Ravenswood ArtWalk Expects Biggest Year Ever – Over 300 Artists and Businesses Showing

Oct. 2 and 3, 11 am to 5 pm

During a time when a number of Chicago art walks are folding, the Ravenswood ArtWalk is stronger than ever.  More than 300 artists will show their work at the 9th annual ArtWalk and the “Tour of Arts & Industry.” It kicks off with an opening reception on Oct. 1 and then runs Oct. 2 and 3 along the Ravenswood Corridor in the North Center and Ravenswood neighborhoods.

“We’re excited to see the unparalleled growth of the Ravenswood ArtWalk. Our neighborhood event is now one of the premier art walks in the city. We’re proud to showcase such a diverse group of artists and businesses in our historic Ravenswood Corridor,” said Alderman Gene Schulter, 47th Ward.
The ArtWalk is free, thanks to support from dozens of neighborhood  businesses and a strong donor base.  Besides featuring the work of 300 visual artists, it also includes music, food vendors, kid activities and live graffiti wall (#30 venue).

 Mimi’s Organic Exchange (MOE) is collaborating at 2 locations (See Below for more info on artists, businesses and performances): Healing Mecca Center (Montrose Green # 37 venue ) will be an outdoor local market of information, products and services located at 1819 W. Montrose.  Stop by Metropolitan Brewing (#23 venue) for eco-sustainable art, beer, music, kids show and readings (Saturday only 12pm-3pm) and Green Urban Living Lecture (Sunday only 2pm) located at 5121 N. Ravenswood.  Both are easily accessible by train, bus, walk, bike or trolley.
“There’s something for everyone, and the event is free. Step for step, it’s the best artistic value in the city,” said Laura Engel, President RAW.

 A list of attractions is below.  For more information on ArtWalk and the “Tour of Arts & Industry” call 773-883-8858 or visit ArtWalk’s website at www.ravenswoodartwalk.org . Become a fan of ArtWalk on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RAWchicago.

*Opening Reception Awards Ceremony will honor John Wertymer, owner of the Cornelia Arts Building and Bau Graves of Old Town School Of Music. The Awards Ceremony is Friday, Oct. 1 at 4011 N. Ravenswood Ave., 7 to 10 p.m. Performances:DJ Limbs and Tarot Readings by Angelynx

*Central Gallery – Central Gallery will feature one work from each participating artist. Performances: DJ Limbs throughout the weekend & Saturday 3pm Borderland. The gallery is at 4021 N. Ravenswood Ave. (stop #1 on our map).

* Street Gallery and Live Graffiti #30– This outdoor gallery features larger works by RAW artists and showcases graffiti artists working on location at 4540 N. Ravenswood Ave. Performances:  Saturday 12:30pm Four Star Brass Band & Sunday 3:30pm Courtezan

*Kids Gallery #20 – Ravenswood Elementary School is hosting this year’s kids’ activity area with live music, craft projects and more. The Kids Gallery will be located at 4619 N. Ravenswood Ave. Performances:  kids storytime and activities Saturday featuring local author/illustrator Alexandra Gnoske with "Loui Saves the Earth," reading and signing books at the Kids Gallery AND Metropolitan Brewery at 1pm Saturday

 The Raven Project #38–A multi-artist project that features each artist’s unique interpretation of The Raven. The Raven Project will be on display at 4226 N. Ravenswood Ave. located in the Ravenswood Health Center.

 *Old Town School Of Music Stage #5– Five live outdoor performances showcasing the diverse talent of Old Town School Of Music teachers and students will be at 4147 N. Ravenswood Ave. on Saturday at noon.

Lillstreet Art Center #10- Celebrating its 35th anniversary, will offer demonstrations and hands-on workshops for adults and children during its fall open house at 4401 N. Ravenswood Ave.

*Performance Artists – Through out the ArtWalk, musicians, puppeteers, dancers, swordsmen, comedians, spoken word , children’s shows and readings will perform at a variety of locations. You can find a performance listing in the special event section of our map. Catch the Puppetbike Show (great amusement for all ages) at 1806 W. Cuyler #46.  Ongoing Drop In:  Spirit Rising #49 will be teaching “3 MINUTES TO INNER PEACE” a meditation for a calm heart. Gong Bath Saturday and Sunday: 12pm, 2pm and 4pm.  Enjoy the architecture and garden at Beyond Design #13: Saturday 1pm & 4pm Belmondos and Sunday 2pm Pet Robot.  Full RAW Performance Schedule can be found at www.ravenswoodartwalk.org

Architectural Trolley Tour – a free trolley will run continuously throughout the weekend. A representative from Ravenswood Lakeview Historical Society will be on board to highlight the historical and architectural significance of buildings along the Ravenswood Corridor.

Outdoor Food Vendors -- Local restaurants will be strategically placed to keep guests refreshed as they tour more than 50 venues along the corridor.

*Satellite Venues – In addition to the 50 venues located along the trolley route, we will have two satellite venues, including the Cornelia Arts Building featuring more than 30 open artists studios at 1800 W. Cornelia.  Plus, the Metropolitan Brewery has teamed up with Mimi’s Organic Exchange, Living Room Gallery and  Koval Distillery to host artists in a one of a kind gallery experience at 5121 N. Ravenswood Ave.

The mission of Ravenswood ArtWalk (ArtWalk) is to generate community investment in the artistic, industrial and historic importance of Ravenswood and to raise awareness for the unique hub of creative practices that exists in the neighborhood. The first ArtWalk took place in 2002 when Judith Roth, President of Chicago Women’s Caucus for Art, sought to involve her community in the celebration of Chicago Artists Month. In 2006, ArtWalk became an official 501c3 non-profit corporation. Thanks to the sustained growth and outpouring of community members, ArtWalk is the official kickoff to Chicago Artists Month.

Let There Be Peace On Earth

International Day of Peace 2010

Two weeks ago I attended my children's first mass of the school year. The theme for this year is "Peace" and the whole student body sang "Let there be Peace on Earth" during mass.

At the same time I learned about International Peace day or World Peace Day (Peace Day). Don't ask me how all these years have gone by and I never knew about it! It was established in 1981 by the United Nations to coincide with the opening of the General Assembly.

Peace Day is now celebrated on September 21st every year. Many events take place around the world on this day. It is an opportunity for everyone to practice peace on the same day. It is also a day of cease fire that many countries observe.

"Peace is one of humanity's most precious needs. It is also the United Nations' highest calling." -U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon

You can go to the International Day of Peace website to find out about events in your area and find out how to plan your own event.

I plan on sitting in silence for an hour in nature, focusing on peace.

Here are some events happening in Chicago.

Prayers for Peace and Peace Pole Dedication
1545 W. Morse Ave
Chicago, Illinois, United States

International Aiki Peace week.
5020 south lakeshore, TOP
chicago, Illinois, United States

Launch of Peace Cities
70 E Lake Street, Suite 205
Chicago, Illinois, United States

Arms Down!
Augustana Lutheran Church of Hyde Park, 5500 S. Woodlawn Ave.
Chicago, Illinois, United States

I hope you are able to take some time out on Tuesday, September 21st and join millions of people around the world in celebrating peace.




Wishing you Peace!

Three Simple Ways to Create a Greener Halloween

Want to put some green in your child's Halloween this year? All the candy and plastic getting you down? Here are three simple tips to making this year's Halloween a Greener Holiday.

1. Greener Costumes.

Okay, you don't sew. Neither do I. But I really don't like those plastic, polyester costumes at the store either. Depending on how old your child is, a great place to look for costumes is Good Will or any second hand store. Not only do some stores actually have old costumes and dress up clothes, you can find some great home made costumes too.

If your child is a little older and wants to participate in the creation (like my eldest - 8), they can take different pieces to create something new: a punk rocker, zombie bride, hobo, clown, you name it! Don't forget Free Cycle online, a great resource for just about anything, including costumes.

And please don't get traditional costume make up. Make up is so poorly regulated and can have so many toxic chemicals, even heavy metals, in them. If you are looking for toxic free make up the best source is The Environmental Working Group, and their cosmetics database; an excellent organization, always looking out for your health and safety.

2. Green Halloween Party!

This is a great year for a Green Halloween party. Not only is Halloween on the weekend (perfect time for a party), but you can actually bake or buy great treats that you can't hand out to trick or treaters. I love caramel apples, but that's not something you can get into a Halloween bag. At your Halloween party you can slice organic apples and pour melted caramel over them for a great treat. And apple cider - yum! So many great treats.

And get rid of all the plastic! You can easily buy recycled brown paper bags (or cute cloth bags) and include special treats. I personally love decorating with streamers because they are made from paper that I can recycle or compost! Paper decorations are always a better choice. Best of all, save your decorations for next year. Reusing is the best option.

The best source for planning a green halloween party is www.GreenHalloween.org.

3. Greener Candy?

Greener Candy? Is it possible? Where do you get it? Well, it all depends. You can be thinking of healthier candy, i.e. those without high fructose corn syrup, organic candy, like the Organic Trick or Treat Candy Mix at the NaturalCandyStore.com, or you can be thinking of fair trade chocolates. In any case you can find all that good stuff at The Natural Candy Store online. You can always shop at your local store, because many more places will have organic and fair trade items now in days. However, the selection may be lacking. Online is best if you are short on time and want the biggest selection.

You can also look online for local candy stores and call ahead to find out what they offer. It's always greener to shop locally.

Finally, don't forget to have fun! Having a Greener Halloween just takes a little planning. But once you start, it gets easier and easier as it becomes a habit. In the future you will be full of so many great ideas you will be writing your own blog! Remember to share your old costumes too. See, now I've got you thinking!

Safe Chemicals Act

I just watched the video "10 Americans" on the Environmental Working Group Org's website.

Please watch the video! You can find it on the website. Help us all by supporting ewg in their effort to get Congress to pass the Safe Chemical Act.

The Number One Way Kids will Help Planet Earth

We all know that our kids are our future. And we want their future to be bright, promising and full of hope. We also want them to have a healthy planet!

How can kids unsure they will have a bright green future on Planet Earth?

HABITS! HABITS! HABITS! More importantly, GREEN HABITS!

We should be teaching our kids environmentally responsible habits. That's what will keep our civilization moving forward towards a brighter future.

It's the everyday little things that add up to a big deal for us here on Planet Earth. One person can save 8 gallons of water a day when they turn off the water while brushing their teeth! There are over 307 million people in the United States. That's a lot of water, not to mention energy saved that's needed to get that water into your sink.

Not only is it water, it's turning off lights, changing to CFL bulbs, recycling (recycling aluminum is 95% efficient), finding other sources beyond plastic for our daily needs, reducing our waste, composting, choosing organic.

It is a long list, but if it is what's normal, if it is a habit for our kids, it becomes so simple!

Develop those habits early! You are your childs first and best teacher. You may have a lot of habits to break, but make it easy on your kids, teach them to be environmentally responsible from the start and our future civilization will thank you.

For more ideas on how to Green your Family, visit The Green Mama.