Inspired Chicago - Find fun things to do in Chicago!

Are you interested in reading the same book other Chicagoans are reading?  Chicago Public Library presents just such an opportunity with One Book, One Chicago. When the program began in 2001, two books were selected annually with programming related to the book.  The program evolved in 2013 to focus on one book selection each year with related programming and to delve into the book’s central theme with additional programming. The current selection is The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon.  Talks, film screenings, and other programming focus on the book’s central theme:  Heroes:  Real & Imagined.  Events are scheduled through April 2015. Are you unable to attend an event?  No problem!  There are many other opportunities available online.  Visit One Book, One Chicago  to find discussion questions, further reading suggestions, and other fun activities.  Wondering what books were read in past years?  You'll find a list of previous selections and related d...

Do you want to learn more about Chicago’s history?  With Chicago as my new home, I definitely do. Can you think of women that have influenced Chicago?  Bertha Palmer is one woman who comes to my mind immediately.  Many of the Chicago Architecture Foundation tours I have taken have mentioned Bertha Palmer and her work with the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Surely, there are many women that have influenced Chicago’s history.  Can you think of any?  After attending a Women’s History Month lecture at Harold Washington Library Center on March 25, I learned about many intelligent, inspirational women that shaped Chicago. Mary Ann Johnson, president of  Chicago Area Women’s History Council (CAWHC), presented “A Paradise of Exceptional Women, Chicago Women Activists and Leaders 1790–2000.”  The first part of the presentation highlighted some of the women in the CAWHC’s Women Building Chicago 1790–1990:  A Biographical Dictionary .  The book contains biographies of 423 wom...

In a few months, I will celebrate two years of living in Chicago.  I continue to be amazed by and grateful for all that Chicago offers.  I love searching for and finding new events and opportunities, and then going out and taking part. Although I am not a writer looking to have a book published, when I read about the Story Week Festival of Writers I thought it sounded interesting and decided to check it out.  I was not disappointed! I attended "Making Books in the Midwest" by Naomi Huffman, Curbside Splendor managing editor.  From a layperson’s standpoint, this was an excellent introductory session to publishing.  Ms. Huffman presented information about several independent publishers, including location, publication focus, and books recently released or forthcoming.  She also provided a list of online indie literature resources.  Being an avid reader, I'll be using this information to discover new books to read! Attendees learned the following key factors to help wr...

On Thursday, February 19, the Chinese Fine Arts Society (CFAS) hosted a Chinese New Year celebration at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 East Washington Street.  A colorful banner welcomed guests with a "Happy Chinese New Year" wish.  With its inherent beauty, along with festive lighting and Chinese dragons, Preston Bradley Hall provided a stunning backdrop for the celebration.  Adding to the celebratory atmosphere were the many audience members wearing red, which symbolizes good fortune in the Chinese culture. I attended last year's Chinese New Year celebration and wondered if this year’s celebration would be similar.  I was happy to discover the program was new and different compared to last year. This year's performances included Chinese dance, music, martial arts, and puppetry. The event began with the lion dance and drumming to scare away any evil spirits.  With the evil spirits gone, the new year can start fresh and with good luck. Chinese danc...

Since I took a class in high school on the subjects, Greek and Roman mythology have been an interest of mine.  Today, I had the pleasure of seeing a performance of Margaret Atwood’s The Penelopiad .  The cast of 14 skillfully utilized the Poetry Foundation’s performance space to tell the story of The Odyssey from Odysseus’s wife Penelope’s point of view.  Costumes were beautiful but simple, as were the props.  The performance was excellent–makes me want to read Edith Hamilton’s Mythology (a great intro to mythology) again and pick up copies of Homer’s The Iliad and The Odyssey ! Erica Barnes directs this adaptation of The Penelopiad , with original music by Joshua Dumas.  The Poetry Foundation, located at 61 West Superior Street in Chicago, will host additional performances on Monday, February 23, and Tuesday, February 24, both at 7 p.m.  Admission is free.  Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early. If you're already a fan of mythology, this ...