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
8
🎆🌭 Red, White & BBQ: 4th of July Potluck at Halle's House! 🍉🍻
Exact Location to be given privately, Montrose & Central Park, Chicago, IL, US🎆🌭 Red, White & BBQ: 4th of July Potluck at Halle's House! 🍉🍻
🍔 Meetup 4th of July Party at Halle’s House! Potluck style🧨
Let's celebrate Independence Day the Meetup way—with great people, good food, backyard fun, and plenty of summer vibes in Albany Park!
A huge thank you to Halle for graciously opening her home once again for one of our favorite annual traditions. Whether you're a grill master, dessert enthusiast, cocktail creator, or simply looking for a fun way to spend the holiday, we'd love to have you join us!
***
📅 WHEN:
🗓️ Saturday, July 4, 2026
⏰ 3:45 PM – 11:00 PM
📍 WHERE:
🏡 Halle's House (Albany Park around Montrose & Central Park Ave)
Address will be provided to those who RSVP via private message***
🎉 WHAT TO EXPECT:
🍽️ Potluck-style feast — bring a dish to share
🍔 Grill available — bring your favorite item to cook
🍻 BYOB — beer, wine, cocktails, mocktails, whatever you enjoy
🪑 Bring a lawn chair for maximum comfort
🧊 Ice and coolers EXTRAS are always appreciated! (please bring)
🎲 Lawn games, conversation, music, and good company
🇺🇸 Patriotic attire encouraged!🚫 NO FIREWORKS PLEASE!
This is the Northwest Side—trust us, the neighborhood will provide more than enough fireworks for everyone. The alleys, parks, and nearby streets always become an unofficial fireworks show. We'll sit back and enjoy the spectacle as spectators!***
🍴 POTLUCK PLANNING
Please leave a comment when you RSVP letting everyone know what you're bringing. We'd love a variety and want to avoid duplicates.
Ideas include:
🥨 Snacks & appetizers
🥗 Side dishes
🌭 Main dishes
🍔 Grill items
🍉 Fruit trays
🍪 Desserts
🧊 Ice
🍷 Beer, wine & cocktails
🥤 Soda, water & mocktails
✨ Get creative! It doesn't need to be expensive—just something tasty and easy to enjoy at a backyard gathering.***
🌿 ECO-FRIENDLY NOTE
Halle is a dedicated recycler and separates items carefully.
♻️ Please pay attention to recycling bins and disposal instructions.
🍽️ We encourage everyone to bring their own reusable plate, cup, and utensils if possible.
Paper plates and plasticware will be available if needed.***
😺 CAT ALERT
Halle has cats, so please plan accordingly if you have allergies.***
🌤️ INDOOR & OUTDOOR EVENT
We'll be using both the house and backyard.
If anyone has a folding table they can lend for the afternoon and evening, please mention it in your RSVP comment.***
🚇 GETTING THERE
Public Transit:
Halle lives near Montrose & Central Park.
CTA Trip Planner:
https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
🚗 Parking:
Halle's street is permit parking only.
She has a limited number of guest parking permits available on a first-come, first-served basis. We like to save it for those with mobility issues.
If available, pull up in front of the house and check with Halle.
Otherwise, parking is generally available on Montrose and nearby side streets within a block or two.
Northwest Side parking is usually pretty manageable.***
📱 QUESTIONS OR RUNNING LATE?
Call or text Giovina:
312.835.4259***
⚠️ NO-SHOW POLICY
✔️ Please keep your RSVP updated.
✔️ RSVP changes close at the event start time.
✔️ If you're running late, contact the host directly.
✔️ Check in with the host when you arrive.
❌ 3 no-shows without updating your RSVP = 3-month RSVP restriction.
🚫 Continual no-shows may result in removal from the group.***
🌭🍔🍉🇺🇸 Grab your favorite dish, your favorite beverage, and your holiday spirit, and join us for a fun-filled Independence Day celebration with friends old and new. Let's eat, laugh, and toast to summer under the stars!
34 attendees
🏡👻 Bungalows, Bells & Cemetery Spells — West Portage Park Uncovered! 🌳
5400 Irving Park Rd · Chicago, IL, 5400 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL, US🏡👻 Bungalows, Bells & Cemetery Spells — West Portage Park Uncovered! 🌳
✨ "Discover the history, homes, and hidden gems of Portage Park's west side!" ✨
🌳 Continue exploring one of Chicago's most charming and overlooked neighborhoods on this guided walking tour through West Portage Park! Beginning near the southeast corner of Portage Park, we'll stroll past classic Chicago bungalows, beautiful churches, neighborhood parks, the iconic Patio Theater, historic schools, and even one of the Northwest Side's oldest cemeteries. 🏡
Along the way, you'll uncover stories of immigrant communities, early suburban development, forgotten institutions, neighborhood transformation, and the fascinating history that helped shape Chicago's beloved Bungalow Belt. From movie palaces to cemeteries, every stop has a story to tell! 💫
Come walk, learn, and enjoy a beautiful summer morning — the perfect way to explore the city, connect with fellow curious Chicagoans, and experience the Northwest Side through fresh eyes. 🌇
🎤 Led by your passionate, ever-curious guide (that's me!) — perfect for architecture lovers, local history buffs, urban explorers, and anyone who enjoys being a tourist in their own city! 😊
***
📍 LOGISTICS
🗓️ Sunday, July 5, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM (approx.)
📍 Start: Southeast corner of Portage Park, 4100 N. Long Ave.
🏁 End: Mount Olive Cemetery, 3800 N. Narragansett Ave.
👟 Distance: Approx. 2.2 miles
⚠️ Tour ends approximately 1.4 miles from the starting point — please plan parking accordingly!***
✨ ABOUT THE TOUR
Join us for a special public walking tour of one of Chicago's most underappreciated neighborhoods — Portage Park! This is Part 2 of a two-part Portage Park series, with this walk exploring the neighborhood's west side.Presented in collaboration with Chicago for Chicagoans, a local nonprofit dedicated to educating residents about their own communities, this walk is open to the public — Meetup members, friends, and newcomers are all welcome!
💸 Pay-What-You-Can (donations collected at the end per nonprofit policy)
🎟️ Registration required to attend:
👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/portage-park-west-walking-tour-registration-1987362387399***
🌿 TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
🏡 Beautiful bungalow-lined streets in Chicago's famous Bungalow Belt
🎬 The historic Patio Theater movie palace
⛪ Historic churches, schools & neighborhood institutions
🌳 Peaceful parks & the former Cook County Poorhouse site
👻 Century-old cemeteries and fascinating local legends
📎 Hidden gems, neighborhood lore & surprising stories
📸 Plenty of Insta-worthy architecture and classic Northwest Side charm
👥 Meet fellow Chicagoans, history lovers, and curious explorers along the way!***
🗺️ ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS (stops subject to change)
🌳 Portage Park
🏛️ Portage Park Field House & Senior Center
🏊♀️ Portage Park Swimming Pool
🐕 Portage Park Natatorium & Dog Park
⛪ St. Mary's Romanian Orthodox Church
🍕 Biagio Banquets & Suparossa
🏫 Lutheran General High School
🏡 Bungalow Belt along Berteau Avenue
🎓 Martin Luther College & Martin Luther Subdivision
⛪ Polish Jesuit Church & Former Moose Lodge
🍔 BrgrBelly
🛣️ Austin & Irving
🏦 West Irving State Bank
🎬 Patio Theater
☕ Perkolator
📚 Austin-Irving Branch, Chicago Public Library
🏛️ Aid for Women (former convent for St. Pascal Parish)
🏫 Pope Francis Global Academy
⛪ St. Pascal Church
🌳 Merrimac Park
⚰️ Mount Olive Cemetery
🛶 Chicagoland Canoe Base
🏥 Former Cook County Hospital, Insane Asylum & Poorhouse
✨ Plus plenty of unexpected stories, neighborhood lore, architectural details, and hidden gems tucked between the stops!***
📜 WHY PORTAGE PARK?
Named for the ancient Native American portage route connecting the Des Plaines and Chicago Rivers, Portage Park has long served as a crossroads of transportation, immigration, and community life. As development expanded westward during the early 20th century, the neighborhood became one of Chicago's premier bungalow communities, attracting generations of working- and middle-class families seeking beautiful homes and vibrant neighborhood life.West Portage Park offers a fascinating mix of architectural styles, historic churches, neighborhood theaters, parks, and cemeteries that reflect more than a century of Chicago history. From the grandeur of the Patio Theater to the quiet beauty of Mount Olive Cemetery, this walk explores a side of Portage Park that many lifelong Chicagoans have never discovered. 🏡🌳
The neighborhood is also home to several beloved landmarks, including the historic Patio Theater 🎬, Portage Park Pool 🏊♀️ (host of the 1959 Pan-American Games and the 1972 U.S. Olympic Swim Trials), Merrimac Park, beautiful churches, and some of the Northwest Side's finest examples of classic Chicago bungalow architecture.
***
💟 WHAT TO BRING
👟 Comfortable walking shoes
💧 Water bottle
🧥 Weather-appropriate attire***
🍽️ OPTIONAL POST-WALK MEETUP
Join us afterward for a casual meal at Jolly Inn Restaurant — everyone is welcome! 🍽️😊
🌐 http://jollyinn.com/restaurant.aspx***
🤝 ABOUT CHICAGO FOR CHICAGOANS
Founded in 2016 by Patti Swanson, Chicago for Chicagoans is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit using pay-what-you-can tours to connect residents with their city.
🌐 https://www.chicagoforchicagoans.org/
💖 Donations help support accessible, community-based learning experiences.***
🚇 GETTING THERE
🚇 CTA Trip Planner: https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
🚗 Metered parking is available nearby, with additional free side-street parking (watch for permit signs).
⚠️ Remember: the tour ends approximately 1.4 miles from the starting point, so plan accordingly.***
📌 RSVP & ATTENDANCE POLICY
✅ Keep your RSVP up to date
⏰ Update before the event start time if plans change
🚫 Repeated no-shows may result in removal from the group***
Can't wait to continue exploring my neighborhood and share even more of the stories, architecture, and hidden history that make Portage Park so special! ✨🏡🌳
— Giovina1 attendee
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