The Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph, Michigan, is set to host an exhibition titled “Hull-House Artists in Chicago and Beyond” from August 2 to September 28. Curated by Michael R. Hill, Ph.D., the exhibition showcases works spanning from the late 18th to the mid-20th century. The featured artworks include a diverse range of items such as artist-illustrated books, jewelry, and functional art, illustrating the profound impact of community art centers.
In other news, Ziba Rajabi, a Minnesota-based Iranian artist, has received the inaugural DAG Prize for Visual Arts. This $20,000 award will allow her to explore themes of collective grief rooted in Persian mythical history. The DAG Foundation announced the award on July 22.
Akris has opened a new flagship store in Chicago’s Gold Coast, designed in collaboration with David Chipperfield Architects. This 3,500-square-foot retail space features a blend of modern and historical architecture, enhancing the classic red-brick building’s aesthetic.
Chicago’s architecture community recently recognized Jess Myers with the 2025 SAH | Places | Graham Foundation Prize on Race and the Built Environment. This prestigious award is aimed at fostering original public scholarship related to the intersections of race and architecture.
Meanwhile, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has awarded grants to numerous cultural sites across the country, including the First Church of Deliverance, a historically significant Black church in Chicago. The church will receive $150,000 for preservation efforts, further emphasizing the importance of preserving African American history.
On the dining front, a new restaurant called Sho, which specializes in omakase, will open in Old Town. This establishment is brought to life by the families behind Kamehachi and Yoshi’s Cafe, two iconic names in Chicago’s Japanese culinary landscape. Chef Mari Katsumura will showcase her expertise through a six- to eight-course omakase menu, priced around $145, beginning on August 12.
In more culinary news, former President Obama reiterated his longstanding aversion to ketchup on hot dogs during a recent podcast episode. He argued that ketchup should be reserved for children, marking an interesting intersection of food culture and Chicago lore.
The Violet Hour, a beloved cocktail bar, is celebrating its legacy by reviving three classic cocktails crafted by former mixologist Aneka Saxon. The featured drinks include unique ingredients such as local vodka and exotic herbs, available throughout August.
While Chicago may not be universally recognized for barbecue, local pitmasters are redefining the city’s ‘cue scene. Soul & Smoke’s Heather Bublick highlighted Chicago’s unique history with meatpacking, noting how the city has crafted its own distinct barbecue style.
Atelier, a Michelin-starred restaurant, closed its Lincoln Square location recently, but it continues to connect with its audience through social media updates reflecting on its final days.
On the fast food front, McDonald’s is testing new beverage options inspired by its previously launched CosMc’s brand, amid the closure of its drive-through stores. The trial will run in over 500 restaurants across Wisconsin and Colorado.
Geja’s Cafe is joining the trend of inventive pizza offerings with its pizza fondue, a unique dish created to celebrate the restaurant’s 60th anniversary. The recipe utilizes flavors from a famous local pizzeria to create a nostalgic dining experience.
Switching to film and television, the box office industry is projected to take until 2030 to recover to pre-pandemic revenue levels, according to a report by PwC, indicating a slow return for theaters globally.
In a nonprofit initiative, the Chicago International Film Festival is hosting a trivia fundraiser, aptly named “Genre Jam: A Summer Trivia Fundraiser,” to support its mission in the arts community.
The iconic animated series “South Park” has returned for its 27th season, tackling current issues such as censorship and social commentary, including a satirical take on Donald Trump.
Author Daniel Kraus shared insights about his writing process, emphasizing the importance of linguistic creativity during a recent podcast episode.
Laura Gilpin’s work, particularly her poem “The Two-Headed Calf,” raises intriguing questions about her legacy and the nature of creative expression, as discussed in a recent Poetry magazine feature.
In media, layoffs across public media networks are increasing, fueled by recent federal funding cuts, as organizations grapple with financial instability, including notable workforce reductions at PBS stations and GBH.
On another note, Skydance has promised to implement a “bias” czar at CBS News following its intended acquisition of Paramount Global, vowing to review journalistic integrity within the network.
Addressing intellectual property laws, President Donald Trump announced that AI development will not be burdened by copyright laws, emphasizing the need for the United States to remain competitive in technology against nations with lax IP protections.
The Nexus Chamber Music Festival is launching its eighth season at Guarneri Hall, focusing on contemporary and rarely performed musical works to engage audiences deeply.
Celebrating the legacy of musician Charles Stepney, his daughters have taken initiatives to highlight his contributions to the Chicago soul music scene. Their efforts include a new album featuring unreleased tracks from his extensive catalog.
Rapper Ju-Blick is marking a significant milestone by releasing his first full-length album after a fifteen-year hiatus, accompanied by a launch party event.
The Joffrey Ballet has announced the extension of its residency at the Lyric Opera of Chicago for an additional seven years. The company has also seen successful ticket sales for its recent production, ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,’ which grossed nearly $2.7 million.
The Den Theatre is mourning the loss of Ron Wells, a founding member and chief of operations, with plans for a public Celebration of Life to honor his contributions.
Broadway star Ana Gasteyer is set to headline the Auditorium’s Annual Gala, alongside the presentation of prestigious awards to two prominent figures in the arts community.
Additionally, See Chicago Dance is celebrating its twentieth anniversary with a fundraiser, acknowledging key individuals for their contributions to the dance scene in Chicago.
Leslie Uggams will also be honored at Porchlight Music Theatre’s Icons Gala, underscoring the importance of contributions to the performing arts.
Lastly, the University of Chicago’s Arts & Humanities Division is undergoing a significant restructuring in response to financial challenges, with potential impacts on academic programs on the horizon.
Meanwhile, NASCAR is looking to reintroduce racing at the Chicagoland Speedway, while Wrigley Field is projected to host the 2027 MLB All-Star Game, signifying exciting developments in Chicago’s sporting landscape.
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