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
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  • Category: Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers

    • Museum-a-palooza (part 2)

      Posted at 4:24 pm by jan, on April 23, 2016

      From the Museum of Science and Industry, Betty and I then traveled to …

      DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E 56th Place

      DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E 56th Place

      the DuSable Museum of African American History for a look at Terrence Reese’s exhibit, Reflections. In this series of black and white images, Reese documents influentials known and admired who have shaped our history. Composed in their personal environment, each image captures a moment, while mirroring or reflecting the person within the photograph. In all there are about 20 images but here are a few below to peak your interest…

      June Kelly

      June Kelly

      Helen O. Dickens

      Helen O. Dickens

      Barry Martin

      Barry Martin

      The Nicholas Brothers

      The Nicholas Brothers

      B. B. King

      B. B. King

      Aside each image is a touching memoir written to more fully understand the person’s story.

      Last, we headed over to …

      Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Ave.

      Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Ave.

      Guggenheim Fellowship recipient Sabina Ott’s installation, who cares for the sky, can be viewed, climbed, passed through and contemplated in until May 1. Inspired by Gerturde Stein’s, The World is Round Ott recreates the story of the challenge to better understand the world after a laborious mountain climb. In this collaborative effort, video and countless art pieces by other artist contribute to the “journey” Ott takes us on.

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      How great is it to be able to physically engage with ART?!

      Ok! So Betty and I are off on our next adventure but first extending to you the invitation to do the same. Along the way, look for art and artistic expression everywhere and post 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 Hyde Park Art Center, The DuSable Museum of African American History
    • Museum-a-pa-looza! (part 1)

      Posted at 7:18 pm by jan, on April 16, 2016

      This week, in our amazing Chicagoland, we are enjoying springtime temperatures in the 60’s! That means on my day off Betty and I went crazy on a glorious 25 mile roundtrip to Hyde Park. First stop…

      The Museum of Science and Industry,

      The Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive

      Now through February 2017 the Brick by Brick Lego exhibit displays a lot of fun where you’ll be awed and inspired by over a dozen landmark structures and then invited to create!

      Golden Gate Bridge

      Golden Gate Bridge

      Hoover Dam

      Hoover Dam

      Burj Khalifa

      Burj Khalifa

      Ping An Finance Center

      Ping An Finance Center

      Falling Water

      Falling Water

      Gateway Arch

      Gateway Arch

      International Space Station

      International Space Station

      Great Pyramid of Giza

      Great Pyramid of Giza

      Roman Colosseum

      Roman Colosseum

      American Eagle Roller Coaster

      American Eagle Roller Coaster

      And last an imaginary landmark far far away…

      Cinderella's Castle

      Cinderella’s Castle

      Wowza! Super fun with lots of building stations to do your own thing.

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      Alright! Betty and I are off to the DuSable Museum of African American History for our next entry. Till then we’re extending to you a great big invitation to get out there, explore, look for art and artistic expression everywhere, post a blog here all while you SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!

      Posted in An Extension To All, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers | 0 Comments | Tagged Museum of Science and Industry Chicago
    • Color on Color

      Posted at 6:35 pm by jan, on April 8, 2016
      The Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N Central Park Ave.

      The Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N Central Park Ave.

      Greetings All! This week Betty and I made two trips to the Conservatory to observe light, man-made and the natural occurrence. Currently the light installations of Jens Jensen’s,  Solarise: a Sea of All Colors can be enjoyed through September 22, 9 am – 5 pm daily and until 8 pm on Wednesdays (where dramatic effects take place after the sun goes down).

      Daytime:

      Protal

      Portal

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      Nighttime:

      Overlooking the park during an exquisite sunset

      Overlooking the park during an exquisite sunset

      Portal

      Portal

      Prismatic

      Prismatic

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      Continual loops of color within the installation…

      Florescence

      Florescence

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      Wow and Whoa! It’s incredible the effect color has on you within your environment not to mention the earthy smells, warm climate, and discovery around every corner at the conservatory. Treat yourself to this experience as these Chicago days cling to winter.

      Alright! Betty and I are off on our next adventure but as always we’re extending an invitation to all to get out there, explore, look for art and artistic expression everywhere and last, drop us a line and a photo and last…SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!

       

      Posted in An Extension To All, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers | 0 Comments | Tagged Garfield Park Conservatory
    • Roaming Beast

      Posted at 5:00 pm by jan, on March 30, 2016

      Greetings All! Betty and I are super jazzed because spring is HERE! We’re back on the streets and more excited than ever. First stop…

      The Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington Street

      The Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington Street

      Through May 1 make sure you check out the kinetic beast of Theo Jansen. Created to roam the beaches of the Netherlands, eight of his works are featured in an exhibition entitled, Strandbeest (beach animals) and currently inhabit the Cultural Center. Also on exhibit are…

      Demonstrations on how these creatures travel. Animaris Suspendisse, 2014

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      Smaller interactive beast.

      Smaller interactive beast.

      The evolution of design and process.

      The evolution of design and process, Animaris Apodiacula 2012-2013

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      Animaris Adulari, 2012

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      Animaris Umerus Segundus, 2014

      Remnants or "fossils" of beast past

      Remnants or “fossils” of beast past

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      Video, photography, and drawings documenting 25 years of development

      Video, photography, and drawings documenting 25 years of development

       

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      Overwhelmed by the hours and hours of work Jansen has put into these moving sculptures, I couldn’t help but wonder what he has learned that will contribute to future pieces. And although they are created to travel the sands, these life-like monochromatic creatures are absolutely stunning against the interior of the Cultural Center. A must see.

      Alright! Betty and I are off on our next adventure but before we go we’re extending to you a great big invitation to get out there, explore, look for art EVERYWHERE, and then SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!

       

      Posted in An Extension To All, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers | 0 Comments | Tagged Chicago Cultural Center
    • A Peek at a Past Adventure Abroad

      Posted at 5:14 pm by jan, on March 1, 2016

      OK! So two and half more weeks of this crazy down-time, and before I can ride Betty again, so I wanted to share some street art images from a couple of past trips to Paris. Both trips were invitations to exhibit with the artists group, Genie de la Bastille. So here we go…

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      Whew! My heart is calling for Paris streets and the discovery of art any and everywhere. Till then Betty and I are powering up to hit those Chicago paths and of course encouraging you to do the same and then please, SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

      Posted in An Extension To All, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers | 0 Comments | Tagged Paris Street Art
    • A Two for One and Some Down-time

      Posted at 4:34 pm by jan, on February 22, 2016

      This week’s posting will take in consideration that I will have some unexpected down-time the next couple of weeks. Therefore in preparation for that I greeted a very special visitor and off we went for a couple of experiences…

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      Museum of Contemporary Chicago, Columbia College Chicago, 600 S. Michigan Ave.

      Now through April 10 celebrate MOCP at 40 with an exhibition featuring their permanent collection. With over 150 images to explore here are a few favorites and some you’ll recognize.

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      Sally Mann, Candy Cigarette, 1989

      Diane Arbus, Two Girls in Matching Bathing Suits, Coney Island, 1967

      Diane Arbus, Two Girls in Matching Bathing Suits, Coney Island, 1967

      Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Carson McCullers, 1940

      Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Carson McCullers, 1940

      Dorothea Lange, Migrant Mother, Nipomo, California, 1936

      Dorothea Lange, Migrant Mother, Nipomo, California, 1936

      Daniel Coburn, Judgement Veil, 2014

      Daniel Coburn, Judgement Veil, 2014

      Jennifer Greenburg, Something Funny Happened in the Kitchen, 2011

      Jennifer Greenburg, Something Funny Happened in the Kitchen, 2011

      And next there was this from local artist, Jake Mertin on the walls of Umami restaurant.

      Umami

      Umami

      Sweet

      Sweet

      Salty

      Salty

      Bitter

      Bitter

      Sour

      Sour

      A beautiful day of discovery, great mom company, delicious eats, and ART! Alright, while we’re out Betty and I are wishing you adventure and along the way look for art and artistic expression EVERYWHERE!!! And of course, SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!!

      Posted in An Extension To All, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers | 0 Comments | Tagged Museum of Contemporary Photography, Umami Burger Chicago
    • The Works of Gordon Parks and the “Current Thread Context”

      Posted at 5:19 pm by jan, on January 28, 2016

      Exhibiting now through February 20 at the Rhona Hoffman Gallery are seventeen selected photographs from Gordon Park’s Segregation Story series.

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      Rhona Hoffman Gallery, 118 North Peoria

      Gordon’s 1956 work poignantly documents the cruel and harmful consequences of oppression, discrimination and segregation. Capturing tender moments within one family’s life, under the state and local Jim Crow racial segregation laws, it is particularly heart breaking to witness the children’s direct observation. Below are details of a few and as I study these I can’t help but to think of the Syrian refugees desperate need for help and what/who they are running from, the racist remarks of a front-runner for presidency, and the misconduct of those sworn to protect citizens.

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      When thinking about the different aspects of art it is especially gratifying to view work that creates thought, invites a conversation, and instigates change.

      On that note, I’ll extend the invitation to all to explore, look for art and artistic expression EVERYWHERE, talk about it and please, SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!

       

       

       

       

       

       

      Posted in An Extension To All, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers | 0 Comments | Tagged Rhona Hoffman Gallery
    • This is How the Locals Do It

      Posted at 7:25 pm by jan, on January 12, 2016

      First thing is first, due to nasty weather Betty stayed home on this day of adventure. However, I braved the elements and attended (and participated in) Locallective’s opening exhibition, After the Suffix. With a focus on how artists interpret aspects of life and in-turn interpret it’s significance, the show is appropriately varied in medium and content.

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      Located at 1257 N. Milwaukee Ave, 2nd Floor, this incredible space expresses Locallective’s initiative to provide an unconventional environment for artist’s expression. Check it out! Exhibitions and events happen monthly and feature work from visual artists, designers, chefs, mixologist, and musicians.

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      Bryce Walborn, Untitled, acrylic, ink, silicon on canvas, 2015

      Bryce Walborn, Untitled, acrylic, ink, silicon on canvas, 2015

      (more info to come)

      (more info to come)

      Dimitri Pavlotsky, Changing Mind, archival ink marker on paper, 2015

      Dimitri Pavlotsky, Changing Mind, archival ink marker on paper, 2015

      Kneedy, Distance, found wood, found metal, found paint, 2015

      Kneedy, Distance, found wood, found metal, found paint, 2015

      Joey Knox, Hide/Seek, collage and resin, 2015

      Joey Knox, Hide/Seek, collage and resin, 2015

      Stephen Jensen, Pervasive Nature, archival inkjet print mounted to dibond, 2013

      Stephen Jensen, Pervasive Nature, archival inkjet print mounted to dibond, 2013

      Michael Goro, Defiant Perspective, copper etching, 2013

      Michael Goro, Defiant Perspective, copper etching, 2013

      Alexandra Wright, Waiting for the Inevitable Fire, resin on panel, 2015

      Alexandra Wright, Waiting for the Inevitable Fire, resin on panel, 2015

      Max Maddox, Looking for Saleh, machine-typed ink on reproduction, 2015

      Max Maddox, Looking for Saleh, machine-typed ink on reproduction, 2015

      My work, Beneath the Skin…an Extension of My DNA, panty hose and hair, work in progress

      My work, Beneath the Skin…an Extension of My DNA, panty hose and hair, work in progress

      Many thanks to Locallective for the opportunity to be a part of this exhibition. This show stays up until…IMG_5282

      Ok! Betty and I are off on an adventure but before we go we’re extending to you the invitation to get out there, explore, look for art and artistic expression EVERYWHERE, and then please…SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!

      Posted in An Extension To All, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers | 0 Comments | Tagged Locallective Art Music Fashion Food & Drink
    • Pop Pop Pop …Art! (part II)

      Posted at 9:32 pm by jan, on January 3, 2016

      Part II of this Pop Art inspired entry comes from our ever so awesome, the Art Institute of Chicago. Recently combination of 44 paintings, photographs, and sculptures were donated by Chicago collectors Stefan Edlis and Gael Neeson. Of these incredible works we’ll begin with the Pop Art from this guy…

      Andy Warhol, Self-Portrait, 1964, acrylic, silver paint, and silkscreen ink on linen.

      Andy Warhol, Self-Portrait, 1964, acrylic, silver paint, and silkscreen ink on linen.

      Andy Warhol, Liz #3 (Early Colored Liz), 1963, acrylic and silkscreen ink on linen.

      Andy Warhol, Liz #3 (Early Colored Liz), 1963, acrylic and silkscreen ink on linen.

      Andy Warhol, Little Race Riot, 1964, acrylic and silkscreen ink on linen; two joined canvases.

      Andy Warhol, Little Race Riot, 1964, acrylic and silkscreen ink on linen; two joined canvases.

      Andy Warhol, Twelve Jackies, 1964, silkscreen ink on linen; 12 joined canvases

      Andy Warhol, Twelve Jackies, 1964, silkscreen ink on linen; 12 joined canvases

      Andy Warhol, Self-portrait, 1966, acrylic, silkscreen ink, and pencil on linen

      Andy Warhol, Self-portrait, 1966, acrylic, silkscreen ink, and pencil on linen

      Four Mona Lisas, 1978, acrylic and silkscreen ink on linen

      Andy Warhol, Four Mona Lisas, 1978, acrylic and silkscreen ink on linen

      From the blended Contemporary collection we move on to these delights!

      Roy Lichtenstein, Artist's Studio: "Foot Medication," 1974, oil and magna on canvas

      Roy Lichtenstein, Artist’s Studio: “Foot Medication,” 1974, oil and magna on canvas

      John Currin, Stamford after Brunch, 2000, oil on canvas

      John Currin, Stamford after Brunch, 2000, oil on canvas

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      Richard Prince, Untitled (fashion), 1982-1984, chromogenic print

      Cindy Sherman, Untitled #93, 1981, chromogenic print

      Cindy Sherman, Untitled #93, 1981, chromogenic print

      Robert Gober, Untitled, 1989, silk satin, muslin, linen, tulle, welded steel, hand-printed silkscreen on paper, cast hydrostone plaster, vinyl acrylic paint, ink, and graphite

      Robert Gober, Untitled, 1989, silk satin, muslin, linen, tulle, welded steel, hand-printed silkscreen on paper, cast hydrostone plaster, vinyl acrylic paint, ink, and graphite

      (detail of the above installation)

      (detail of the above installation)

      Cy Twombly, Untitiled (Bolsena), 1969, oil-based house paint, wax crayon, and graphite on canvas

      Cy Twombly, Untitiled (Bolsena), 1969, oil-based house paint, wax crayon, and graphite on canvas

      Jasper Johns, Target, 1961, encaustic and newspaper on canvas

      Jasper Johns, Target, 1961, encaustic and newspaper on canvas

      Robert Rauschenberg, Short Circuit (Combine Painting), 1955, oil, fabric, and paper on wood supports; oil on canvas

      Robert Rauschenberg, Short Circuit (Combine Painting), 1955, oil, fabric, and paper on wood supports; oil on canvas

      Robert Rauschenberg, Untitled, about 1955, combine painting: oil, house paint, paper, fabric, and printed reproductions, with sock and parachute on canvas

      Robert Rauschenberg, Untitled, about 1955, combine painting: oil, house paint, paper, fabric, and printed reproductions, with sock and parachute on canvas

      Wow! Merry Christmas to us all, everyday! Hopefully these select works will entice you to see the entire exhibition. A big thanks to the generosity of  Stefan Edlis and Gael Neeson.

      Alright! Betty and I are off on our next exploration and wishing you a new year filled with adventure and discovery! Along the way look for art and artistic expression EVERYWHERE and then please, SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!

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      Lincoln Park Zoo Lights and the adorned Betty!

      Posted in An Extension To All, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers | 0 Comments | Tagged Lincoln Park Zoo Lights, The Art Institute Chicago
    • Talk about Pop …ART! Shoobie doobie doo wop…bop bop doo wop (part I)

      Posted at 7:21 pm by jan, on December 27, 2015

      From our two major contemporary art exhibitors, PART 1:

      The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago presents, THE STREET, THE STORE, AND THE SILVER SCREEN: POP ART FROM THE MCA COLLECTION
      Dec 19, 2015–Mar 27, 2016

      MCA, 220 East Chicago Ave

      MCA, 220 East Chicago Ave

      Box: Man in a Bar, 1969

      George Segal, Box: Man in a Bar, 1969, tempera on metal, wood, and cloth

      Christo, Museum of Contemporary Art Packed (Chicago)-Project for January-March 1969

      Christo, Museum of Contemporary Art Packed (Chicago)-Project for January-March 1969, graphite, fabric, oil, plastic, staples, and string on mat board

      Christo, Orange Store Front, 1964-65

      Christo, Orange Store Front, 1964-65, Masonite, plexiglas, galvanized metal, pegboard, fabric, and electric lights

      Ed Paschke, Heavy Shoes, 1970

      Ed Paschke, Heavy Shoes, 1970, oil on canvas

      Ed Paschke, Elcina, 1973

      Ed Paschke, Elcina, 1973, oil on canvas

      Wallace Berman, Untitled, 1968

      Wallace Berman, Untitled, 1968, verifax collage

      Claes Oldenburg, Candy Counter with Candy, 1961, plaster painted with enamel in a painted steel and wood case

      Claes Oldenburg, Candy Counter with Candy, 1961, plaster painted with enamel in a painted steel and wood case

      Jim Dine, The Tomato, 1973, lithograph and etching on paper

      Jim Dine, The Tomato, 1973, lithograph and etching on paper

      Marcel Broodthaers, Tour Marilyn, 1965, glass, wood, and photographs

      Marcel Broodthaers, Tour Marilyn, 1965, glass, wood, and photographs

      Andy Warhol, Troy Diptych, 1962, silk-screen ink on synthetic polymer, paint and graphite on linen

      Andy Warhol, Troy Diptych, 1962, silk-screen ink on synthetic polymer, paint and graphite on linen

      Andy Warhol, Campbell's Soup Cans II, 1969, screen prints on paper

      Andy Warhol, Campbell’s Soup Cans II, 1969, screen prints on paper

      Andy Warhol, Souper Dress, 1966-67, silk-screen ink on paper

      Andy Warhol, Souper Dress, 1966-67, silk-screen ink on paper

      Andy Warhol, Jackie Frieze, 1964, silk-screen on linen

      Andy Warhol, Jackie Frieze, 1964, silk-screen on linen

      Arman, alarm Clocks, 1960, alarm clocks in painted wood box

      Arman, Alarm Clocks, 1960, alarm clocks in painted wood box

      Alex Hay, Light Bulb, 1964, spray acrylic and stencil on linen, in eight parts linked by two painted linen bands

      And last favorite, Alex Hay, Light Bulb, 1964, spray acrylic and stencil on linen, in eight parts linked by two painted linen bands

      Betty’s Response: And how old are you?

      Next! PART 2…

      Alright all, we’re off on our next adventure but first extending to all to get out there, look for art and artistic expression EVERYWHERE, and last SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!

      Also a big thanks for the modified titled of the blog inspired by M’s song, Talk About Pop Musik 1979

       

      Posted in An Extension To All, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers | 0 Comments | Tagged Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
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