Group punch bowls for sharing, as seen at Rebar (401 N. Wabash Ave.). Sexy or suspect? Germaphobes, discuss. The persistence of bottle service, as seen at Crescendo (222 W. Ontario St.)—despite a tanking economy and nose-diving 401(k)s Handcrafted cocktails, as seen at The Violet Hour (1520 N. Damen Ave.). Do tipsy nightlifers really … Read more
Bright spots on the month’s cultural radar
On Monday, I participated in a panel discussion at Roosevelt University sponsored by the Chicago Rehab Network. The panel had convened primarily to discuss the future of affordable housing in Chicago. “There’s nothing more stabilizing than a safe home,” said Kevin Jackson, Chicago Rehab’s executive director, in his opening remarks. “Housing is..
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I was admiring some of my friend Kelly’s art at a cocktail party she hosted, and was surprised to hear her admit that some of the framed pieces I thought were pricey prints are actually just sheets of gift wrap. She found them at the Old Town stationery and gift shop, Greer, got some inexpensive white frames at a Hobby Lobby or a Michael’s or some store like that, and voilà—a clever, changeable gallery. Elum Designs “Winter Solstice” was my favorite, and it troubles me that someone would crease and tape it up to wrap a present. A sheet of the recycled, matte paper is 22 inches x 34 inches and will set you back four bucks. Clever, Kelly.
—BRADLEY LINCOLN
Corbett vs. Dempsey, one of Chicago’s most welcoming and interesting art galleries, is having a knock-out show of Morris Barazani paintings through Valentine’s Day. Barazani is a Chicago treasure—the influential, octogenarian artist has been on the scene since the early 1950s, and directed and taught at UIC’s Circle Campus for 24 years. It’s all too easy to stay in and live online these days, but step away from the keyboard and make the effort to experience this 1972-2008 survey of lush, abstract-expressionist oils in person. Ask to see more of his small-scale collages and works on paper from the back.
Needle in a Haystack
Since opening last July in Lake View, the vintage boutique Haystack (2934 N. Broadway; 773-549-1225, haystackvintage.com) has augmented its original stash of antique objects and clothing with a mix of fun items by local designers, such as graphic T-shirts by Isotope (two for $30) and adorable stitched artwork by Jac Jemc from $40. The owner, Phil Tadros, acquired his original stash of goods from a pair of 70 something-year-old twins whom he…
Shrewd use of space—and a big dose of style—give a high-rise pied-à-terre a whole new personality
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The newly introduced mirrored bath cabinet from Urban Archaeology is such a fabulous alternative to a wall-mounted medicine cabinet, especially since it can hold towels and other bath sundries as well (I’m assuming here that most of us don’t have enough actual medicine to fill the whole thing—though those bottles of NyQuil do tend to multiply). It’s 68 inches high by 27.5 inches wide by 15 inches deep, and it comes in 50 colors and a variety of metal trims. Come to think of it, why limit this beauty to the bathroom? It could look cool filled with books or dishes, too. It will set you back $8,500.
—Gina Bazer
This year’s artist to watch mines his life for his work
Tastemaster, June Blaker, discusses shopping, trends, and opening her new River North store.
