My Bike Betty

Category: Theaters, Festivals, Music, Parades

• 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

  

  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.

  

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

  

  

  AND! They let us touch them!

  

  

   

  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

• Ode to Betty

  Posted at 5:24 pm by jan, on September 28, 2016

  This week I’m dedicating the post to Betty. Coming up on the blog’s 3 year anniversary, I am filled thankfulness for all the adventures we’ve had and can’t wait for those ahead!

  Betty! YOU ARE…

  

  So recently, when we checked out West Loop Art Fest, we stumbled across these gems.

  

  LINKS by Annette recycles bike parts to create super kewl personal and household treasures. Check it out at linsbyannette.com!

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Inspired by the love of riding and discovering, I couldn’t help but think about the good mojo these creations carry from their past lives.

  Alright fellow adventurers! Let’s hit the road! Look for art and artistic expression everywhere, post it here, and SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!

  Posted in An Extension To All, Theaters, Festivals, Music, Parades | 0 Comments | Tagged LINKS by Annette

• Informed by Family

  Posted at 5:00 pm by jan, on July 14, 2016

  This week’s adventure begins at the …

  

  Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.

  Both exhibitions featured below share a common thread where bodies of work are informed by family culture. Regardless of medium, I am always drawn to artist’s visual biography and how they present these ideas.

  Carlos Rolon/Dzine exhibits, I Tell you This Sincerely, where installations, sculpture, and paintings reference memories with family and pay homage to the hopes and dreams of immigrants, in particular his parents, who come to the US for a better life.

  

  

   

  

  

  

  Phyllis Bramson’s, Under the Pleasure Dome, displays assemblages and paintings layering family memories and it’s cultural influences then and now.

  

  Adam and Eve (The Perfumed Garden and The Loss of Happiness) , mixed media, 2016

  

  

  Rapunzel’s Scenario, mixed media, collage and oil on canvas

  

  3 Dilettante Artists (The Love of Outsiders), mixed media, collage and oil on canvas

  

  Serial Longing, mixed media, collage and oil on canvas

  

  The Good Keeper of the Animals and Birds, mixed media, 2016

  Thanks to the Chicago Cultural Center for presenting these personal stories where art connects us all.

  Ok explorers, we’re off on our next adventure and inviting you to do the same. Along the way, 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, Theaters, Festivals, Music, Parades | 0 Comments | Tagged Chicago Cultural Center, The Hideout

• A Continuum of Color

  Posted at 6:11 pm by jan, on July 3, 2016

  Greetings all! This blog entry is brought to you by my number one fan, mom! As a very special birthday treat we headed over to Briar Street Theatre for this…

  

  Woo! Blue Man Group!

  New York street performance artists and original founders, Matt Goldman, Phil Stanton, and Chris Wink give an incredible show that dates back to 1987. Accompanying the music they create is constant color, light, and energy that fill the theatre transforming it into a space where artists and audience participation converge. My favorite part of the show was when the Blue Men were playing pc pipe instruments and the entire audience stood up and danced all while gigantic neon balls bounced above our projected hands. We were giddy, laughing like the five year old beside us!

  Although pictures weren’t allowed in the theatre they certainly were in the theatre-front gallery where this happened…

  

  True to the Blue Man project, where collaboration is an emphasis, the gallery also features artist’s work inspired by Blue Man performances and gives visitors the opportunity for interactive play.

  

  Mom singing happy birthday through a series of tubes that line the walls and ceiling

  

  

  Water-driven art installations

  Lastly, some of the original art work that lines the outside of the theatre…

  

  Audrius Plioplys, Blue Consciousness, digital painting

  

  Kuzana Ogg, Khshathra, oil on canvas

  

  Kathy Czopek, Blue Frenzy, watercolor and ink on cotton paper

  

  Candace Wark and Shirley Nannini, Tangled All in Blue 5, photo

  Wow! Super thankful for a joyous event where artists collaboration saturates the entire experience. Many thanks to my beautiful mother and all those who make up the Blue Man Group.

  Betty and I are off on our next adventure and extending you an invitation to join in. Of course as you look for art and artistic expression everywhere, don’t forget to SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!

  Posted in An Extension To All, Theaters, Festivals, Music, Parades | 0 Comments | Tagged Blue Man Group Chicago

• Well Played Sir Bowie

  Posted at 10:07 pm by jan, on January 19, 2016

  Remember this image from a past blog entry? It was taken from a Museum of Contemporary Art postcard advertising a David Bowie retrospective (2014). The show was absolutely incredible and I still talk about it today. Since his death, I’ve looked to my city to share in an on-going celebration of his music and art.

  

  The Man Who Fell To Earth, 1976. Original stills taken by David James,

  First stop, The Empty Bottle with like minded friends for the Bowie Movie Brunch.

  

  

  Jim Henson’s 1986 Labyrinth

  I’m always grateful for gatherings like these were communities gather to celebrate those who create art and essentially contribute to… -an affirmation of life-John Cage.

  Of course while I was there I couldn’t help notice artistic expression, EVERYWHERE! Like this display of past music events (sadly the artists weren’t noted)…

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Come one come all!

  In closing, I’m not really sure if this entry is finished. I’m still on that Bowie path in and around our Chicago neighborhoods. Still, and as always, Betty and I want to encourage you to get out there, look for art and artistic expression EVERYWHERE and please, SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!! (even when it’s really cold!)

  

  Betty’s response: Hell yeah!

   

   

  Posted in An Extension To All, Theaters, Festivals, Music, Parades | 0 Comments | Tagged Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, The Empty Bottle Chicago

• Celebrating 100 Post!!!

  Posted at 5:49 pm by jan, on October 28, 2015

  This week Betty and I are dedicating the post to our biggest fan. In the spirit of the blog’s objective, along with her never ending love and support, she recently documented a project in my home town. However, if you look real close you’ll recognize one artist’s work from our very own Chicago streets!

  

  You know this gal and this guy. A snap of artist ROA’s work taken from the Unexpected Mural project, downtown Ft. Smith.

  

  and another from ROA

  

  Artist Anamarietta

  

  Artist Anamarietta

  

  Artists duo Bicicleta Sem Freio

  

  Artist VHILS

  

  Artist ASKEW

  

  Artist D*FACE

  

  Artist D*FACE

  WOW!  A big thank you to my dear mother and I can’t wait to see these in person! OK and WOOHOO! Betty and I are out and off on our next adventure and as always extending a great big invitation to all to get out there, look for art and artistic expression EVERYWHERE and as always, SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!

   

   

  Posted in An Extension To All, Theaters, Festivals, Music, Parades | 0 Comments | Tagged Fort Smith Arkansas, Unexpected Murals, University of Arkansas Fort Smith

• Dog Celebrations

  Posted at 5:37 pm by jan, on September 27, 2015

  This week Betty and I found ourselves having a hot-dog good time! First stop…

  

  The Berghoff Oktoberfest at the corner of Adams and Dearborn under Alexander Calder’s Chicago. Since 1985 The Berghoff has hosted this yearly celebration with proceeds benefiting such groups as Mercy Home for Boys & Girls and Delete Blood Cancer.

  And then this happened…

   

  

  

  PROST!!

  

  Deeeeelish!

  

  The original Berghoff located at 17 W Adams and a pretty kewl mural along the way.

  Next…

  

  What’s this?! Why Foodseum Chicago, a nonprofit  pop-up museum with a mission to “learn about, celebrate and be inspired by food.” Currently located on the second floor of Block Thirty Seven at 109 N. Dearborn. The exhibition, The Hot Dog and Encased Meat of the World, will show until December 20, 2015.

  

   

  

   

  

  

  

  

  

  HA! Fun and delicious (these are from Hot Doug’s original restaurant at 3324 N. California that sadly closed last year).

  Alright folks! Betty and I are off but first extending to you a great big invitation to get out there, explore, look for art and artistic expression EVERYWHERE, and then please, SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!! WOO!

   

   

   

  Posted in An Extension To All, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers, Theaters, Festivals, Music, Parades | 0 Comments | Tagged Foodseum Chicago, Hot Doug's, The Berghoff

• A Mixed Bag!

  Posted at 5:56 pm by jan, on July 23, 2015

  This week Betty and I explored unknown places spontaneously while looking for artistic expression EVERYWHERE!

  

  A stop for a cup of jo  at Elaine’s coffee shop on the first floor of the J Parker Hotel.

  

  A bizarre installation of various works line the J Parker’s first floor stairs.
  1816 N. Clark Street

  Next Betty and I head over to an original speakeasy.

  

  Established in 1921, The Green Door Tavern not only served the public above ground but also below…shhhhhhhh…

  Betty’s Response: I love a good secret!

  

  Lots of memorabilia line the Green Door’s walls and ceiling.

  

  Below the bar I give this bookshelf a knock and wait to be invited in…

  

  The Drifter, originally fulfilled thirsty guest during prohibition. 

  

  

  

  Is that Benny Hill you ask?! Yep, projected on the curtain of the stage. There were also reels taken from prohibition times of gals dancing and whooping it up, a take from Jane Fonda’s Barberella, and a string of obscure fun film clips.

  

  Tarot card drink menus.

  

  A delicious result.

  

  And entertainment provided by Vour Teque

  Very very kewl and super fun to check out on a work filled week with little time off.

  Alright friends Betty and I are off for now but as always encouraging you to get out there, explore, and best of all SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!

  Posted in An Extension To All, Eats, Theaters, Festivals, Music, Parades | 0 Comments | Tagged Elaine's Coffee Shop, Green Door Tavern, J Parker Hotel, The Drifter

• Come, Be My April Fool

  Posted at 7:49 pm by jan, on April 7, 2015

  So! This week Betty and I visited a favorite place and saw a favorite hero.

  Betty’s Response: Come, we’ll break all the rules!

  On this Easter week Betty and I headed over to the Old Town School of Folk Music to see…
  

  

   

      When I was a kid the first time I was exposed to the “idea” of Patti Smith was during a sketch I saw on Saturday Night Live. Gilda Radner’s Patti Smith parody, “Candy Slice,” was funny to me but even more I had to know who was this Patti Smith. Ha! Over the years I’ve come to love her writing as much as her music. Her memoir, Just Kids, is at the top of my list of beautifully written and inspiring books.

  Therefore tonight I was thrilled to hear her sing, play, and read her poems along side her son and daughter. It was especially touching to be in the company of an artist that is honest, humble, hopeful, and sensitive to the humanness that connects us all.

  

  

  Come – be my April Fool Come – you’re the only one Come – on your rusted bike Come – we’ll break all the rules We’ll ride like writers ride Neither rich nor broke We’ll race through alleyways In our tattered cloaks so Come – be my April Fool Come – we’ll break all the rules We’ll burn all of our poems Add to God’s debris We’ll pray to all of our saints Icons of mystery We’ll tramp through the mire When our souls feel dead With laughter we’ll inspire Then back to life again Come – be my April Fool Come – you’re the only one Be my April Fool You’re the only one Come Come – be my April Fool Come Come – we’ll break all the rules. -Patti Smith

   

  

  Spring Awakening
  (A Celebration of Poetry & Song)
  w Jesse Smith, Tony Shanahan, & Jackson Smith

  Last, and in keeping with the celebration of spring and all that is blooming, growing, and rejuvenating, Betty and I encourage you to keep your eyes wide open and take note of these artistic expressions while experiencing life and then, of course, SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!!

  

  

  –The residual purpose of art is purposeless play. This play however, is an affirmation of life–Not an attempt to bring order out of chaos nor to suggest improvements in creation, but simply a way of waking up to the very life we’re living, which is so excellent once one gets one’s mind and one’s desires out of its way and lets it act of its own accord. -John Cage

   

   

   

  Posted in An Extension To All, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers, Theaters, Festivals, Music, Parades | 0 Comments | Tagged Old Town School of Folk Music, Patti Smith

• Imagination Brains Meets Mr. Imagination

  Posted at 7:33 pm by jan, on March 23, 2015

  When I was in graduate school my mother would occasionally call me “Imagination Brains” and in-turn we would laugh. A joke not so much because of the name but because this term was originally used by her mother and father to describe someone spending too much time being creative and not enough time working (9-5 respectable, grinding it out, unhappy labor). So when I heard of the exhibition, Welcome to the World of Mr. Imagination, Betty and I hit the pavement.

  

  Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art, 756 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Open Tuesday-Saturday 11-6, Thursday 11-7:30, and Sunday 12-5. Admission $5

   

   

   

  

  Chicago native Gregory Warmack (Mr. Imagination 1948-2012) prolifically created art from found objects and in particular, bottle caps.

   

   

   

   

  Pivotal in the artist’s life was a tramatic event in 1978. For forty-two cents he was robbed, shot in the stomach, and left to die. Six weeks in a coma followed and during this time Warmack believed he traveled to a past life where he lived as an Egyptian Pharaoh. Inspired by this experience much of his work’s content is seen throughout his lifetime.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

   

  These last two beautiful images of the artist are perhaps my favorite in this body of work. Indicating by the look in his eyes, he knew something we don’t. I like to think it’s the beauty, simplicity, and potential of what is often thrown away.

  

  

  And last Betty and I headed over to two events where creative souls gather…

  

  The Bitter Betty Bazaar held regulary at The Inner Town Pub, 1935 W. Thomas

  

  Communities that shop together support each other!

  

  A must have from Stephanie Rohr, stephXstich.etsy.com. Adults, check out this artist work! Ha!

  Betty’s Response: Now that’s ART!!!

  Last, over to the Empty Bottle…

  

  In the bathroom @ 1035 N. Western Ave., The Empty Bottled hosted the Chicago Independent Labels Pop Up Shop from noon to 5pm for local vinyl, CDs, tapes wrapped in glorious ART!

  

  The Funs, It’s Strange I’m Here, cover art by Jom/Fumo/Majik

   

  

  The Phantom Scars, cover art by J.R. Williams

   

  

  Rubrics, Abolitionist

   

  OK! Betty and I are off but first, and always, extending to you a gigantic invitation to get out there and SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!! And along the way keep your eyes wide open for artistic expression…its EVERYWHERE!

  -The residual purpose of art is purposeless play. This play however, is an affirmation of life–Not an attempt to bring order out of chaos nor to suggest improvements in creation, but simply a way of waking up to the very life we’re living, which is so excellent once one gets one’s mind and one’s desires out of its way and lets it act of its own accord. -John Cage

   

   

   

   

  Posted in An Extension To All, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers, Theaters, Festivals, Music, Parades | 0 Comments | Tagged Bitter Betty Bizarre Chicago, Innertown Pub Chicago, Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art, The Empty Bottle Chicago

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