Chicago Neighborhood News: Grant Park, Logan Square, Wrigleyville, Loop, Virtual

Grant Park: The recently reopened Art Institute of Chicago, located at 111 South Michigan Avenue, opens its newest exhibition, “Bisa Butler: Portraits,” on February 18. The talented textile artist showcases her quilts made exclusively from fabrics that highlights Black society’s marginalization, resulting in a colorful and vibrant collection of over 20 pieces. This exhibition is the first solo show for Butler, displaying her unique talent in using textiles as an art form. Access to “Bisa Butler: Portraits” is included in the price of admission. Find more info here.

Logan Square: Come check out the many arts and crafts showcased at the Handmade Happyhours at the Extraordinarium, located at 2800 North Milwaukee Avenue in Logan Square. Set up in the back area of the Extraordinarium, this socially distanced market features jewelry, tons of art, baked goods, apparel from local artists and makers. This bi-weekly event occurs next on February 19, from 4 pm to 9 pm, and again on February 26, from 4 pm to 9 pm. Masks are required. Find more info here.

Wrigleyville: On Friday, February 19, and Saturday, February 20, head out to Rizzo’s in Wrigleyville for the Winter Beer & Cocktail Tasting. Located at 3658 North Clark Street, this event lets ticketholders enjoy 12 tastings and aMichelob Ultra Seltzer at a private table in the heated atrium with a retractable roof. Tickets start at $30 for this socially distanced good time. Dates take place each weekend throughout the month at different times. Find more info here.

The Loop: Learn about the history of one of the city’s most famous national landmarks at the Auditorium Theater’s historical tour, located at 50 East Ida B Wells Drive on Monday, February 22, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. The Auditorium Theater, designed by architects Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler, opened its doors on December 9, 1889. This tour focuses on the theater’s rich history and the many artists who have appeared there while providing an in-depth look at the 24-karat gold-leafed ceiling arches, the stained glass muses at the entrance, and murals by Charles Holloway and Albert Fleury. The 60-minute tour costs $15, and only ten patrons are allowed per tour. If the tour sells out, check the website to find other dates and times. Masks and social distancing rules apply. Find more info here.

Virtual: It’s no secret that Chicago is home to a plethora of historical buildings. However, not all of them are safe from being demolished. Preservation Chicago and the Chicago Architecture Center present the 19th annual “Chicago 7,” a list of endangered structures at risk of being torn down, on Wednesday, February 24, from noon to 1 pm virtually. Preservation Chicago executive director Ward Miller will announce 2021’s endangered buildings and the story behind each one. Over the past 19 years, the “Chicago 7” list has helped keep many historic Windy City buildings from being gutted. Check out this Zoom event to learn more and see what you can do to help. Find more info here.

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO