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 (4+)
See all- Weekly Wednesday Grant Music Festival 2025 @Pritzker Pavilion-BYOB & Potluck!Jay Pritzker Pavillion at Millenium Park, Chicago, Chicago, IL
**WEEKLY WEDNESDAY CONCERT OF THE 2025 SUMMER SEASON AT MILLENIUM PARK! THIS IS MULTI-GROUP EVENT**
THIS IS A WEEKLY EVENT BUT I (GIOVINA) WILL NOT HOST EVERY WEEK. WHEN I AM NOT THERE, THEN TOM, SUSAN OR NELSON WILL BE THE HOST SO PLEASE LOOK FOR ME OR TOM SUSAN OR NELSON! EITHER WAY WE ARE ALWAYS IN THE SAME SPOT!!
Join us for another season of concerts in Millennium Park! This concert begins at 6:30 PM. We begin to assemble about 5:45 PM. This event is weather dependent so please check back for updates! A lot of the original members will recall we have been doing this for a while & always have a great time! Let's continue the fun!
Gates open 90 minutes before start time. Please enter Park via Randolph, Monroe or Millennium Garage. Plan some extra time for security.
Bring wine, snacks, blankets, chairs if you like. Bottle opener or two for the wine. Dress for the weather. Look for us in our spot way on the back of the lawn near the sidewalk. You can't miss us! See map pin or this image at the link: http://bit.ly/2H6tuWw
This is a joint meetup with the 1001 Things, Windy City Wanderers & a few other meetups, so it is going to be a fun event! (Windy City Wine goes every Wednesday.) Tom Susan & Nelson are hosts for that event!
IF ANYONE HAS A SMALL PORTABLE TABLE TO BRING THEN PLEASE DO! IT MAKES IT EASIER TO PUT THE WINE & SHARED FOOD FOR ALL TO ENJOY! I HAVE 2 TABLES BUT SINCE BIG GTOUP, WE WILL NEED SOME EXTRA!!! (if you been to these you know we have a lot of food and wine!!!)
Bring some wine, beer, and some food/snacks to share and enjoy! Mariano's is close by on Randolph St. and Macy's on State St. Food suggestions include cheese & crackers, fruit plate, baked goods, hummus & chips.
It's always a nice gesture to bring some extra cups, napkins, toothpicks or small plates if you can.
EVERY WEEK IS A DIFFERENT CONCERT LINEUP. CLICK ON LINK BELOW FOR SCHEDULE
The entire festival lineup can be found here: https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/music/2025-season
Please note these security details for the park: https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/plan-your-visit/millennium-park-security-protocols
VENUE MAP: https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/seating-venue/venue-map
We will meet way at the back of the great lawn, right next to the sidewalk. If you're early, just sit on one of the benches and wait for the group to assemble. You can't miss us! See map pin or this image at the link: http://bit.ly/2H6tuWw
If you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/ - easily accessible by bus and train.
If you drive, use SpotHero or ParkWhiz as it is a challenge over there. Look for the Grant Park North Parking Garage or the Harris Theater Garage. There is some metered parking but best to use a parking lot or garage.
PLEASE KEEP YOUR RSVP UP TO DATE AND DO NOT BE A NO SHOW!
- Weekly Wednesday Grant Music Festival 2025 @Pritzker Pavilion-BYOB & Potluck!Jay Pritzker Pavillion at Millenium Park, Chicago, Chicago, IL
**WEEKLY WEDNESDAY CONCERT OF THE 2025 SUMMER SEASON AT MILLENIUM PARK! THIS IS MULTI-GROUP EVENT**
THIS IS A WEEKLY EVENT BUT I (GIOVINA) WILL NOT HOST EVERY WEEK. WHEN I AM NOT THERE, THEN TOM, SUSAN OR NELSON WILL BE THE HOST SO PLEASE LOOK FOR ME OR TOM SUSAN OR NELSON! EITHER WAY WE ARE ALWAYS IN THE SAME SPOT!!
Join us for another season of concerts in Millennium Park! This concert begins at 6:30 PM. We begin to assemble about 5:45 PM. This event is weather dependent so please check back for updates! A lot of the original members will recall we have been doing this for a while & always have a great time! Let's continue the fun!
Gates open 90 minutes before start time. Please enter Park via Randolph, Monroe or Millennium Garage. Plan some extra time for security.
Bring wine, snacks, blankets, chairs if you like. Bottle opener or two for the wine. Dress for the weather. Look for us in our spot way on the back of the lawn near the sidewalk. You can't miss us! See map pin or this image at the link: http://bit.ly/2H6tuWw
This is a joint meetup with the 1001 Things, Windy City Wanderers & a few other meetups, so it is going to be a fun event! (Windy City Wine goes every Wednesday.) Tom Susan & Nelson are hosts for that event!
IF ANYONE HAS A SMALL PORTABLE TABLE TO BRING THEN PLEASE DO! IT MAKES IT EASIER TO PUT THE WINE & SHARED FOOD FOR ALL TO ENJOY! I HAVE 2 TABLES BUT SINCE BIG GTOUP, WE WILL NEED SOME EXTRA!!! (if you been to these you know we have a lot of food and wine!!!)
Bring some wine, beer, and some food/snacks to share and enjoy! Mariano's is close by on Randolph St. and Macy's on State St. Food suggestions include cheese & crackers, fruit plate, baked goods, hummus & chips.
It's always a nice gesture to bring some extra cups, napkins, toothpicks or small plates if you can.
EVERY WEEK IS A DIFFERENT CONCERT LINEUP. CLICK ON LINK BELOW FOR SCHEDULE
The entire festival lineup can be found here: https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/music/2025-season
Please note these security details for the park: https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/plan-your-visit/millennium-park-security-protocols
VENUE MAP: https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/seating-venue/venue-map
We will meet way at the back of the great lawn, right next to the sidewalk. If you're early, just sit on one of the benches and wait for the group to assemble. You can't miss us! See map pin or this image at the link: http://bit.ly/2H6tuWw
If you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/ - easily accessible by bus and train.
If you drive, use SpotHero or ParkWhiz as it is a challenge over there. Look for the Grant Park North Parking Garage or the Harris Theater Garage. There is some metered parking but best to use a parking lot or garage.
PLEASE KEEP YOUR RSVP UP TO DATE AND DO NOT BE A NO SHOW!
- Weekly Wednesday Grant Music Festival 2025 @Pritzker Pavilion-BYOB & Potluck!Jay Pritzker Pavillion at Millenium Park, Chicago, Chicago, IL
**WEEKLY WEDNESDAY CONCERT OF THE 2025 SUMMER SEASON AT MILLENIUM PARK! THIS IS MULTI-GROUP EVENT**
THIS IS A WEEKLY EVENT BUT I (GIOVINA) WILL NOT HOST EVERY WEEK. WHEN I AM NOT THERE, THEN TOM, SUSAN OR NELSON WILL BE THE HOST SO PLEASE LOOK FOR ME OR TOM SUSAN OR NELSON! EITHER WAY WE ARE ALWAYS IN THE SAME SPOT!!
Join us for another season of concerts in Millennium Park! This concert begins at 6:30 PM. We begin to assemble about 5:45 PM. This event is weather dependent so please check back for updates! A lot of the original members will recall we have been doing this for a while & always have a great time! Let's continue the fun!
Gates open 90 minutes before start time. Please enter Park via Randolph, Monroe or Millennium Garage. Plan some extra time for security.
Bring wine, snacks, blankets, chairs if you like. Bottle opener or two for the wine. Dress for the weather. Look for us in our spot way on the back of the lawn near the sidewalk. You can't miss us! See map pin or this image at the link: http://bit.ly/2H6tuWw
This is a joint meetup with the 1001 Things, Windy City Wanderers & a few other meetups, so it is going to be a fun event! (Windy City Wine goes every Wednesday.) Tom Susan & Nelson are hosts for that event!
IF ANYONE HAS A SMALL PORTABLE TABLE TO BRING THEN PLEASE DO! IT MAKES IT EASIER TO PUT THE WINE & SHARED FOOD FOR ALL TO ENJOY! I HAVE 2 TABLES BUT SINCE BIG GTOUP, WE WILL NEED SOME EXTRA!!! (if you been to these you know we have a lot of food and wine!!!)
Bring some wine, beer, and some food/snacks to share and enjoy! Mariano's is close by on Randolph St. and Macy's on State St. Food suggestions include cheese & crackers, fruit plate, baked goods, hummus & chips.
It's always a nice gesture to bring some extra cups, napkins, toothpicks or small plates if you can.
EVERY WEEK IS A DIFFERENT CONCERT LINEUP. CLICK ON LINK BELOW FOR SCHEDULE
The entire festival lineup can be found here: https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/music/2025-season
Please note these security details for the park: https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/plan-your-visit/millennium-park-security-protocols
VENUE MAP: https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/seating-venue/venue-map
We will meet way at the back of the great lawn, right next to the sidewalk. If you're early, just sit on one of the benches and wait for the group to assemble. You can't miss us! See map pin or this image at the link: http://bit.ly/2H6tuWw
If you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/ - easily accessible by bus and train.
If you drive, use SpotHero or ParkWhiz as it is a challenge over there. Look for the Grant Park North Parking Garage or the Harris Theater Garage. There is some metered parking but best to use a parking lot or garage.
PLEASE KEEP YOUR RSVP UP TO DATE AND DO NOT BE A NO SHOW!
