My Bike Betty

Greetings fellow adventurers! Since 2014, Betty and I have been traveling the streets of Chicago discovering art and artistic expression along the way. Join in and post your experience here!
My Bike Betty
  • A Two for One and Some Down-time
  • About
  • Author Archives: jan

    • Shifting Gears Off the Beaten Path

      Posted at 5:49 pm by jan, on August 31, 2017

      Greetings All! Betty and I will be taking a break from blogging while I focus on a new project. However, the site will remain with hopes you may visit from time to time for ideas on where to explore.

      Until this next adventure is complete, and I return to you, keep discovering. Look for art and artistic expression everywhere and post your experience here!


       

      Posted in An Extension To All | 0 Comments | Tagged Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
    • Pilsen Bound

      Posted at 12:42 am by jan, on May 24, 2017

      Recently, Betty and I headed to Pilsen to check out a community gallery and artist’s co-op, Pilsen Outpost. Co-owners and artists, Teresa Magaña, Pablo Ramirez and Diana Solis provide a space reflecting diverse artistic expression saturated with cultural influences. Supporting the objective of the gallery to represent community artists, they regularly have workshops and openings.

      1958 W. 21st Street

      Nicolas de Jesus

      Diske Uno

      Pablo Ramirez

      The gallery also includes screen prints, crafts, textiles, jewelry, and rotating art exhibitions.

       

      Finishing up the day, and grateful for my journey, we got this snap of our beautiful city!

      Ok all! Let’s get out there and explore, look for art and artistic expression and then share it here…all while you SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!

      Posted in An Extension To All, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers | 0 Comments | Tagged Pilsen Outpost
    • A Few of My Favorite Things

      Posted at 5:13 pm by jan, on April 29, 2017

      Recently, The Reader published an article featuring artist Jean Marie Cate and her lovely art store,   Martha Mae: Art Supplies & Beautiful Things. I enjoyed reading about her personal story and journey so much that Betty and I headed north.

      5407 North Clark Street

      Located in Andersonville, the shop is an art installation all its own. Every aspect of the store is curated and composed by Cate. Upon entrance the effects of music, atmospheric light and soft soothing color, intriguing objects, and the presence of Cate and Martha Mae create an inviting and magical space.

      And last, the inspirational Martha Mae.

      I left this experience with a lovely ceramic drinking vessel and a desire to return with friends and family.

      Many thanks to Cate for the opportunity to take images and share them with you. For product details and images check out marthamae.info.

      Alright! Betty and I are off on our next journey, exploring art and artistic expression. As always we’re inviting you to do the same, post it here and SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!

      Posted in An Extension To All | 0 Comments
    • In My Own Backyard (part II)

      Posted at 7:51 pm by jan, on April 4, 2017

      Alright! Get ready to have your mind blown and guess what?! This is the work of my musician brother. One word, Canjos! Get this, handmade ukuleles made to include vintage cans as the body. The necks, neck joints/heel, frets, fretboards, inlays are all made by him. Check out some in-process work and final instruments!

      My treasured Christmas gift, absolutely priceless.

      A big thanks to my family for providing me with all the pics to post here. I am so proud of your creative work.

      Alright! Woo! Betty and I are hitting the streets for some adventure to share with you, and of course, inviting you to join in, look for art and artistic expression everywhere. Post your finds here and SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!

      Posted in An Extension To All | 0 Comments
    • In My Own Back Yard (part 1)

      Posted at 7:16 pm by jan, on April 4, 2017

      From time to time I love to post about the creativity in my own family. Aside from their talent, I really appreciate the thought, process and how the work reflects aspects of their personalities.

      First, sister-in-law small metal artist of Fierce Flare (on Facebook) and yes, these intricate metal pieces are done by hand, incredible. Below are some personal favorites however, her portfolio is varied and vast. No way you visit her site and not find something you would love to wear or admire in or outside your home.

      Custom made like this piece above fits perfectly…waaaaaaaaaant!

      Many of her works incorporate re-appropriated materials like these guitar pics above and below…so damn kewl!

      Next, my lil bro and nephew’s original line drawings. A continuum of line, creativity, and imagination.

      Last, textile works from my dear mother composed and woven from repurposed fabrics.

       

      Whew! So much talent I have to create part II!

       

       

       

       

      Posted in An Extension To All | 0 Comments
    • Collaboration…a Win Win for Us All!

      Posted at 6:08 pm by jan, on March 7, 2017

      Greetings fellow explorers! I am super excited to share this week’s find. As an artist and a teacher I am always encouraging collaboration. Magical things happen! So when I discovered Backroom Pop-Up Bar, Johalla Projects art gallery, and the Field Museum were presenting, Celebrating Specimens, I couldn’t wait to check it out. 

      The Tank at Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, 12 S Michigan Avenue

      Now through March 25, Friday and Saturday nights from 5pm – midnight, enjoy a tasty beverage from James Beard Award semifinalist, Paul McGee while exploring real specimens, observing museum experts in action and then joining in on projects and activities.

      Field Museum’s Chief Preparator, Akiko Shinya gives the presentation, Dig Your Own Dinosaur

      And then, WE DID!

      Great fun while we gathered as a community, learned and laughed! Like I said, magical things happen when you collaborate!

      Alright, Betty and I are off on our next journey. We’re inviting you to join in, explore, look for art and artistic expression everywhere, post your experience here and SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!

      Posted in An Extension To All, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers | 0 Comments | Tagged Backroom, Chicago Athletic Association, The Field Museum of Natural History Chicago
    • Hebru Brantley and New Works

      Posted at 8:20 pm by jan, on February 15, 2017

      Hello All!

      Do you remember this guy from…

      At 1132 S Wabash Ave.

      CTA's Red Line at Lawrence

      CTA’s Red Line at Lawrence,

      From the Chi-boy series by muralist Ben Eine

      and W. Lunt and Ravenswood Ave?

      Of course you do! It’s Hebru Brantley’s, Chi-boy public art works! As much as Betty and I love to discover these murals along our way, we were super excited to discover new works in a couple of cozy gallery spaces.

      Now through February 25th check out, Hebru Brantley, Eat Crap King exhibition at Vertical Gallery.

      1016 N. Western Ave

      1016 N. Western Ave

      Identifying with the non-traditional works of street artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, Brantley pairs the familiar images of Basquiat with pop-culture artist Andy Warhol.  Brantley's work also considers the relationship of work within the "white cube" as institutionalized and artist's works that rebels against it.

      Bros Before Hoes (real friends), spray paint, charcoal and acrylic on canvas, 2017

      Influenced by Japanese anime, and identifying with the non-traditional works of street artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, Brantley pairs the familiar image of Basquiat with pop-culture artist Andy Warhol. Brantley’s work references the issues and relationship of art work within the “white cube” as institutionalized and work that rebels against it.

      img_1241

      First Major Solo Exhibition, spraypaint, charcoal, acrylic on canvas, 2017

       

      img_1243

      Just Catch Your Breath (study), spraypaint, charcoal, acrylic on canvas, 2017

      img_1248

      Samo & Andy #2, #3, hand-painted resin, 2017

      thumb_img_1243_1024

      Shook Up the World, spraypaint, charcoal, acrylic on canvas, 2017

      img_1252

      The mask in this series were certainly a surprise to me and after a discussion with Vertical Gallery the discoveries continued across the street at, Line Dot. The journey began with this…

      img_1253

      and then there were THESE, more hand-painted resin masks! These superhero kids, most untitled, were created to represent urban youth who are daily challenged by social injustices.

      img_1265

      For you fellow wonderers, details!thumb_img_1265_1024-3

      img_1271

      Blue Devil

      thumb_img_1265_1024-2

      img_1273

      Sun-Ra

      Super interesting day and one I invite you to share. Wonder, explore, and discover art and artistic expression everywhere! Along the way, post it here and SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!

       

      Posted in An Extension To All, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers | 0 Comments | Tagged Hebru Brantley, Line Dot, The Wabash Arts Corridor, Vertical Gallery
    • New Year Affirmations

      Posted at 5:39 pm by jan, on February 3, 2017

      Greetings All!

      As the Chinese New Year approaches, Betty and I got in on some of the celebration this week at a favorite community space…

      Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E Washington

      Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E Washington

      Chinese Arts Society hosted a one hour presentation of song, dance, music, and martial arts. Kicking off the year of the rooster was of course these handmade incredible beast…

      img_1115

      img_1128

      Yay!!! From the dragon's mouth a red "envelope" symbolizes the wishes of good health, prosperity, and happiness in the new year.

      Yay!!! From the lion’s mouth a red “envelope” symbolizes the extension of well wishes, good health, prosperity, and happiness in the new year.

      Traditional music invited the  Long Yun Kung Fu Troupe to showcase martial arts. This team is famous

      Traditional music invited the Long Yun Kung Fu Troupe to showcase martial arts. 

       Long Yun Kung Fu Troupe is famous for the artistic way in which they present traditional Chinese martial arts. On a side note, each artist was selected for the troupe by martial artist and actor, Jackie Chan.

      Long Yun Kung Fu Troupe is famous for the artistic way in which they present traditional Chinese martial arts. On a side note, each artist was selected for the troupe by martial artist and actor, Jackie Chan.

      img_1140

      img_1144

      Local dance emphasizing tradition.

      Last was this Mongolese singer that blew our minds!

      Alright, Betty and I are off on our next journey, encouraging you to join in, and of course inviting you to post your experience here and SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!

      Posted in An Extension To All, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers | 0 Comments | Tagged Chicago Cultural Center
    • Puppets! An Extension of Expression

      Posted at 5:46 pm by jan, on January 22, 2017

      Happy New Year All!!!

      So what begins the new year better than a bottle of champagne? A two-week puppet festival of course! Check out, chicagopuppetfest.org for a performance that best appeals to you and/or your family.

      This week Betty and I checked out the MCA preview of Silencio Blanco’s, Chiflón, El Silencio del Carbón (Chiflón, Silence of the Coal), where I enjoyed an audience participated talk with the creators and artists and a one on one interaction with the puppets.

      Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E Chicago

      Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E Chicago

      Silencio Blanco Puppeteer group with cofounders, Santiago Tobar and Dominga Gutiérrez

      Silencio Blanco Puppeteer group with cofounders, Santiago Tobar and Dominga Gutiérrez

      During the talk I was touched by the way the group held and interacted with the puppets.

      During the talk I was touched by the way the group held and interacted with the puppets.

      Hand made from newspaper, each puppet was incredibly personal, expressive, and full of life.

      Hand made from newspaper, each puppet was incredibly personal, expressive, and full of life.

      img_0988

      AND! They let us touch them!

      AND! They let us touch them!

      img_0990

      img_0991

       

      Betty and I are off to another show and will share some of our finds next week. Till then, join us on a ride, exploration, and discovery of art and artistic expression. Lastly, post your experience here and SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!

       

       

      Posted in An Extension To All, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers, Theaters, Festivals, Music, Parades | 0 Comments | Tagged Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, MCA Chicago
    • To You and Yours!!!

      Posted at 7:35 pm by jan, on December 29, 2016

      Well Betty and I are ending another year of our project. It has been so gratifying that we will explore on into 2017! For this last post of the year, I want to say thank you to all of those who make art, create artistic expression, and who tirelessly make it possible for us to experience it.

      Below are images I took this month on our journeys. They make me happy and grateful so of course I want to share them with you. Happy New Year everyone!

      img_8421

      img_8422

      img_8308

      img_8423

      Remember friends, explore, look everywhere for art and artistic expression, learn and feel along the way and lastly, post your experience here and SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!

       

      Posted in An Extension To All | 0 Comments
    ← Older posts
    • Recent Posts

      • Shifting Gears Off the Beaten Path
      • Pilsen Bound
      • A Few of My Favorite Things
      • In My Own Backyard (part II)
      • In My Own Back Yard (part 1)
    • Categories

      • An Extension To All (134)
      • Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers (91)
      • Theaters, Festivals, Music, Parades (34)
      • Eats (32)

Blog at WordPress.com.

My Bike Betty
Blog at WordPress.com.
  • Follow Following
    • My Bike Betty
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • My Bike Betty
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...