What's Happening in West Town
April 2022

A monthly round-up of neighborhood business events & news!
The West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce releases TWO monthly newsletters to stay connected to our residents, local businesses, and other neighborhood organizations. We send out "What's Happening in West Town" to all of our neighborhood partners to ensure timely communication for neighborhood happenings and business events. We also offer another Chamber member exclusive newsletter including meetings and Chamber programs. If you would like to receive the Chamber Member's monthly newsletter, we encourage you to join the Chamber by clicking here.

Don't miss out on any information or neighborhood events! Be sure to click "view entire message" at the bottom of the newsletter in email browsers to view the full newsletter.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Arts & Entertainment
Food & Beverage
Retail & Community
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Weinberg/Newton Gallery
688 N. Milwaukee Ave., Suite 101
Human/Nature Family Day
April 2 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Explore Human/Nature, learn about climate change issues, and create art inspired by the exhibition. Hands-on art making activities are for all ages and include: embroidered patches designed by exhibiting artist Karen Reimer, buttons, beaded message bracelets, and more. Visitors are invited to work on these activities with our education team in our program space or take an embroidery kit home. Family workshops are free with all materials provided, open to the public, and do not require a reservation. We look forward to welcoming you to our gallery.
Pose Cultural Art Gallery
2136 W. Chicago Ave.
The Rebirth Exhibit
April 3 from 2 to 5 p.m.

The Circle of Life is a collection inspired by local artists to welcome the Bloom of Spring. Tickets available here.
Rhona Hoffman Gallery
1711 W. Chicago Ave.
Martha Tuttle: An ear, a hand, a mouth, an offering, an angel
On view through April 16

Stop by to view Martha Tuttle’s third solo exhibition of new paintings and sculptures entitled An ear, a hand, a mouth, an offering, an angel. Tuttle’s beautiful and ethereal woven paintings are composed of painted and colored silk organza, hand-spun wool, and sewn fabrics. The materials are often translucent, exposing the metal stretcher bars and their tensioning hardware. The sheer surfaces reveal the architecture of the textiles’ support system, grounding the work as distinctly human-made. The visible bars further serve to identify the work as part of the tradition and history of painting.

Michael Rakowitz: The Monument, The Monster, and The Maquette
April 22 through June 4

Michael Rakowitz (b. 1973, Long Island, NY) is an Iraqi-American artist working at the intersection of problem-solving and troublemaking. His work has appeared in venues worldwide including dOCUMENTA (13), P.S.1, MoMA, MassMOCA, Castello di Rivoli Museo d’Arte Contemporanea, Palais de Tokyo, the 16th Biennale of Sydney, the 10th and 14th Istanbul Biennials, Sharjah Biennial 8, Tirana Biennale, National Design Triennial at the Cooper-Hewitt, Transmediale 05, FRONT Triennial in Cleveland, and CURRENT: LA Public Art Triennial.
Western Exhibitions
1709 W. Chicago Ave.
Lilli Carré: Arrangement in the Steps of a Horse
On view through April 23

For her fourth solo show at Western Exhibitions, Arrangement in the Steps of a Horse, Lilli Carré presents a new body of work that revolves around the pivot movement of the knight’s piece in chess. The exhibition title is derived from a 9th century description of the Knight’s Tour, a classic chess problem in which the knight visits each square exactly once.

Figures, Grounds
On view through April 23

Western Exhibitions is thrilled to present Figures, Grounds, with work from Dan Attoe, Elijah Burgher, Julia Schmitt Healy, Leasho Johnson, Robyn O’Neil, Lauren Roche, and Frances Waite. Whether viewing them as landscapes with figures or as figures in landscapes, the bodies in this show beg you to ask their origin story: Where did they come from? Why are they where they are? Where do they want to be? Is this their end or the beginning? Why are we here and for how long?

Extended Gallery Hours During EXPO
April 8

The gallery will be open late on Friday, April 8 as part of EXPO Chicago’s Art After Hours program, until 8 p.m.
Catherine Edelman Gallery
1637 W. Chicago Ave.
Clarissa Bonet: Chasing Light
On view through May 21

The concept of place, and our relationship to it, is at the heart of Clarissa Bonet’s work, who was born and raised in Tampa, Florida – a coastal port city known for its amazing climate, sports teams, national defense outposts, and healthcare businesses. In 2010, Bonet moved to Chicago to attend graduate school at Columbia College Chicago. She immediately noticed the density of the city, its people, and its traffic. As she wandered the city, she was stunned by the isolation she felt among the throngs of people rushing along the sidewalks.
Volume Gallery
1709 W. Chicago Ave.
Françoise Grossen
Through April 23

Volume Gallery is delighted to announce a solo exhibition of work from the 1970s and 80s by celebrated fiber artist Françoise Grossen opening March 5, 2022. The Swiss-American artist is considered one of the most innovative textile artists of her generation. Best known for her momentous hanging works of knotted rope, Grossen’s experimental use of uncomplicated braiding and plaiting techniques broke with many conventions. Part of a movement elevating craft in 1960s and 70s New York, Grossen moved away from the rectangle, the loom, the wall, and fine materials by knotting her monumental forms by hand with commonplace rope and suspending them from the ceiling.

Aranda\Lasch with Terrol Dew Johnson: Bundling
April 30 through June 18

Designers and architects Aranda\Lasch have collaborated with basket weaver Terrol Dew Johnson of the Tohono O’odham Nation for over a decade, connecting the weaving practices of Native American tradition with contemporary design. Their collaboration stems from the similarity between the algorithmic techniques used in computer-generated design and the repetition and ciphering in Tohono O’odham basket weaving. Their woven constructions often push the limits of the form, using desert materials to form extended, open coils of material, unique sculptural forms, and fans of hair and branches.
ARC Gallery & Educational Foundation
1463 W. Chicago Ave.
EPILOGUE
Opening Reception, Friday, April 1, 5-8 p.m.
Exhibition dates: On view through April 23

Epilogue is a group-exhibition displaying select pieces by seven graduate-candidate students finishing their final semester at Northern Illinois University. Artists Ina Murphy, Marco Camacho, Marisol Cervantes, Nicholas Phan, Shinan Wu, Sixing Qi, and Zoë Couvillion are showcasing a variety of printmaking mediums, ceramic vessels, sculptures, paintings, and new-media works. The show is a culmination of the craftsmanship and conceptual growth gathered over the course of their three-year scholarship, and is an exciting springboard into their newfound artistic careers.
Aaron Gang Photography
1016 N. Ashland Ave.
Easter and Passover Family Mini Sessions
Book now for April 17

Take advantage of your family get together to get a stunning portrait. Book here.
LATITUDE Chicago
1821 W. Hubbard St., Suite 207
Camera Clinic
April 19 from 5-6 p.m.

Do you have questions about how to load film in your camera? Tired of watching youtube videos and want live feedback? Come to our Camera Clinic! This month our Executive Director Colleen Keihm will be available at the lab on April 19th to answer your questions. This event is free of charge!
FOOD & BEVERAGE
West Town Bakery
1916 W. Chicago Ave.
Order Your Easter Pastries from West Town Bakery!
April 1 through 17

Hop on over to West Town Bakery this month for your Easter pastries, or pre-order for pickup on westtownbakery.com!

Easter Bunny Brunch at West Town Bakery
April 10 from 11 a.m. to noon

The Easter Bunny will be making an appearance at West Town Bakery on Sunday, April 10 from 11 a.m. to noon! Come in your Sunday best and get your photo taken with the bunny before Easter!
On Tour Brewing
1725 W. Hubbard St.
NYC’s "The Village Idiot" April Fool’s Day Comedy Show at On Tour!
April 1
Doors at 8:30 p.m.; Show at 9 p.m.
Tickets, $10

The Village Idiot Comedy Show is hands down the best bar comedy show in NYC and Presents THE GREATEST comedians from HBO, Netflix, Comedy Central, and Late Night. The Village Idiot mixed with the best brewery in Chicago? You'd be an IDIOT not to come! April Fool's Day will be truly foolish with some of the best NYC and Chicago comedians bringing the laughs together over some delicious craft brews. Tickets are available here.

Grateful Dead Wednesdays
Wednesday, April 6, 13, 20 & 27

Every Wednesday, we’re celebrating the Dead through live music, movie nights and plenty of great beer. Each week, you can catch a rotating cast of Chicago’s finest musicians or a stream of a full GD concert from 6-9 p.m. Come on out and join us. You’ll be glad you did.
Azul
1177 N. Elston Ave.
Azul x Chicago Restaurant Week
Through April 10

Azul is excited to participate in Chicago Restaurant Week and will be offering brunch, vegan dinner and dinner prix fixe menus. The brunch menu is 2 courses for $25, vegan dinner menu is 3 courses for $39 and the dinner menu is $55 for 3 courses. For reservations, please visit azulmariscos.com.

Azul Brunch Club
Weekends from noon to 4 p.m.

Azul Brunch Club is available Saturdays & Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. The food offerings include Chilaquiles, Churro French Toast and Steak & Eggs. Beverages include Micheleda's, Mimosa Kits and Mexican Hot Chocolate.
Roots Pizza
1924 W. Chicago Ave.
Easter Bunny Lunch
April 10

Join the Easter Bunny for lunch at Roots Pizza on Sunday, April 10 from 12:30-1:30 p.m.! He will be on site to take photos with families - Make sure to book your table to guarantee a seat!

Pizza School
April 14

Master the art of creating your very own Quad Cities Style Pizza with a guided class from our Roots Pizza dough tossin' pros! Our Next class is on Thursday, April 14, 7-9 p.m. get your tickets here.
RETAIL & COMMUNITY
Start the Season
April 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at On Tour Brewing

Every spring, Dare2tri rings in the triathlon season with a kickoff party known as Start the Season.
Traditionally held at On Tour Brewing Company in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood, this family friendly event unites the paratri community with a street fest style celebration. Festivities include an optional 5K fun run, raffles, food, drinks and live music. All proceeds go toward providing opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities and visual impairments by covering the costs of camps, equipment, and transportation.
Nina Chicago
1256 W. Chicago Ave.
Summer Sewing Camp Registration Open
Registration will be taken all month long

Summer Sewing Camp for kids is now available at our shop! This camp is for children ages 9+ who would like to learn how to machine sew. Weekly sessions begin on June 20 and will continue all summer through August. Beginners are welcome!
West Town Chicago Public Library
1625 W. Chicago Ave.
Spanish Book Club/La Esquina de Lectores Presente: Gente Ansiosa de Fredrik Backman
April 23 at 11 a.m.

Join the Spanish Book Club, La Esquina de Lectores to discuss Gente Ansiosa (Anxious People) by Fredrik Backman.

Book & Your Brew Discusses: Wild Game by Adrienne Brodeur
April 28 at 6:30 p.m.

Join the West Town Branch for a discussion of Wild Game: My Mother Her Secret and Me by Adrienne Brodeur.
The Commercial Park Advisory Council
1845 W. Rice St.
Egg Hunt at Commercial Park
April 9

The Commercial Park Advisory Council is happy to welcome back our Annual Egg Hunt at Commercial Park! We will have three separate "hunt" times: 10 a.m. for kids 2 and under; 10:30 a.m. for kids 3-5; and 11 a.m. for kids 6 and up. Bring a basket!
City Children's Academy
777 N. Green St.
City Children's Academy Open House
April 23

Please join the fun and visit our Open House! We offer full and part time programs for children between the ages of 6 weeks through 6 years old. We provide a structured, balanced curriculum that embraces the whole child, respecting the individual learning styles of each student and holding to the highest standards in childcare and education.
Warehouse 55
1367 W. Chicago Ave.
Warehouse 55's One Year Anniversary
April 23

Warehouse 55 is so excited to be celebrating their FIRST Birthday at the Chicago location on Grand Avenue! The year has flown by and we could not be more thankful to our new community in West Town and all our faithful customers for an amazing first year in business. Come celebrate with us on Saturday, April 23. You can look forward to raffles, treats and more!
One Strange Bird
2124 W. Division St.
Baby Bird Story Book Art Classes, Spring Break and Summer Camps!
Wednesdays and Sundays from 10-11 a.m.

Starting April 6 to 10 we will be offering Spring Break Art Camp for children 4-11 years old. You can choose from half day AM/PM or full day starting from $60 per day. Let your kids express their creativity while you enjoy some time to yourself during KIDS CRAFT SATURDAYS. Pick up a seasonal craft box with five different crafts! Sign up for our weekly Baby Bird Story Book Art Class for Ages 0-4!

Seasonal Craft Boxes
Monthly

Each month we feature an adorably portable craft box with five different crafts for you and your little ones to enjoy. We offer two variations, one for ages 0-4 then one for ages 4-10. Our next craft boxes will feature Easter, then Mother's Day crafts. Craft Boxes can be purchased online or in store, then picked up or delivered.
Creative Coworking
1407 W. Chicago Ave.
Buy 3 Months, Get 3 Months!
Through 2022

Creative Coworking West Town is open for business! With 15 private offices to choose from, as well as reserved desk options, this location has a vibe all its own. Rent a desk or office for 3 months…and get 3 months FREE!
Playcation
1367 W. Haddon Ave.
Playcare and Children's Birthday Parties

Pay by the hour playcare, open play & Children’s Birthday party rental. Reservation required, book online at playcationllc.com.
For the latest updates on What's Happening in West Town, check out our calendar!
West Town Chamber of Commerce | 1819 W. Chicago Ave. Chicago IL 60622 | [email protected] | www.westtownchamber.org