What we’re about
HELP WANTED: No pay. Mostly thankless. Orphans preferred. (Be sure to click READ MORE for full info)::
Folks: For the upcoming, post-covid era would like to focus on smaller museums (the AIC, MCA, etc's are therefore excluded). Hopefully followed by a "after-party"/late lunch in the area?
There is NO limit on the museums/events we focus on (as long as there is a art factor): Art/Events? History/Art(NMMA)? Ethnic/Art? The War Between Dogs and Cats... in Art! haha.
Got ideas? Bonus points will go to those who would you like to be the event leader/host/docent. Let me know. NOTE: Hosting is really nothing more then being there "first" and saying "hi"!
jim
Our Mission Statement:
Everything about our group flows from our motto: "We are stranger's only once".
This group is for art, museum & live music lovers of all ilk's.
We call ourselves the Chicago Art Critic's Association - "CACA" for short. Its pronounced like a cat having a bad fur-ball moment. Why "critic's" you ask? All art, museum & music lovers are critics by default! Tell your friends and especially that "jerk at work" you are now a member-in-good standing of the Chicago Art Critic's Association! Watch their jaws drop.
1. Our mission is to attend gallery openings, fairs & cultural fests, museum's and music events in and around Chicago. Plus a few odd-lots Join us as we discover new talent, visit new & established galleries, munch our way through art fairs, visit museums, meet old and make new friends and - yes - have a wine or beer (or two) while exploring. What's not to like?
2. My background: As your organizer and fearless leader (coff, coff), I have been enjoying and collecting art since I was a kid - living in of all places: the art district of Santa Fe, NM, Historic Ocean Beach-San Diego, the Historic District of Pass-a-Grille, Fl (before it was discovered), Andersonville, Chicago (before it was discovered) and Europe (it was already discovered!) Bottom line: I've been kicked out of lots of cities, lots of state's, lots of countries and one very nice continent!
3. Have I bored you e'nuf about me? Good! Now I need to ask you for help. For 2022 do you have a SMALL museum idea? I would like to co-ordinate an event about once a month-ish (excluding November & December - due to the holidays). I'm a firm believer in the educational aspect of such events Hopefully with a docent?
I will keep an eye on cost's: An admission-donation fee of $5-20 is fine - not so for $50-100 - however there will be occasional exceptions. Lastly I will try as best as I can, to mix-up the event times (i.e.: weekday evenings, weekend evenings and weekend days.) When appropriate I will co-op with another group. Nothing is written in stone! Got something you wanna plug? Let me know.
4.. Finding me: In order to be spotted easily my standard outfit for most events, unless the event requires otherwise, will be a BLAZE ORANGE BASEBALL HAT and, usually, blue jeans. LOOK FOR THE HAT. Overall, it's not an exciting outfit, but it makes me feel pretty! My hair & mustache are koala grey (Some say "salt & pepper" - but they are mean, little people whose mothers don't love them.)
8. Here is a short article on "How To Buy Art" (Chicago Magazine - Sept. 2017): http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/September-2017/How-to-Buy-Art/
jim
Upcoming events (1)
See all- 🌿✨Palmer Square: Step Inside Logan Square’s Gems - House Walk 2025🌳🏡✨Old Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church, Chicago, IL
🌿✨ Palmer Square: Step Inside Logan Square’s Gems - Housewalk 2025 🌳🏡✨
🏛️ 35th Biennial Logan Square House & Garden Walk 2025 with Palmer Square Focus
📅 Saturday, September 20, 2025
⏰ 10 AM – 5 PM
📍 Kickoff: Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church
3062 W Palmer Square, Chicago, IL 60647
🎟️ Tickets required✨ Logan Square Preservation proudly presents the 35th Biennial House & Garden Walk—a rare chance to step inside some of Logan Square’s most stunning historic homes & gardens, with a special spotlight on Palmer Square.
***🌟 What’s Included
- Guided interior access to 10 sites, including:
- 7 historic homes on Palmer Square
- Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church (1910, Lowe & Bollenbacher)
- Additional unique homes, from the "Schwinn Mansion” on Humboldt Blvd to a converted church residence
- 🚗 Vintage Car Show – 50+ collectible cars lining Palmer Square’s north side
- 👩🏫 Docents provide architectural & historical insight at every stop
- 🌳 Explore beautifully kept gardens and the historic Humboldt & Palmer Square boulevards
***
🎟️ Tickets
- $35 Early Bird (thru 9/14/25)
- $50 Regular & Day-of
👉 Advance tickets recommended (may sell out!)
🔗 Buy Tickets Here
🔗 Direct Link
(Tip: The system auto-adds a donation—opt out if you wish)
🎟️ Online sales close 9/19/25; after that, purchase at the door at higher price.
***
🚶 What to Expect
- Walk runs 10 AM – 5 PM
- We will not end where we start—plan accordingly
- Trolley may be available; otherwise, expect to walk between sites
- We’ll grab a bite nearby after the tour (optional, location TBD)
- Bring comfy shoes + water
***
🚗 Getting There & Parking
- CTA: Short walk from the California Blue Line station → CTA Trip Planner
- Street parking available on Kedzie, Fullerton, Humboldt, & side streets (watch permit signs)
- Possible special parking lot—confirmation closer to date
***
ℹ️ About the Event
- Started in the early years of Logan Square Preservation, this is the group’s longest-running education & outreach event
- Funds raised support:
- 🌳 Tree planting
- 📜 Historic archives
- 🎉 Free community events
- 🏛️ Preservation advocacy
***
🌳 Palmer Square History:
· Named for Charles Palmer, a prominent late-19th-century Chicago developer
· Central green space features a landscaped triangle & fountain, surrounded by grand Tudor Revival, Prairie, and Classical Revival homes
· Historically home to Chicago’s middle- and upper-middle-class families
· Park and homes preserved as part of Logan Square’s historic district, highlighting the neighborhood’s rich architectural heritage📌 RSVP / No-Show Policy
- Cut-off time to update RSVP = event start time
- Must check in with host on arrival
***
👉 Don’t miss this chance to step inside 10 historic gems, see vintage cars, and experience the architecture & history of Logan & Palmer Square up close!
