Neighborhood Notable: the Ed Paschke Art Center

I was born and raised in the Jefferson Park neighborhood of Chicago. Although I love where I grew up, it's not a place known for hot tourist spots. For the most part, the neighborhood is very residential with some restaurants and local businesses thrown in the mix. The one element of culture that has been added in recent years is the Ed Paschke Art Center.

Ed Paschke was a Polish American painter who spent most of his life in Chicago. Unlike most artists who move to New York to expand their career, Paschke had a genuine love and connection towards the city where he was raised and stayed there throughout his career. He earned a local celebrity uncommon in artists and even has an honorary street named after him. He's quite an exemplary man, and Jefferson Park is lucky enough to house a large collection of his work.

I find Paschke's work remarkable for its visual stimulation and depiction of the human form. His color scheme always has a certain vibrancy that is able to capture my attention for hours. As such, I found it very easy to wander the Art Center, which largely houses his works, for a very long time. Even as someone who isn't necessarily an art-lover, I was transfixed by his work, as I feel others will be.

Along with Paschke's work, the center hosts exhibitions of other local artists. Not only that, but artists are free to use the center to create in. I remember walking in my first time and finding a man painting and hanging wires in the basement. It was odd at first, but I loved that the center was making efforts to support artistic expression in a relatively unartistic community. I love and appreciate what the center has done for my community, and hope it sticks around for many years to come.

For more information on the Ed Paschke Art Center, visit http://www.edpaschke.com/

Off-Chicago Selections: Rosemont Flea Market

Okay, so I'm technically cheating this entry by telling you about an event that is in a suburb, not the city of Chicago. But I feel I need to make a special exception because:

1.  I've been going to this place since I was a child
2. It's near a Chicago blue line train stop (definitely doesn't make it in the city, but that's got to count for something, right?)
3. It's the absolute most fun you can have at 6 A.M. on a hot summer Sunday

So let me get right down to it: from April to October, there is a large flea market with hundreds of vendors in the parking lot of the Allstate Arena every Sunday. The market runs from about 6 A.M. to 1 P.M., and I'd advise getting there as early as possible to make sure you get to check out as many vendors as possible. This may seem tedious at first, but the variety of products you see at this market makes the early hours worth it. And I do mean variety: I've purchased some of the weirdest, most one-of-a-kind items at this market. Every new trip is a chance to find another treasure at a low price.

But variety doesn't just mean kitschy, artistic pieces. One of the best things about the market is that people are selling anything and everything you could imagine: clothes, school supplies, tupperware, even food (there's an absolutely adorable family that sells corn from their farm every year, which I always make sure to get). People often view flea markets as very hippie or boheme, but this market has just as many average citizens selling their regular junk as it does artisans. Think of a large-scale garage sale: there's got to be something for everyone!

And the best part? There's a wonderful sense of camaraderie between all the vendors and consumers. Even as you haggle with someone for their overpriced antique dining set, there's a sense of respect and mutual enjoyment. So if you're willing to make the trek out to Rosemont, you simply have to give this flea market a try!

For more information about times and other suburban flea market events, visit http://www.wolffs.com/

A Show by Any Other Name Wouldn't Be as Sweet: Shakespeare in the Park

I haven't participated in theater since my wondrous performance as Cinderella in my eighth grade play. Even so, I have a great love for theater and have many friends who are talented actors, singers, and musicians, so the craft has been part of my life for quite some time. Although you may assume that I'd want to talk about Chicago's upper echelon of theater, I haven't gotten to experience much of it as a broke college student. If you want to see great theater on a budget, look no further than the Chicago Park District's Shakespeare in the Park!

Shakespeare in the Park is a series done in different Chicago parks throughout the summer. It's part of a larger series of theater in the parks, but I've only seen this one thus far. The show is a performance of  scenes from multiple Shakespearian comedies, including Twelfth Night, Taming of the Shrew, and many more. The plays are staged on a large stage in the middle of the park and the audience brings their own seating. This creates a wonderful ambience: seeing families and friends bringing their own foods and enjoying each others company makes for a lovely time.

I absolutely loved the show, and could go on about all its wonderful attributes. First and foremost, the acting was superb. One of the most charming features of the show is that rather than perform the works in their classic setting, the skits can take place anywhere from a jungle gym to an old-timey saloon. This kept the play new and interesting. I think it would be especially helpful for those who weren't familiar with every play featured. If I could give any criticism, it would be that the area in front of the stage fills up fast, so make sure you get there early and claim a spot with a great view!

For more information on this show, visit http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/notp/theater/.

Feeling Fine at the Full Moon Fire Jam

I know that title is a mouthful, but bear with me; this will be worth it. The Chicago Park District is known for its many free, city-sponsored activities and programs, but if your tastes run beyond the standard movie in the park, I've got just the thing for you.

The Full Moon Fire Jam is a monthly event held over the summer at Foster Avenue Beach near the 5100 block of Lake Shore Drive. Every full moon night, a talented group of fire performers and percussionists come together to give a truly unforgettable show. Multiple performers walk around an enclosed, circular space, each utilizing a different instrument for their fire performance. You'll see your familiar fire breathers and hula-hoopers, but the group mostly utilizes instruments first time jammers have probably never seen before. All the while, there's a separate circle adjacent to the fire performers that delivers steady, vibrant drum beats that only heighten this already exhilarating event. As the night goes on, the stunts only get wilder and more awe-inspiring. My favorite is the giant paper dragon that often closes the event. You can make your own judgements: click here to see the finale of the FMFJ's latest performance.

As an avid full-moon-fire-jammer (I went twice this summer), I have some pro-tips. First off, get there early to secure your spot. Getting a seat right in front of the barrier will ensure you have the best possible view of the performance. Get stuck too far back, and you could end up watching a crowd of people's heads for the night. Secondly, bring a big group! Since the performance doesn't require listening to comprehend, it's the perfect event to visually enjoy while having great conversation with friends. Finally, don't let the night end once the jam does! Take a short walk over to the lake, look at the beautiful Chicago skyline, and listen to the waves crash.

For more information on the Full Moon Fire Jam, click here.