There are more than 1,690 streets in the city of Chicago, a surprising number of which are named after Dead White Guys. Many of the men whose names grace our street signs lived incredible lives, did wonderful things, and made their mark on the world. Others . . . not so much. Here are the … Read more
For decades, Kiyoko and Nathan Lerner were the caretakers of the astonishing collection of outsider art left by their reclusive tenant Henry Darger. But what remains unsold has found no permanent Chicago home.
Photo: Kit DeFever Frank McCourt Frank McCourt slogged away for 30 years teaching in New York City public schools-hardly the traditional route to literary stardom. The self-described “late bloomer” retired in 1987 and wrote the memoir that would amplify his existence: Angela’s Ashes. When it arrived in 1996, McCourt, a ripe 66, became an international … Read more
Laurie Anderson, NASA’s first artist in residence, talks about her unusual commission, the wisdom of Godard, and her newfound enthusiasm for the red planet.
Why Converse picked Dwayne Wade for its first signature shoe in 82 years.
At the University of Chicago and in a forthcoming new book, the economist David Galenson explores his theory that an artist’s type can predict his likely career arc.
Ana Gasteyer shares her latest finds, her favorite stuff, and her way of coping with the green goo.
The latest publications from the staff of Chicago magazine
Since the mid-nineties, the neo-burlesque scene has been creeping toward Chicago from the coasts, as performance artists and jaded club kids revive the campy joys of old-fashioned striptease. Meet Michelle “Toots” L’amour, the city’s reigning queen of bump-and-grind.
Since it opened in Lincoln Park eight years ago, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum has struggled to raise money, draw crowds, and make itself known as more than the site of a stunning butterfly haven. Will it find its own way–or merge with the nearby zoo?
