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
🎄✨ Merry & Bright: South Loop to Riverwalk Holiday Lobby Stroll ❄️🏨
Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, US🎄✨ Merry & Bright: South Loop to Riverwalk Holiday Lobby Stroll ❄️🏨
🌆 A Sparkling South Loop–to–Riverwalk Holiday Adventure ✨
Our holiday magic continues — this time with a brand-new route showcasing the festive beauty of the South Loop, Grant Park, the Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and the sparkling Chicago Riverfront. 🎄🌊✨
If you joined the Magnificent Mile version, get ready for a completely different experience. This edition highlights the historic hotel corridor of the South Loop, where early-20th-century architectural gems glow with vintage holiday charm, and then guides you north through Chicago’s cultural heart before ending among the modern glass towers of the Riverwalk — glittering with seasonal lights.
Expect twinkling lobby trees, elegant historic décor, grand architecture, creative seasonal displays, and waterfront holiday ambiance — all wrapped into one joyful winter stroll. 🎁✨
This is a fresh route, new lineup of hotels, and a whole new festive vibe… but with the same beloved holiday spirit that keeps this tour one of my most popular annual traditions.
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🕰️ Schedule, Meeting Info & Cost
📅 Sunday, December 13th, 2025
🕥 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
📍 Start: Hilton Chicago — 720 S Michigan Ave
🏁 End: Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk — 301 E North Water St
🚶♀️ Distance: ~2.4 miles | Easy pace | Indoor + outdoor | Rain or shine
💰 Cost: $20 (cash preferred; Zelle/Venmo/PayPal accepted)
⚠️ Important: We begin at the Hilton Chicago and officially end at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk. This walk does NOT end where we start — please plan your transportation accordingly.
This tour is slightly longer than my usual events because we stop inside many hotels, warm up between lobbies, enjoy festive cocktails, take group photos, and soak up as much décor as possible! 🎄✨
📸 Not a dedicated photo walk, but you’ll definitely want your camera.
🎤 Led by your ever-curious, history-loving, architecture-obsessed Chicago guide — perfect for locals, visitors, and anyone who loves the city’s holiday sparkle.
Wear something warm, festive, and comfy for our leisurely downtown stroll. 🎁✨
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🌟 Route & Highlights
(Stops may shift slightly depending on timing or group size)
- 🏨 Hilton Chicago — Historic holiday grandeur with towering Christmas trees, nutcrackers, and its famous giant gingerbread hotel.
- 🖼️ The Blackstone — Boutique South Loop elegance featuring chic modern wreaths, warm lighting, and a stylish lobby tree.
- 🏛️ Congress Plaza Hotel — Vintage Chicago charm with classic red-and-gold decorations, garland-lined halls, and old-world holiday vibes.
- 🎨 Fine Arts Building — A Victorian treasure decorated with handmade ornaments, greenery, and artistic seasonal touches.
- 🏨 Palmer House — Opulent holiday magic with a massive lobby tree glittering beneath the hotel’s iconic painted ceiling.
- 🎄 Chicago Athletic Association Hotel — Cozy lodge-style décor with rustic wreaths, fireplaces, and warm winter ambiance.
- ❄️ Cloud Gate (The Bean) — Millennium Park sparkle with stunning reflections of the city’s Christmas tree and holiday lights.
- 🏛️ Chicago Cultural Center — Tiffany domes and marble staircases dressed in elegant garlands and shimmering seasonal décor.
- 🏨 Fairmont Chicago — Sleek holiday warmth featuring the Fairmont Lodge’s rustic winter décor and cozy cabin-style accents.
- 🌊 Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel — Modern holiday installations and glowing contemporary décor inside the iconic Aqua Tower.
- 🇨🇭 Swissôtel Chicago — Bright, cheerful, Swiss-inspired holiday displays with festive colors and river views.
- 🏨 Hyatt Regency Chicago — A lively, bustling lobby filled with oversized trees, sparkling lights, and dramatic garland displays.
- 🚤 Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk — Festive riverfront glow with a stunning lobby tree, twinkle lights, and the seasonal Sleigh Bar.
End time: approx. 2:30 PM at the Sheraton Grand.
***
🎄 Holiday Magic in the South Loop, Grant Park & the Chicago River District ✨
South Loop Historic Hotel Corridor
South Michigan Avenue, part of Chicago’s historic Central Business District expansion in the early 1900s, became home to grand hotels catering to travelers, socialites, and performers visiting nearby theaters. During the holidays, these hotels have long competed to dazzle guests with lavish Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and festive displays, creating a tradition that stretches back nearly a century. Many buildings retain their original Beaux-Arts and Renaissance Revival architecture, making the holiday décor even more striking against their historic facades.
Cultural & Civic Chicago
As we move north, we pass through Chicago’s cultural heart — the Fine Arts Building, the Chicago Cultural Center, and Millennium Park. These areas have historically been centerpieces of the city’s civic and artistic life, and during the holiday season, the combination of public art, illuminated fountains, and seasonal décor transforms them into magical winter wonderlands.
Chicago Riverfront
The Riverwalk, a relatively modern addition completed in the 2010s, connects historic commercial architecture with contemporary urban design. During the holidays, the riverfront glows with festive lights, tree-lined promenades, and seasonal installations, creating a reflective, sparkling scene that perfectly complements the grand hotel lobbies along our route. The Riverwalk has become a holiday destination in its own right, drawing locals and visitors to stroll along the water, sip warm drinks, and admire the city’s winter magic.
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🚇 Getting There
Public transit highly recommended.
CTA Trip Planner: https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
🚗 Parking
Limited and can be expensive.
SpotHero / ParkWhiz recommended.
Street parking varies — always check signs carefully.
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📝 RSVP & No-Show Policy
✔️ Please keep your RSVP updated
✔️ Cancel if you can’t attend
❌ Repeat no-shows may be removed from future events
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🎄✨ Join us for a heartwarming stroll through the South Loop, Grant Park, Millennium Park & the Chicago River — filled with stories, architecture, history, and magical holiday sparkle! ✨
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