On June 30th, we officially cut the ribbon in celebration of the opening of our new outdoor art exhibit, My Painted Lyre: Seeing Music in Chicago’s Greektown. This exhibit features twenty-six three-dimensional sculptures lining Halsted Street and inspired by music and the lyre, one of the principle instruments of ancient music.
The wonderful event, held at the National Hellenic Museum space, included a program of remarks by honored guests including: Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett Jr., Consul General of Greece in Chicago Emmanuel Koubarakis, Commissioner at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Mariyana Spyropoulos, Commissioner of Greektown SSA#16 and Greektown Arts Committee Eve Moran, Chairman of Greektown SSA#16 Frank Caputo and President of Chicago Greektown Educational Foundation Irene Koumi.
The event included a harpist who played music at the reception in advance of the ribbon-cutting to accompany the music-themed exhibit, as well as a celebratory toast courtesy of “Lyre Non-Alcoholic Spirits.” We are so grateful for all who joined us to kick off this special celebration of art and music in our community!
My Painted Lyre includes 26 vibrant three-dimensional artworks lining Halsted Street from Monroe to Van Buren Streets now through spring 2023. A map showing the locations of the artworks in Greektown is available HERE. Visit greektownchicago.org for more information. My Painted Lyre is sponsored by Greektown SSA #16, the neighborhood’s business improvement district, in partnership with the Chicago Greektown Educational Foundation.
Thank you Glitter Guts for these lovely photos from Skate Night! This amazing duo always brings out the best of our events. To check out more of their work click here.
We gave 13 artists Levi’s Denim Jackets and told them to use as their inspiration.
We featured jackets and art by Kelly Ward, DONT FRET, Revise CMW, Lauren Asta, Jaz-On, Kate Lewis, Victor Montañez, White Mystery, Katherine del Real, Hannah Douglas, Zitlali Yunuhem, Sara Enigmann and Zissou Tasseff-Elenkoff. DJ Genghiswon was spinning all night.
Wow, the White Mystery Winter Funtacular at the Emporium Logan Square was awesome! Special thanks to Glitter Guts Photobooth, powered by Pabst Blue Ribbon, for these incredible retro portraits. Click here to see more!
ACTIVATE is a popular annual series of pop-up arts programs launched in 2014 by Chicago Loop Alliance that transform alleys and other unexpected places into creative exhibition spaces. This public block party located in the Symphony Center alley embraced the sensational spirit of drag. In celebration of the City of Chicago’s Year of Chicago Theatre, top drag queens and kings performed iconic songs from beloved musicals, all in the majesty of larger-than-life pop art, inflatable sculptures, and eye-popping set designs. This event was curated by A Queer Pride and White Mystery as a project of the Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation and Presenting Sponsor The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
VIDEO
Video by Paige Brunsen.
PHOTOS
Photos by Diane Alexander White. Click here to see more!
Not so fast! There’s no need to vacate the Loop straight after work. For a sixth year, the Chicago Loop Alliance and curators will organize interactive, pop-up art exhibitions in downtown alleys. Click here to read more on Curbed Chicago’s page.
The ACTIVATE curators sat down with CLA to share their thoughts on this year’s “Backstage” theme, their favorite performances, and more. Click here to read the interview on Loop Chicago’s website.
Peek behind the curtain in the Loop’s most unexpected places with ACTIVATE: Backstage. In celebration of the City of Chicago’s Year of Chicago Theatre, join Chicago Loop Alliance for a series of four summer nights inspired by the art of performance. Experience interactive art, live music, and immersive audience participation in unusual urban spaces around the Loop. Click here for more on Loop Chicago’s website.
Join us in the basement at Wayward on Saturday, April 13th for a free event to celebrate the opening of “The Freedom Machine” Vol. 1, an art exhibit by Duffyleg.
