual artmaking.   For complete calendar of events, please click here.

follow on Twitter   | friend on Facebook   | forward to a friend     Copyright © 2012 Life Force Arts Center, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up on our sign-up sheet at LFAC or on our website. Our mailing address is: Life Force Arts Center 1609 W. Belmont Chicago, IL 60657 Add us to your address book