About us
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
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⛪🌿 Secret Stones & Sacred Art: Private Tour of Wicker Park Lutheran! 🏛️✨
Wicker Park Lutheran Church official, 1500 N. Hoyne Avenue, Chicago, IL, US⛪🌿 Secret Stones & Sacred Art: Private Tour of Wicker Park Lutheran! 🏛️✨
🌿 Wicker Park's Oldest Active Religious & Community Organization — A True Chicago Treasure Since 1879! 🌟
Join us for a special private guided visit to Wicker Park Lutheran Church — one of Chicago's most historically significant and architecturally stunning churches, standing proudly at the corner of Hoyne & LeMoyne in the heart of the Wicker Park Historic District since 1879! 🏛️
The current 1906 building boasts a stunning basilica design, with double colonnades and an apse — a style used in ancient Rome for courts of law and places of public assembly. It is characterized by the use of the round arch and vaulted ceiling, differing from the Gothic style which made use of a pointed arch. The two towers are based on those of the Abbey of Sainte-Trinité in Caen, France, built in the 11th century.
And here's a fun fact you won't forget! When the church was built, the pastor Rev. Austin Crile was asked by a reporter if it was appropriate that the stones be used for a church, since they had come from a house of ill repute. The pastor replied: "They have served the devil long enough; it is time they served the Lord." 😄🙏
This is a private guided church visit — not a walking tour — allowing us to slow down and fully appreciate the church's architecture, artwork, symbolism and rich immigrant history in a peaceful, reflective setting. ✨
***
🕰️ SCHEDULE, MEETING INFO & COST
📅 Saturday, March 28, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 Wicker Park Lutheran Church 1500 N Hoyne Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
⏱️ Visit length: ~90 minutes
💰 $15 per person 💵 Cash strongly preferred (Zelle / Venmo / PayPal accepted as I submit one group donation)⚠️ All attendees must check in with me at the start and submit payment directly to me so I can provide one group donation to the church.
📸 Photography is allowed — please be respectful of the sacred space and follow any guidance from our hosts.
🎤 Private guided experience arranged exclusively for our group.
***
🌟 WHAT WE'LL EXPERIENCE
⛪ A breathtaking basilica-style sanctuary with soaring round arches, vaulted ceilings & double colonnades
🪟 Four large Munich-style stained glass windows produced in the Royal Bavarian Stained Glass Manufactory in Munich, Germany — painted on large glass panels in a style distinct from medieval leaded glass
🔵 Ten half-circle windows in the vaulted ceiling depicting the life of Christ — ending with a stunning full-circle Ascension window above the altar
🌹 A magnificent rose window over the balcony featuring Martin Luther's seal as its central element — currently being restored to its pristine original condition thanks to a $250,000 City of Chicago Adopt-A-Landmark grant! 🎉
🎵 The famous "Mighty Möller" organ — installed in 1906 by the M.P. Möller Organ Co., activated entirely by compressed air rather than wires & electricity — documents suggest it was the prototype for all pneumatic organs! Two special musical additions over the years: the Zimbelstern (which rings small bells at random as accompaniment) and the Deagan Liberty chimes 🎶
✝️ An extraordinary 8-by-2 foot carving of The Last Supper carved from a single piece of wood by Alois Lang, master woodcarver from Oberammergau, Germany — hanging over the altar
🪽 A stunning white marble baptismal font — a replica of Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen's "The Kneeling Angel" (the original is in St. Giles Church in Edinburgh, Scotland!) 🏴
🔔 A bell from the original 1879 building, still calling the community to worship — inscribed: "Buckeye Foundry 1801"
🧱 Exterior mica-flecked stone that glitters in the sunlight — with that unforgettable origin story! 😄
📜 The remarkable story of German & Scandinavian immigrant founders who built this parish from the ground up in 1879
🌍 The church's incredible evolution through Wicker Park's dramatically changing communities over 145 years***
📖 ABOUT WICKER PARK LUTHERAN CHURCH
Wicker Park Lutheran Church was founded on August 25, 1879 as an English-speaking Lutheran church by German and Scandinavian businessmen and professionals who lived in Wicker Park. The founders purchased an unused and unfinished gothic framed church building on the corner of Hoyne Avenue and LeMoyne Street in what was then a rural area. By the turn of the century, the congregation had outgrown the original building and was surrounded by large residences. With great vision, it erected the current structure on the same site in 1906.The congregation has always been innovative — having had the first Sunday School bus to transport children, and in the 1950s, using a school bus as a mobile chapel along Milwaukee Ave! 🚌
In the 60s and 70s, as the neighborhood rapidly changed from Jewish, Russian and Polish Catholic to Appalachian White to Puerto Rican to African American, the church sponsored after-school tutoring and called a Spanish-speaking pastor to establish a parallel congregation — ultimately helping form the first Spanish-language Lutheran church in the Illinois Synod.By 2000, the building had deteriorated to the point that it was almost condemned. A newly called pastor, Rev. Ruth VanDemark, oversaw the extensive renovation of the building and the congregation's ministry. Upon her death in 2012, she gave a bequest that helped substantially fund the renovation of the sanctuary and pay off outstanding debt. A memorial in the narthex continues to honor her lasting legacy. 🙏
Today, WPLC is a vibrant, inclusive and welcoming community hub — home to the Wicker Park Choral Singers, six Alcoholics Anonymous groups, karate classes, Marion Consort, a homeschool co-op, First Floor Theater, two multi-ethnic churches, and many local non-profit groups. 🎶🌳
WPLC has been designated a "WPB Green" organization by the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce for its commitment to eco-justice. 🌿
***
🍽️ OPTIONAL COFFEE OR LATE LUNCH AFTER Those interested are welcome to join afterward at one of the many fantastic spots in Wicker Park!
📍 Specific location shared closer to the date
💵 Please bring cash — some venues may not split checks***
👟 WHAT TO BRING
- Camera 📷
- Respectful attire suitable for a sacred space
- 💰 $15 tour fee — exact change appreciated
- 💵 Cash strongly preferred (Zelle/Venmo/PayPal also accepted)
***
🚗 PARKING
- Free non-zoned street parking available on Hoyne & LeMoyne near the church
- ⚠️ The church has no parking lot and no handicap parking spaces
- Check permit signage carefully on surrounding streets!
- 📱 SpotHero or ParkWhiz recommended for nearby options
🚇 TRANSIT Public transportation highly encouraged!
- 🚌 #72 North Avenue bus — 2 blocks north
- 🚌 #50 Damen Avenue bus — 2 blocks east
- 🚌 #56 Milwaukee Avenue bus — 3 blocks away
- 🚂 Blue Line — Damen stop — 2 blocks away! 👉 transitchicago.com/planatrip
🚲 Bike racks available directly in front of the church — Divvy friendly! 🚲
⚠️ ACCESSIBILITY NOTE: The historic 1906 building is not currently ADA accessible. A major renovation campaign is currently underway to add an elevator and accessible entrance!
***
📝 RSVP & COURTESY POLICY
✔️ Please keep your RSVP updated
✔️ Cancel promptly if plans change
❌ Repeated no-shows may affect future participation***
⛪✨ Join us for a fascinating afternoon exploring 145 years of faith, architecture, immigration history & community spirit — all inside one of Wicker Park's most treasured and storied landmarks! 🕯️🏛️⛪🎨 Behind Closed Doors: Munich Glass & Carved Altars @ St. Ben's! 🕯️🏛️
🌿 A Magnificent Historic Church & Beloved Neighborhood Institution ✨
Join us for a special guided visit to St. Benedict Catholic Church — one of Chicago's most beautiful and historically significant churches, standing proudly as a spiritual beacon in the heart of the North Center neighborhood since 1902! 🏛️
With its stately Bell Tower visible for blocks, St. Benedict has been an inspiration of the Catholic faith in North Center for over a century — and yet remains one of Chicago's best kept secrets! The doors are always open to the public and the tall, arching ceilings provide a calming and impressive sanctuary.
This is a stationary guided church visit — not a walking tour — allowing us to slow down and fully appreciate the church's architecture, artwork, symbolism, and rich immigrant history in a peaceful, reflective setting. ✨
***
🕰️ SCHEDULE, MEETING INFO & COST
📅 Saturday, March 21, 2026
⏰ 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 St. Benedict Catholic Church 2215 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618
⏱️ Visit length: ~90 minutes
💰 $15 per person 💵 Cash strongly preferred (Zelle / Venmo / PayPal accepted as I submit one group donation)⚠️ All attendees must check in with me at the start and submit payment directly to me so I can provide one group donation to the church.
📸 Photography is allowed — please be respectful of the sacred space and follow any guidance from our hosts.
🎤 Private guided experience arranged exclusively for our group.
***
🌟 WHAT WE'LL EXPERIENCE
⛪ A breathtaking historic sanctuary with soaring arching ceilings & stunning architectural details
🪟 Stained-glass windows imported from Munich — among the parish's most prized treasures
✝️ Hand-carved Stations of the Cross from Oberammergau — extraordinarily rare & beautiful
🎨 Richly restored plastered & painted ceilings from the landmark 2002 centennial renovation
🕯️ Side chapels and devotional spaces throughout
🏛️ A traditional cruciform church layout steeped in German Catholic heritage
📜 The remarkable story of the German Catholic immigrant families who built this beloved parish from the ground up — starting with just 90 families in 1902!***
📖 ABOUT ST. BENEDICT CHURCH
The story of St. Benedict Parish began in 1902 when German Catholic families in what was then largely farmland in West Lakeview sought to provide a Catholic education for their children closer to home. Their children were outlying members of St. Matthias Parish and faced long, difficult commutes — especially in harsh Chicago winters. While initial requests were rejected by the Archbishop, the pioneering spirit of these families prevailed and St. Benedict Parish was born!The first Mass was celebrated on February 2, 1902 in a small wooden church. Growth was rapid — from 90 families in 1902 to 350 families by 1908, with 300 children attending the parochial school. Many families came from other German parishes including St. Joseph's, the first German parish on the north side, founded in 1846.
By 1916, the parish had grown to approximately 800 families and a magnificent new church was built — begun in 1917 and completed in 1918 at a cost of $170,000 — an extraordinary achievement during the economic instability of World War I. The faith and devotion of the parishioners were expressed in the stained-glass windows imported from Munich and the hand-carved Stations of the Cross from Oberammergau.
In December 1999, a stunning full interior renovation was completed to coincide with the parish's 100th anniversary in 2002 — restoring and beautifying every corner of the church while making it fully handicap accessible. That same month, an anonymous $4.6 million gift funded a magnificent new 40,000 sq ft school building — a testament to the enduring generosity surrounding this remarkable parish.
Today, St. Benedict Parish is a thriving community of nearly 1,600 households reflecting the full diversity of heritage, age and economics of a large urban parish — and continues to serve over 700 children at St. Benedict Preparatory School. 🙏
***
🍽️ OPTIONAL COFFEE OR LATE LUNCH AFTER Those interested are welcome to join afterward at a nearby neighborhood spot in North Center or Lakeview!
📍 Specific location shared closer to the date
💵 Please bring cash — some venues may not split checks***
👟 WHAT TO BRING
- Camera 📷
- Respectful attire suitable for a sacred space
- 💰 $15 tour fee — exact change appreciated
***
🚇 TRANSIT Public transportation highly encouraged!
- 🚌 Multiple CTA bus routes on Irving Park Road
- 🚂 Brown Line — Irving Park stop (short walk) 👉 transitchicago.com/planatrip
🚗 PARKING
- Street parking on Irving Park & surrounding residential streets
- ⚠️ Check permit signage carefully!
- SpotHero or ParkWhiz recommended for nearby options
***
📝 RSVP & COURTESY POLICY
✔️ Please keep your RSVP updated
✔️ Cancel promptly if plans change
❌ Repeated no-shows may affect future participation***
⛪✨ Join us for a meaningful Saturday afternoon exploring faith, history & stunning sacred art — all inside one of Chicago's most beautiful and underappreciated neighborhood churches! 🕯️🏛️⛪✨ Discover St. Stanislaus Kostka: Chicago’s Polish Cathedral Jewel 🕯️🏛️
🌿 A Monumental Polish Cathedral–Style Masterpiece and the Spiritual Heart of Chicago’s Polish Church Tradition ✨
Join us for a special guided visit to St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, one of the most breathtaking and historically significant Catholic churches in Chicago.
Located in the heart of historic Polish Downtown, St. Stanislaus Kostka is widely recognized as the mother church of Chicago’s Polish Catholic community. Its monumental dome, ornate altars, and extraordinary interior artistry make it one of the finest examples of the famed Polish Cathedral style in America.
It is officially designated as the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy of the Archdiocese of Chicago and is the “mother church” of all Polish churches within the Archdiocese. Since 1999, the church has been open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for Eucharistic Adoration, hosting continuous Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at all times except during the celebration of Holy Mass — a rare and deeply meaningful distinction.
This is a stationary guided church visit — not a walking tour — allowing us to slow down and fully appreciate the church’s architecture, artwork, symbolism, and rich immigrant history in a peaceful, reflective setting.
Expect soaring ceilings, elaborate altars, vibrant stained glass, devotional chapels, and powerful stories connecting Catholic tradition with Chicago’s Polish-American heritage. ✨
***
🕰️ Schedule, Meeting Info & Cost
📅 Saturday, February 28, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 1351 W. Evergreen Ave., Chicago,
⏱️ Visit length: ~90 minutes
💰 $15 per person
💵 Cash strongly preferred
(Zelle / Venmo / PayPal accepted as I submit one group donation)⚠️ All attendees must check in with me at the start and submit payment directly to me so I can provide one group donation to the church.
📸 Photography is allowed — please be respectful of the sacred space and follow any guidance from our hosts.
🎤 Private guided experience arranged exclusively for our group.
***
🌟 What We’ll Experience
⛪ A grand historic sanctuary crowned by its iconic dome
🎨 Elaborate religious art, murals, and stained glass
🕯️ Side chapels and devotional shrines
📜 The story of Chicago’s Polish Catholic community
🏛️ Architectural highlights of the Polish Cathedral–style tradition
🙏 Insight into its role as the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy and center of perpetual AdorationThis visit takes place entirely inside the church and its immediate grounds.
***
📖 About St. Stanislaus Kostka
Founded in 1867, the parish became the spiritual and cultural center of Chicago’s rapidly growing Polish immigrant community. From this parish, numerous Polish Catholic churches were established throughout the city and region — solidifying its role as the mother church of Chicago’s Polish Catholics.The present church, completed in the late 19th century and expanded in the early 20th century, is a masterpiece of the Polish Cathedral style — characterized by monumental scale, Renaissance and Baroque influences, dramatic ornamentation, and a profound emphasis on sacred beauty.
Inside, you’ll find:
• Majestic main altar and side altars
• Richly painted ceilings and decorative murals
• Sculptural detailing throughout
• Stained glass honoring saints and Polish Catholic heritageFor generations, the parish has served as a spiritual refuge and cultural anchor for immigrant families building new lives in Chicago. Today, it remains an active parish, a designated Sanctuary of Divine Mercy, a center of perpetual Adoration, and one of the city’s most extraordinary sacred landmarks.
***
🍽️ Optional Coffee or Late Lunch After
Those interested are welcome to join afterward for coffee or a late lunch at a nearby neighborhood spot in Noble Square or Wicker Park.
🍽️ Specific location will be shared closer to the date.
⚠️ Please bring cash — some venues may not split checks.***
👟 What to Bring
• Camera
• Respectful attire suitable for a sacred space
• $15 tour fee (exact change appreciated)***
🚇 Getting There
Public transportation is highly encouraged.
• Blue Line — Division stop (short walk)
• Multiple CTA bus routes nearby
• CTA Trip Planner: https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/***
🚗 Parking (Noble Square / Wicker Park Area)
• Limited street parking on Evergreen and surrounding residential streets (check permit signage carefully)
• Some metered parking on Division Street
• Area can be tight — arriving early is strongly recommended
• SpotHero or ParkWhiz may be helpful for nearby garages***
📝 RSVP & Courtesy Policy
✔️ Please keep your RSVP updated
✔️ Cancel promptly if plans change
❌ Repeated no-shows may affect future participation✨⛪ Join us for a meaningful late-February afternoon exploring Catholic faith, Polish immigrant history, and sacred art — all inside one of Chicago’s most awe-inspiring churches. ✨⛪🔔 Bells, Stone & Sky: Rockefeller Memorial Chapel Carillon Tower Tour 🏛️✨
🌿 An extraordinary afternoon inside one of Chicago’s most iconic Gothic landmarks ✨
Join us for a rare and unforgettable guided visit and carillon tower tour at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, one of the most magnificent collegiate Gothic buildings in the world and a crown jewel of the University of Chicago campus.
This special experience begins with an introduction to the chapel’s history and architecture before taking us inside the tower itself — offering an up-close look at the mighty carillon bells, the inner workings of the instrument, and breathtaking views from above.
This is a stationary guided visit and tower tour (not a walking tour), but it does involve stair climbing — allowing us to focus deeply on architecture, engineering, music, and vertical exploration in a truly unique setting.
Expect soaring stone vaults, massive bronze bells, mechanical marvels, a live music demonstration, and panoramic skyline and lake views. ✨
***
🕰️ Schedule, Meeting Info & Cost
📅 Sunday, February 15, 2026
⏰ 1:00–3:00 PM
📍 Rockefeller Memorial Chapel 5850 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago
⏱️ Visit length: ~90 minutes
🎤 Private guided chapel & carillon tower tour
💰 $15 per person
💵 Cash strongly preferred (Zelle / Venmo / PayPal accepted)⚠️ All attendees must check in with me at the start and submit payment directly so I can provide one group donation to the chapel.
📸 Photography is allowed — please be respectful and follow any guidance from our hosts.
***
🌟 What We’ll Experience
⛪ Rockefeller Memorial Chapel’s awe-inspiring Gothic interior
🔔 Introduction to the chapel’s history, architecture, and musical legacy
🏗️ Behind-the-scenes access to the carillon tower
🕰️ The tower’s mechanical room and historic regulator clock
🔔 Up-close views of the 72-bell carillon (over 100 tons of bronze)
🎶 A live demonstration of how the carillon is played
🏛️ The playing cabin where the carillonist performs
🌆 Seasonal 360-degree views from the top of tower (weather/university permitting)***
🔔 Stair Climbing & Accessibility Note
This tour involves climbing 271 steps, roughly equivalent to 20–22 stories. The staircase is a narrow spiral with no elevator, and the experience may not be suitable for those who are afraid of heights or claustrophobic, or for anyone with knee issues, mobility concerns, or difficulty with stair climbing.We ascend at a leisurely pace with multiple breaks, and there is no pressure to reach the top. Participants are welcome to turn back at any point.
Guests who choose not to climb (or who stop early) may remain on the main floor and still enjoy the carillon playing demonstration via live video and audio feed.
***
📖 About Rockefeller Memorial Chapel
Rockefeller Memorial Chapel was funded by John D. Rockefeller Jr. as a memorial to his father, John D. Rockefeller Sr., the principal benefactor of the University of Chicago. Designed by renowned architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue, the chapel was completed in 1928 and stands as one of the finest examples of collegiate Gothic Revival architecture in the United States.Conceived as a non-denominational sacred space, the chapel reflects medieval English cathedral influences combined with early 20th-century American craftsmanship, serving as a symbolic and spiritual anchor of the university.
***
📖 About the Carillon Tower Tour
Rockefeller Memorial Chapel houses one of the largest carillons in the world, consisting of 72 massive bronze bells. The largest bell weighs 36,926 pounds and measures 117 inches in diameter.The tour begins with a 10–15 minute introduction on the main floor, covering the chapel’s history, architecture, and the role of the carillon. From there, participants ascend the tower via a 271-step spiral staircase, taken at a relaxed pace with frequent stops.
Along the way, we will:
• Walk above the chapel’s false ceiling (attic catwalk)
• Pass through the mechanical room housing the original regulator clock and pneumatic chime system
• Stand beside the largest bells
• Enter the playing cabin, where the carillonist performs using hands and feetBeyond the cabin, a short additional staircase leads to the top of the tower, where sweeping views of Chicago’s skyline, Lake Michigan, northern Indiana, and the University of Chicago campus are visible in season and when permitted.
***
🍽️ Optional Coffee or Late Lunch After the Visit
Those interested are welcome to join me afterward at a nearby Hyde Park favorite such as Medici, Noodles Etc., or Salonica Restaurant.
🍽️ Options will be finalized closer to the date.
⚠️ Please bring cash — some venues may not split checks.***
👟 What to Bring / Wear
• Camera
• Comfortable shoes (stairs!)
• Respectful attire
• $15 tour fee (exact change appreciated)***
🚇 Getting There
Public transportation is encouraged.
Use Google Maps or CTA Trip Planner:
https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/***
🚗 Parking
• Limited street parking nearby (check posted signs)
• University area can be busy — arriving early is recommended
• SpotHero or ParkWhiz may be helpful***
📝 RSVP & No-Show Policy
✔️ Please keep your RSVP updated
✔️ Cancel promptly if plans change
❌ Repeated no-shows may affect future event participation***
✨🔔 **Join us for a rare opportunity to explore sacred architecture, musical engineering, and sky-high views — all inside one of Chicago’s most extraordinary landmarks.**⛪✨ Heaven in Brick & Gold: Inside St. Barbara Catholic Church 🕯️🏛️
🌿 A Polish Cathedral Masterpiece: An Inspiring Morning Inside One of Chicago’s Grandest Historic Churches ✨
Join us for a special guided visit to St. Barbara Roman Catholic Church, a spectacular and deeply historic Catholic landmark on Chicago’s South Side. Known for its monumental scale, ornate interior, and strong ties to the city’s Polish immigrant community, St. Barbara offers an unforgettable look at faith, artistry, and neighborhood history.
This is a stationary guided church visit — no walking tour — allowing us to slow down and truly appreciate the church’s architecture, artwork, symbolism, and history in a peaceful and reflective setting.
Expect soaring ceilings, dramatic altars, rich stained glass, devotional shrines, and stories that connect Catholic tradition with Chicago’s industrial and immigrant past. ✨
***
🕰️ Schedule, Meeting Info & Cost
📅 Saturday, February 14, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 St. Barbara Roman Catholic Church 2859 S. Throop St., Chicago
⏱️ Visit length: ~90 minutes
💰 $15 per person
💵 Cash strongly preferred (Zelle / Venmo / PayPal accepted as I submit one group donation)⚠️ All attendees must check in with me at the start and submit payment directly to me so I can provide one group donation to the church.
📸 Photography is allowed — please be respectful of the sacred space and follow any guidance from our hosts.
🎤 Private guided experience arranged for our group.
***
🌟 What We’ll Experience
⛪ A breathtaking historic sanctuary
🎨 Elaborate religious art, murals, and stained glass
🕯️ Side altars, candles, and devotional elements
📜 The story of the parish and Chicago’s Polish Catholic community
🏛️ Architectural details of the Polish Cathedral–style tradition
This visit takes place entirely inside the church and immediate grounds.***
📖 About St. Barbara Roman Catholic Church
Founded in 1910, St. Barbara Parish was established to serve Polish immigrants who settled near Chicago’s booming industrial corridor of rail yards, factories, and stockyards. Named for St. Barbara, patron saint of miners and workers in dangerous trades, the parish became a spiritual refuge for laboring families seeking faith, stability, and community.The current church building, completed in the 1910s, is a stunning example of the Polish Cathedral style — a uniquely American expression of Catholic architecture characterized by monumental scale, classical influences, lavish ornamentation, and an emphasis on beauty as an act of devotion.
Inside, the church is richly adorned with:
- Grand altars
- Painted ceilings and murals
- Sculptural details
- Stained glass honoring saints, sacraments, and Polish religious heritage
Every element was designed to inspire awe, reinforce Catholic teaching, and reflect the pride and sacrifice of the immigrant community that built it.
For generations, St. Barbara served as a cultural, spiritual, and social anchor — hosting baptisms, weddings, funerals, festivals, and daily worship that shaped neighborhood life. As demographics evolved, the parish continued to adapt while preserving its extraordinary artistic and architectural legacy.
Today, St. Barbara remains an active parish and a treasured landmark — one of Chicago’s most impressive examples of early 20th-century Catholic church design.
***
🍽️ Optional Coffee or Lunch After the Visit
Those interested are welcome to join me afterward for coffee or lunch at a nearby neighborhood spot.
🍽️ Options will be shared closer to the date.
⚠️ Please bring cash — some venues may not split checks.***
👟 What to Bring
• Camera
• Respectful attire
• $15 tour fee (exact change appreciated)***
🚇 Getting There
Public transportation is easy and encouraged.
Use Google Maps or CTA Trip Planner:
https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/***
🚗 Parking
• Street parking available nearby (check posted signs)
• Metered parking on nearby main streets
• Residential side streets often available
• Area can be busy — arriving early is recommended
• SpotHero or ParkWhiz may be helpful***
📝 RSVP & No-Show Policy
✔️ Please keep your RSVP updated
✔️ Cancel promptly if plans change
❌ Repeated no-shows may affect future event participation***
✨⛪ Join us for a meaningful Valentine’s weekend experience exploring Catholic faith, immigrant history, and sacred art — all inside one of Chicago’s most awe-inspiring neighborhood churches. ✨⛪✨ A Medieval Jewel in Edgewater: St. Gregory the Great Church Visit 🕯️🏛️
🌿 An Inspiring Afternoon Inside One of Edgewater’s Most Beautiful Historic Churches ✨
Join us for a special guided visit to St. Gregory the Great Roman Catholic Church, a beloved Catholic landmark in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood. Known for its striking architecture, breathtaking sanctuary, and deep roots in the city’s immigrant history, St. Gregory offers a powerful glimpse into faith, community, and neighborhood life on the North Side.
This is a stationary guided church visit — no walking tour — allowing us to slow down and truly appreciate the church’s architecture, artwork, symbolism, and history in a peaceful and reflective setting.
Expect soaring spaces, stunning stained glass, sacred imagery, candlelight, and stories that connect Catholic tradition with the development of Edgewater itself. ✨
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🕰️ Schedule, Meeting Info & Cost
📅 Saturday, February 7, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 St. Gregory the Great Roman Catholic Church 5545 N. Paulina St.
⏱️ Visit length: ~90 minutes
💰 $15 per person
💵 Cash strongly preferred (Zelle / Venmo / PayPal accepted as I submit one group donation)⚠️ All attendees must check in with me at the start and submit payment directly to me so I can provide one group donation to the church.
📸 Photography is allowed — please be respectful of the sacred space and follow any guidance from our hosts.
🎤 Private guided experience arranged for our group.
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🌟 What We’ll Experience
⛪ A beautiful historic sanctuary
🎨 Religious art and stained glass
🕯️ Candles, devotional elements, and sacred symbolism
📜 The story of the parish and Edgewater’s immigrant Catholic communities
🏛️ Architectural details reflecting early 20th-century church designThis visit takes place entirely inside the church and immediate grounds.
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📖 About St. Gregory the Great Roman Catholic Church
St. Gregory the Great has served Chicago’s North Side since 1904, when Luxembourger immigrants petitioned for the creation of a new parish to serve the rapidly growing Edgewater community. As the neighborhood evolved from lakeside farmland into a vibrant residential district, the parish quickly became a spiritual and cultural anchor.The current church building, completed in the 1920s, is officially classified as Norman Gothic in style — reflecting French influences on English architecture following the Norman Conquest of 1066. It stands as one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the Archdiocese of Chicago.
At the dedication ceremony, George Cardinal Mundelein famously described St. Gregory’s as “a medieval jewel in a modern setting.”
Every artistic and architectural element within the church — from paintings and sculpture to arches, shrines, and stained glass — carries symbolic meaning. The interior invites visitors on a spiritual journey from darkness to light, Alpha to Omega, life to death to rebirth.The founding pastor, Msgr. Michael Klasen, created a booklet titled The Church Beautiful, explaining the symbolism behind the church’s design and sacred artwork — many of which we will discuss during our visit.
Named for Pope St. Gregory the Great, the 6th-century pope known for strengthening the early Church, promoting sacred music (Gregorian chant), and expanding Christian education, the parish reflects his legacy of faith, beauty, and teaching.
Over the decades, St. Gregory has served generations of immigrant families — including Luxembourger, Irish, German, Polish, and later Latino parishioners — mirroring the evolving story of Edgewater itself.
Today, the church remains an active and welcoming parish, celebrated for its magnificent interior and enduring role in the neighborhood.
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🍽️ Optional Coffee or Lunch After the Visit
Those interested are welcome to join me afterward for coffee or lunch at a nearby neighborhood spot.
🍽️ Options will be shared closer to the date.
⚠️ Please bring cash — some venues may not split checks.***
👟 What to Bring
• Camera
• Respectful attire
• $15 tour fee (exact change appreciated)***
🚇 Getting There
Public transportation is easy and encouraged.
Use Google Maps or CTA Trip Planner:
https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/***
🚗 Parking
• Street parking available nearby (check posted signs)
• Metered parking along Bryn Mawr, Ashland & Ravenswood
• Residential side streets often available
• Area can be busy due to lakefront & Loyola — arriving early is recommended
• SpotHero or ParkWhiz also helpful***
📝 RSVP & No-Show Policy
✔️ Please keep your RSVP updated
✔️ Cancel promptly if plans change
❌ Repeated no-shows may affect future event participation***
✨⛪ Join us for a meaningful opportunity to experience Catholic faith, sacred art, and Edgewater history — all inside one of Chicago’s most beautiful neighborhood churches. ✨🕯️🏛️Gold, Icons & Tradition: St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church Tour ✨⛪
🌿 An Inspiring Afternoon Inside One of Chicago’s Most Beautiful Orthodox Landmarks ✨
Join us for a special guided visit to St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church, a stunning sacred space on Chicago’s North Side and a beloved spiritual home for generations of Greek-American families. This church is known for its breathtaking interior, rich Orthodox symbolism, and powerful sense of tradition and community.
This immersive experience explores Orthodox faith, iconography, ritual, and immigrant history, all within an awe-inspiring setting filled with sacred art and architectural beauty.
This is a stationary guided church visit — no walking route or neighborhood stroll — allowing us to slow down and truly absorb the art, architecture, iconography, and spiritual atmosphere of this remarkable church.
Expect vivid icons, gold accents, candlelight, incense, and meaningful stories of faith and immigration — all shared in a respectful and informative setting. ✨
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🕰️ Schedule, Meeting Info & Cost
📅 Saturday, January 31, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church 5649 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL
⏱️ Visit length: ~90 minutes
💰 Cost: $15 per person
💵 Cash strongly preferred (Zelle/Venmo/PayPal are accepted if needed so I can submit one group donation)⚠️ All attendees must check in with me at the start of the tour and submit payment directly to me so I can give to the church
📸 Photography is allowed — please be respectful of the sacred space and follow any onsite guidance.
🎤 Private guided experience arranged for our group.
***
🌟 What We’ll Experience
⛪ A beautiful Orthodox sanctuary filled with sacred atmosphere
🎨 Traditional Orthodox iconography and stunning artwork
🕯️ Candles, incense, and sacred ritual elements
📜 The history of the parish and its immigrant roots
🏛️ Architectural and artistic details that reflect Orthodox tradition and spiritual meaningThis visit takes place entirely inside the church and its immediate grounds.
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📖 About St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church
Built in 1926, St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church has been a spiritual and cultural anchor on Chicago’s North Side for nearly a century. As the surrounding neighborhood evolved through generations — shaped by waves of immigration, lakefront growth, and the vibrant mix of communities that define this part of the city — St. Andrew’s remained a steady presence, offering faith, tradition, and connection.The church reflects the deep roots of Greek-American families who helped build and strengthen Chicago, creating a home away from home where language, customs, and religious life could be preserved and passed down. For many, St. Andrew’s was not only a place of worship, but also a gathering space for community life — a setting for baptisms, weddings, memorials, celebrations, and the rhythms of Orthodox holidays that continue to shape the parish today.
Like many Orthodox churches, the interior is designed to teach and inspire through symbolism — from icons of Christ and the saints, to sacred imagery that fills the space with meaning and beauty. Whether you come for the history, the art, or the spiritual atmosphere, St. Andrew’s offers a powerful glimpse into how immigrant communities helped shape the cultural landscape of Chicago — one neighborhood and one church at a time.
Located near the lakefront in the Edgewater/Loyola area, the church sits in one of Chicago’s most welcoming and diverse neighborhoods — a community known for its mix of longtime residents, students, immigrants, and beautiful residential streets. With its close connection to the shoreline and North Side energy, this setting makes the visit feel both peaceful and distinctly Chicago.
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🍽️ Optional Coffee or Lunch After the Visit
Those interested are welcome to join me afterward for coffee or lunch at a nearby neighborhood spot.
🍽️ Options will be shared closer to the date.
⚠️ Please bring cash — some venues may not split checks.***
👟 What to Bring
• Camera
• Respectful attire
• $15 tour fee (exact change appreciated; cash preferred but Zelle, Venmo, PayPal accepted)***
🚇 Getting There
Public transportation is easy and encouraged.
Use Google Maps or CTA Trip Planner:
https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/***
🚗 Parking
• Street parking is available in the surrounding area (please always check posted signs)
• Metered parking may be found along nearby main streets, including Sheridan
• Residential side streets nearby often have additional parking options
• This area can be busier due to proximity to the lakefront and Loyola/Edgewater, so consider arriving a little early or us SpotHero or ParkWhiz***
📝 RSVP & No-Show Policy
✔️ Please keep your RSVP updated
✔️ Cancel promptly if your plans change
❌ Repeated no-shows may result in removal from future events***
✨⛪ Join us for a meaningful opportunity to experience Orthodox faith, sacred art, and community history — all inside one of Chicago’s most beautiful spiritual spaces. ✨
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11 attendees
✝️🎥 Capture the 49th Annual Pilsen Via Crucis: Living Way of the Cross 📸✝️
799 W. 18th Street, Chicago, IL, US✝️🎥 Capture the 49th Annual Pilsen Via Crucis: Living Way of the Cross 📸✝️
49th Annual Pilsen Via Crucis: Living Way of the Cross, a tradition in the Pilsen neighborhood since 1977
To celebrate a longstanding Chicago tradition, thousands gather along 18th Street in Pilsen every Good Friday for the Pilsen Via Crucis (Living Way of the Cross) — a powerful, moving reenactment of the Passion of Christ that has taken place every year since 1977.
I’ve attended this event several times and find it deeply inspiring. Whether you’re religious or not, this is truly something to experience in person — just for the incredible photography and cultural significance alone.
📅 Event Details
🗓 Date: Friday, April 3, 2026 (Good Friday)
⏰ Time: 8:45 AM – approx. 2:30 PM (end time flexible & weather dependent)
📍 Meet Location: 799 W. 18th Street, Chicago
🚶 Walking Distance: Approx. 1.5–2 miles, mostly outdoors
🔔 Please arrive by 8:45 AM so we can get positioned before the opening scenes begin.***
⚠️ IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ ⚠️
THIS IS A MOSTLY OUTDOOR EVENT WITH CONTINUOUS WALKING.
We will be following the procession on foot for much of the route.
🧥 Dress for the weather (layers, comfortable shoes, rain gear if needed)
🚶♀️ Expect standing, walking, and slow movement with large crowds
🌦️ Event is rain or shine — however, if conditions are very cold or heavy rain, the host may cancel for safety and comfort
👉 NO PARKING on 18th Street during the procession.
If driving, plan ahead — the procession does NOT end where we start, and you will need to walk back to your car unless you park strategically.⏱️ Timing:
I don’t know the exact timing of each station, but plan about 2.5 hours if you want to see the entire reenactment. We may not stay for the full event, but we’ll try to see most of it and then end with lunch in Pilsen before restaurants get overwhelmed.🚶 Important Notes (Please Read):
- This is a walking procession following the crowd
- 1.5–2 miles total, mostly outdoors
- Dress for the weather
- Event happens rain or shine
- If it is very cold or heavy rain, I will cancel — it’s too much time outdoors
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📸 PHOTOGRAPHERS: READ THIS
This is a fantastic street photography opportunity — emotional scenes, movement, and powerful visuals.
⚠️ Fast-moving event — plan to shoot on the go
🎒 Bring lightweight gear only (no time for tripods)
🚶♀️ We’ll often move ahead of the procession for clearer angles
🚉 Some photographers stand on the 18th Street Pink Line station platform for overhead shots
👀 Stay alert and respectful — crowds are dense and constantly shifting
👉 Think mobility over perfection — this is about moments, not setups.🗺️ 2026 UPDATED ROUTE & LOCATIONS
(Locations subject to change)
NEW START LOCATION (as of 2025)
📍 18th Street & Halsted Street Approx. Address: 799 W. 18th St
Scenes include:- The Last Supper
- Prayer in Gethsemane
- Jesus before Pontius Pilate
🆕 Last year marked a major change — the opening scenes will take place outdoors on a stage, rather than inside Providence of God Church. “Moving the opening scenes outdoors will make the experience more accessible and more deeply engaging for the community.” — Nellie Quintana, Director
Middle Stop
📍 Harrison Park 1824 S. Wood St.- Crucifixion reenactment
End
📍 St. Pius Church 1919 S. Ashland Ave, Chicago- Closing prayer service (We usually pull off at Harrison Park and head to lunch instead.)
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🌮 Lunch in Pilsen (After the Walk)
After the procession, some of us will grab lunch at one of the nearby restaurants in the area. These places do not take reservations so we will go where the most seats are available!- 5 Rabanitos – 1758 W. 18th St
https://5rabanitos.com/ - Pochos – 1727 W. 18th St
www.pochoschicago.com - Taqueria Los Comales – 1544 W. 18th St
https://www.loscomales.com/ - Frida Room – 1454 W. 18th St
https://thefridaroom.com/
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📖 About the Via Crucis
The Pilsen Via Crucis (Living Way of the Cross) is a free, family-friendly Good Friday tradition that reenacts the final day of Jesus Christ’s life through live scenes and a solemn procession along 18th Street. Thousands attend each year, rain or shine.The Pilsen Via Crucis-Living Way of the Cross, is an annual tradition that has taken place every Good Friday since March 28, 1977. Participants of this graphic, live re-enactment, begin at 18th Street and Union, at Providence of God Church and interpret the Last Supper, prayer at Gethsemane and Jesus before Pilate. Participants then process along 18th street for the Crucifixion, located at Harrison Park, 18th and Wood.
The final stop is at St. Pius Church for the closing reflection.
This event appeals to thousands of Pilsen community members, many who follow the Stations of the Cross procession along 18th Street yearly, rain or shine🔗 Learn more:
- https://www.facebook.com/Pilsen-Via-Crucis-743104822409528
- https://blockclubchicago.org/2019/04/19/pilsens-via-crucis-brings-people-together-on-good-friday/
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🚗 Parking & Transportation
- NO PARKING on 18th Street during the procession
- Metered parking on Halsted & 19th
- Free side streets (check signs for permit parking)
- If driving, consider parking near the end or midpoint — the procession does NOT end where it begins
- CTA riders: 👉 https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
⚠️ RSVP & No-Show Policy (Please Respect)
- 3 no-shows without updating your RSVP = 3-month event ban
- RSVP cutoff = event start time
- If late, message the host
- Failure to check in with host counts as a no-show
- Continued no-shows may result in removal from the group
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