I Am Logan Square

Logan Square: I'm Lovin' It. V DAY STYLE!

2012-02-08T20:16:00.002-06:00

Ok, just to clear up the air, right away, there ARE other places in Logan Square to take your Valentines date other than McDonalds. Unless you you have a cruel sense of humor. But if your sense of humor is that similar to mine, then your Valentines will probably shaping up to look a lot like my xmas... Best. Christmas. Ever. ©W. Tanner Young 2011 But, if you want to get all sappy and mushy,

Uncharted Books joins the Logan Square community

2012-02-01T22:56:00.000-06:00

Uncharted Books owner, Tanner McSwain. © W. Tanner Young 2012 In 2011 we witnessed the demise of big-box behemoth, Borders. The economy remained cautious, and unemployment numbers didn't fall nearly as fast as everyone had hoped they would. Yet in this unstable world, one Chicago resident saw opportunity. After plenty of research, many hours spent doing physical labor, and some help from

IALS's own shows at the Boiler Room

2012-01-29T01:16:00.000-06:00

If you've been to the Boiler Room, then you're probably familiar with their PB&J special. But what about their PB&A? sure you are! Pizza, Beer & Art! I refuse to say PBArt...except for right there. Anywho, theres no way you could miss the giant Wall o' Art in the back (not to be confused with the Wall o' Butts in the mens bathroom...). If you havent noticed it, then you've probably never been to

This month--we are all about film!

2012-01-26T09:49:00.002-06:00

It is the dead of winter-- movies in the parks stopped months ago, the Logan Theatre is undergoing renovations and Netflix on the couch is starting to get a bit old. Well fret not, film-loving folks, because starting next week we are all about film. First and foremost, we are quite excited to announce our February exhibition, Film Is Dead: Edges of The Digital Frame. Film is Dead is a video

Sulzen/Zamudio Art Studio

2012-01-18T10:07:00.000-06:00

Many Logan Square residents who take the blue line know that familiar building off the California stop with the paint palette and brush sign. Inside is the live/work space for painter Julie Sulzen and photographer Dan Zamudio. They often hold art shows displaying their work and also host exhibits during the annual Milwaukee Ave Arts Festival. Currently called the Sulzen Fine Art Studio, they will

Multilingual Chicago Brings Culture and Language to the Square!

2012-01-10T09:47:00.000-06:00

In just two years, the little-language-school-that-could is making headway in the neighborhood that houses and nurtures it. Opened in October 2009 with a staff of four, Multilingual Chicago now employs fifteen people and offers classes in fourteen different languages. For Hilary Hodge, director of operations at Multilingual Chicago, Logan Square is the perfect location for their school. “It’s

Holiday Greetings & Wishes to All Our Friends and Supporters!

2011-12-30T11:28:00.000-06:00

We are fortunate to live in a neighborhood with no shortage of artistic talent and innovation, replete with visual, musical, performing and literary arts and as a supporter of the arts, you understand the meaningful impact they make on our community. To further that impact, IALS provides vital assistance to artists and arts organizations that add so much value to our neighborhood and we depend

New Years Eve and awkward kisses in the Square!

2011-12-29T16:28:00.000-06:00

So much New Years, so little time. wait, that doesnt sound right. So much new year ahead, so little time...left...in this one. Well, poetics aside, technically, I'm correct. So what are your plans to bring in 2012? I mean, aside from champagne(let's be honest, it's just generic sparkling wine) and an awkward kiss with that guy/

Gallery Provocateur: Fostering Decadence

2011-12-22T12:18:00.000-06:00

Christopher Shy, "Origami Ballerina" Gallery Provocateur 2125 N. Rockwell St. When viewing art in a gallery, it is traditional for the gallery to provide a neutral, blank space that will not detract from the art on display. This setting is ideal for clean, crisp works but for exhibitions focusing on more alternative fair, a sterile, sparse gallery would contradict the work to its core.

Good Mood Blues @ Rosa's Lounge

2011-12-14T14:24:00.001-06:00

In the mood for blues? Forget the trek downtown and soak in live tunes and all-round good vibes at Rosa’s Lounge. Living up to its claim as Chicago’s friendliest blues lounge, owner Tony Mangiulla greets the crowd and frequents the stage on drums, while mother, “Mama” Rosa tends behind the bar. The duo recently celebrated their 27th year in Logan Square and shows no signs of slowing down. For

Opening Reception for IALS's first photography exhibition- Snapshot: Inventing the Everyday

2011-12-09T15:50:00.000-06:00

Within the history of photography, it seems that snapshots have existed as an amateurish sub-genre of fine art photography. This aesthetic has been associated with the commonplace, the language of the everyday. Today, in the age of sophisticated camera phones and social media, when families and friends gather around a computer rather than a photo album, some are reconsidering the snapshot’s

Night Roars Cabaret at the Logan Square Arts Center!

2011-12-07T16:43:00.000-06:00

photo © Jacquelyn Peterman A variety event comes to Logan Square at 8 p.m. on December 12th at the brand new Arts Center Logan Square-Avondale. A unique night of performances from a diverse group of Chicago artists, the Night Roars Cabaret is brought to us by Voice of the City and Striding Lion performance group and features 9 different performances. Striding Lion, an 11-year-old company, works

Holidays on the Square!

2011-12-01T10:50:00.000-06:00

Did you shop Small Business Saturday? Good for you! Or maybe you're like me and didn't have a chance to do your due diligence. It's okay. The best neighborhood in town is hosting its first annual Holidays on the Square this Saturday, December 3, where you can not only support small business but feed some dollars into neighborhood shops. Poster by Lily Red Studio So how is this different from a

Girls Rock! at saki record store

2011-11-28T15:08:00.001-06:00

DJ Lady D teaches the girls how to synchronize beats © Brooke Herbert Hayes Unless you have a teenage or pre-teen girl who is an aspiring DJ, you may not have heard about the Girls Rock! event at local record store saki last weekend. But last Sunday, girls ages 7-17 could go and get up close and personal DJ lessons from Girls Rock!, a local non-profit organization "dedicated to fostering

AnySquared Studio Day

2011-11-17T11:28:00.000-06:00

© OTK Photography Looking for a collaborative environment or somewhere to work on projects with the kids? Every week at the AnySquared's Studio Day at their space on Milwaukee Ave, artists and families gather to work on a variety of projects in the unique studio space. Starting two years ago after amassing a collection of various supplies, they started to invite people over to work and it

Dealing With New Demands // Happiness Project // Part II

2011-11-14T10:13:00.000-06:00

At the opening reception for Dealing with New Demands, Jennifer Mills and her art consultant trio engaged in a one-night only performance that encouraged the audience to participate by purchasing art on the spot. The exhibition is part of a larger project called The Happiness Project which is taking place in a variety of art spaces throughout the month of November. Below is a brief interview*

Fall eats and treats in the Square!

2011-11-11T12:52:00.000-06:00

Something about this time of year makes the sweet tooth hyperactive, right? I mean, come on, it’s one thing after the other: the trick-or-treat grab bag, Thanksgiving’s creamy pumpkin pie, holiday cookies covered with sprinkles, figgy pudding. Well, you can satisfy that sweet tooth and so much more during this brief break between holiday engorgements by attending Logan Square Kitchen’s Pastry

Dealing with New Demands

2011-11-08T09:53:00.001-06:00

Art you an artist? Art patron? Are you happy? Wondering if the quality of your life is good? Dealing With New Demands explores these very questions. Curated by Jennifer Mills, this group exhibition is currently on display at The Comfort Station, a gallery and community space located in Logan Square. It is just one component of a much lager program entitled, The Happiness Project curated by Tricia

I Saw You @ Cole's Bar

2011-11-02T15:19:00.001-05:00

I SAW YOU! I Saw You at Cole's Bar, Nov. 4. You were wearing a black band tee, with a flannel button up, i was wearing the same, with chucks. You were funny, i....was watching. © W. Tanner Young 2011 WHAT! oh oh, right, no. really! I Saw You at Coles! Sound like a craigslist ad? Do you secretly read through the missed connections and giggle yourself to sleep? good! So does local comedy troupe

November Art Openings!

2011-10-31T16:10:00.000-05:00

Villains beware…I Am Logan Square is transforming into a comic book gallery this November! IALS will be exhibiting work that was created for or inspired by the premiere of the original play POWERLESS: Issues 1-3 by Mitch Salm and David M. Brent, presented in Logan Square during the Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival. Come out and join us for the opening reception for POWERLESS (A comic book gallery)

Scary Movie Party 8 @ The Whistler!

2011-10-27T10:23:00.000-05:00

ATTN GALS AND GHOULIES: Do you like parties? Do you like scary? And what about movies? Put them all in a shaker and...well I think you see where this lame joke is going. SCARY MOVIE PARTY 8! But what, pray-tell, is a Scary Movie Party, and why is it 8? Glad you asked! In its 8th year, Scary Movie Party is a screening of DIY low(no)-budget films created around the idea of horror. Curated by

Musical of the Living Dead

2011-10-20T17:42:00.002-05:00

© Jacquelyn Peterman With Halloween just around the corner, do you find yourself with a hankerin' for BRAINS? I surely do! Aren't we lucky that The Charnel House is proudly presenting “Musical of the Living Dead” for its sophomore year—right here in Logan Square!If you aren't already familiar with the Charnel House, it's a multi-arts space on Fullerton that actually used to be a funeral home

Industry Night: A Professional Arts Networking Series

2011-10-14T12:38:00.000-05:00

Design by Hannah Rebernick We all know that Logan Square has a vibrant arts scene. The I Am Logan Square events calendar is constantly being updated with arts-related events of all kinds. Now we’ve got another type of event for you to add to your calendar! I Am Logan Square is pleased to announce Industry Night: A Professional Arts Networking Series. Generously sponsored by D’Noche, IALS

Join Curbside Splendor in Celebrating Franki Elliot's Piano Rats!

2011-10-06T12:01:00.004-05:00

Join Logan Square based publisher Curbside Splendor on Saturday, October 15th in celebrating the publication of Franki Elliot’s collection of prose poems, Piano Rats, at Hinge Gallery in Ukrainian Village. Reviews have described Elliot’s collection of 44 poems as raw and Elliot as a writer who does not shy away from winning the hearts of her readers through expletives and honest dialogue. Elliot

Chicago Artists Month and Logan Square Happenings!

2011-09-30T14:23:00.000-05:00

It's October, and do you know what that means?! Yes, it means pumpkin beers, carving contests and making sure your kids don't eat too much candy. But do you know what else it means, specifically in Chicago? Chicago Artists Month! That's right, every October, us Chicago artists take the month to appreciate ourselves, and get the whole city to join in! That doesn't sound too bad, right? What better

Friends of Transit=New Gallery KICKOFF

2011-09-29T11:40:00.000-05:00

Oh hello. Don't mind the mess, we're just getting everything set up in our BRAND NEW GALLERY SPACE. Have we mentioned? no? Then why don't you 'Like' us on Facebook, we like you! What's that? It's not us, it's you? you need space? but...new gallery...space. ok, look! ©W. Tanner Young ok, now that we've made up, lets talk about THE FUTURE! our future. no...we don't need to have 'a talk' again,

The perfect pair: local art & local business

2011-09-23T11:29:00.001-05:00

Artwork by Nicholas Zulauf at New Wave Coffee The Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival has already come and gone for the year, but Logan Square’s arts community is constantly growing and thriving. In particular, Logan Square is lucky to have the support of several local businesses that allow artists to showcase work in the business space and on their walls, in addition to Logan Square’s dedicated

Logan Square Arts Center opens with a great lineup of performance and art!

2011-09-15T12:38:00.011-05:00

So, we know we have mentioned the new Arts Center a LOT, but let's face it, we are extremely excited to have a new centralized location for arts programming in Logan Square. The building is still getting its finishing touches and yet there is already a great lineup of performances, art openings and fundraisers. Much of that is due to the work of local organizations like Voice of the City,

This September Logan Square is all about Preservation!

2011-09-08T14:02:00.000-05:00

Chicago is well known as the home to some of the world's finest architecture and Logan Square is no exception! Notably, our neighborhood boasts over two miles of early 20th century historically-preserved homes and buildings along one of Chicago's most pristine boulevard systems. In a time when cookie-cutter strip malls, condos and homes seem to be taking their place as the new American "

Pottery with Good People

2011-09-01T12:08:00.000-05:00

If you had a chance to visit the Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival you may have seen Penguin Foot Pottery's booth of artisan ceramics. From a gorgeous array of goblets, vases, and bowls to a hand-casted chess set—Penguin Foot Pottery boasts an inventory of quality work. The business is lead by the owner, Chris Busse, a graduate of SAIC in ceramics and arts education, and his lovely administrative

The show goes on post-festival at I Am Logan Square!

2011-08-24T12:09:00.001-05:00

It's hard to believe the Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival has come and gone so quickly. It was indeed a pleasure for us at I Am Logan Square to work with such a talented team of curators, artists, performers, musicians and volunteers. Not to mention the support of our generous sponsors and contributors. We could not have done it without all of you and we want to thank you! Oscar Martinez,

Thank you for another great year at the Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival!

2011-08-05T12:56:00.003-05:00

Mayor Emanuel enjoys music at the fest with Cara Dehnert Huffman photo © Madison Moss Well, we have had about a week to decompress from the Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival and yet we are still glowing from the wonderful time that we shared with so many people from around the city in our great Logan Square Neighborhood. We want to thank each and every one of you who came out to the festival

Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival this weekend!

2011-07-29T09:20:00.000-05:00

As you may have noticed, we have been very busy throwing together a stellar festival called the Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival, which kicks off today at 4! We have been getting a lot of wonderful press about the fest, including from The Huffington Post and The Reader, which we are very excited about! But in the midst of all the planning, we have also been putting together our website which we are

This Saturday Marks Your Chance for Some Art in the Park!

2011-07-21T14:10:00.000-05:00

Impatiently counting down the days until the Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival next weekend? So are we, so we’ve decided to channel our anticipation productively and we encourage you to do the same by going to The Unity Park Advisory Council’s third annual Art in the Park this Saturday, July 23! Children and friends, neighbors young and old, pair up with professional artists each year and create art

Tour de Fat - Chicago!

2011-07-20T10:32:00.002-05:00

Beer! Bikes! Balloons! Booths! ...BMX Babes! ...Biking Blokes! ...(New) Belgium Brewing! I guess they should have named it Beer be Bat. Ok ok, so I'm talking about New Belgium Brewing's Tour de Fat. did ya see it? did ya did ya? were you in it? good for you! fun, yeah? Or did you get stuck in traffic because of it? well, then you should have been biking. For those of you not familiar with

Shadow Puppetry in the Modern Age

2011-07-14T14:04:00.000-05:00

No longer does a shadow puppet show consist of your friends making barking dogs, snapping alligators and soaring birds. That's kid stuff compared to what Manual Cinema, a contemporary Chicago based group of shadow puppeteers, can do. So far, this barely one-year-old baby of a company has already completed: a performance, Study in Forgetting #3, featured as part of Collaboraction’s Sketchbook

Superheroes in Logan Square! A preview of "Powerless, Issues 1-3".

2011-07-07T16:59:00.000-05:00

In a perfect world, we would all be protected by superheroes. After all, Metropolis had Superman, Gotham City had Batman and New York had the Fantastic Four. And what does Chicago have? Well, we have the Society of Young Superheroes. And they are coming to a theater near you! Powerless, Issues 1-3 is a "comic book play about superheroes set in Chicago", and not only are the superheroes in this

Come Transmit/Transmute at the Comfort Station this July!

2011-07-01T10:18:00.001-05:00

Starting tomorrow, July 2nd at 7PM, the public is invited to interact with Adrian Moens' installation and multimedia exhibit “transmit/transmute” which weaves together a combination of sound, sculpture, video, writing and painting. Come to the Comfort Station to view and (possibly decipher!) Moens' many different themes, such as rhythm and resonance, loss and removal, and empathy and revulsion.

Visual Arts at MAAF

2011-06-29T14:11:00.001-05:00

So you may have heard of this little thing called the Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival. No? yes! no? well if not, we should all seriously ponder why you're reading this website. ok ok, so its not a little thing. Its actually huge. Hugely spectacular. Artists and galleries from all over Chicago are going to be showing work. It's a showcase to both the city's rich and diverse creative community, as

It's summertime and Logan Square is all about music!

2011-06-23T12:03:00.001-05:00

It's summertime and the living is easy. Or so it should be! And if the livin' ain't so easy, get some much needed fun and relaxation on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer where there is no shortage of great music in the Square! If you like outdoor summer concerts, Logan Square is the place to be as there will be not one, but two outdoor concert series happening at the Logan Square monument

Go See "Three Days of Rain" While You Still Have A Chance!

2011-06-21T16:09:00.000-05:00

Rebekah Ward-Hays & John Henry Roberts-- photo © Heath Hays This week -Thursday, June 23rd through Saturday, June 25th- marks your last chance to catch playwright Richard Greenberg’s family saga Three Days of Rain at the Viaduct Theatre. Directed by Matthew Reeder, BackStage Theatre Company's production of Three Days of Rain is forceful and emotionally poignant in its telling of the story of

Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival Music

2011-06-16T17:09:00.000-05:00

Summertime street festivals have finally begun in Chicago and, boy, are we happy about it! This week we interviewed Miss Alex White and Francis Scott Key White, who comprise Chicagoland redheaded fuzz rock duo, White Mystery, in anticipation of their headlining performance at this year’s Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival. From July 29-31st, the MAAF transforms Logan Square's commercial corridor

MAAF Culinary Arts & Calls for Artists!

2011-06-08T12:57:00.000-05:00

The Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival (July 29-31) is fast approaching and boy do we have some exciting sneak previews for you! In addition to the plethora of arts activities, music and visual art to be showcased at the festival, the culinary arts will be playing an exciting role as well. So far there are three gourmet mobile food trucks confirmed. Not hip to the mobile food truck movement? Chicago,

Beth LeFauve, Jane Michalski and Monica Rezman exhibit recent works at I Am Logan Square

2011-06-01T23:02:00.000-05:00

Despite the Logan Square neighborhood’s most recent flurry of attention, it has historically been a creatively vibrant community. IALS’s June exhibition will feature works by a group of longtime residents, established artists living and working in the neighborhood for over a decade. “From the Studios of: Beth LeFauve, Jane Michalski and Monica Rezman” will open on Saturday, June 4, 2011 from 6 PM

Experience "Art through Gardening," a block party at Altgeld Sawyer Corner Farm

2011-05-27T14:17:00.001-05:00

Noisivelvet, an organization that promotes artists, especially those interested in public art, is throwing a block party, aptly called Art Through Gardening, at the Altgeld Sawyer Corner Farm on Sunday, June 5th. Arts aficionados, urban farming enthusiasts and foodies alike are encouraged to attend as well as those interested in supporting local produce and initiatives that shape their community.

Support Children's Literacy at Nothin' Less during WallahGala(May 30- June 3)!

2011-05-25T17:58:00.002-05:00

New Belgium Brewing’s 13-city travelling Tour de Fat rolls in to Palmer Square Park this Saturday, June 26th from 9 AM – 4 PM. Celebrate cycling while enjoying live music by Dovekins, Mucca Pazza and Fat Tire brews. Also includes a bike parade, a car/bike swap, and merchandise vendors. As part of the Tour de Fat, LSNA (Logan Square Neighborhood Association) invites you

Sneak Preview Art Benefit for South End Galleries of the Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival

2010-06-16T15:09:00.012-05:00

Celebrate the Summer Solstice by supporting the arts with a Sneak Preview Art Benefit for the Milwaukee Avenue Art Festival'sSouth End Art Galleries!Monday, June 21st6 to 9 PMLogan Square Kitchen, 2333 N. Milwaukee Avenue· meet artists & curators· enjoy live acoustic music· bid on local art during a silent auction· savor hors d'oeuvres, wine & beerSuggested donation: $10-100, sliding scale.Food,

Logan Square Farmers Market and other Logan Square Summer Happenings

2010-06-04T11:17:00.013-05:00

It’s that time of year again! Spring has sprung, the flowers are blooming and the Logan Square Farmers Market moves from inside the Congress Theatre to the great outdoors. Beginning this Sunday, June 6th the Logan Square Farmers Market will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every Sunday, next to the historic Illinois Centennial Monument. The Market, featuring some of the city’s most

It's Been a Big Week for Logan Square Restaurants

2010-04-16T13:10:00.004-05:00

Happy Friday! It’s been a big week in for Logan Square restaurants in the news... Ciao Napoli made a splash with it’s grand opening last Tuesday. Watch a video on Thrillist and check out a rave review in Urban Daddy Boinsoiree a well-kept fine dining Logan Square secret was featured on Check Please! Another recent Italian addition to the Logan Square dining scene, Acconto, known for its

Logan Square Kitchen and tinycakes on WGN - Lunchbreak!

2010-04-07T14:29:00.004-05:00

We love when Logan Square gets good press. Keep it up ladies, you did a fantastic job!And don't forget about the upcoming Pastry Market at Logan Square Kitchen, Saturday, April 10, 2010. Be sure and get there early....this is too good to miss. Starts at 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM.