Getting Back to the Arts

Life continues to be full of exciting moments, aha moments, and moments of self-discovery. The past two weeks have held many fun events: a networking event with other volunteer organizations, attending the weekly free hours at the Art Institute, Muti’s live webcast of Verdi’s Requiem Mass, our 11^th Annual Gala and some hopeful conversations about next year.

As I continue to think about what next year holds in terms of geographic location, I must also consider how many roots I begin to put down in Chicago. Of course, I want to get the most that I can out of this year in terms of friendships, connections, clubs/groups that I am involved in, etc. However, I don’t want to overcommit myself, and realize that I am too tied down to leave when the end of July is here if I so choose. I experienced this conflict two Wednesdays ago when I attended the “Find Your Cause” event on behalf of LCN.

Our table at "Find Your Cause"

The event featured nonprofit organizations that offer volunteer opportunities for young professionals. With my coworker we pitched our organization to interested people, explaining our volunteer positions and the mission of LCN. It was rewarding to share our meaningful work and impact on the community with people who want to get involved. Partway through the event, I took advantage of the venue to pick up a free glass of wine and meander to some tables I am interested in: Steppenwolf Auxiliary Council, Art Institute Evening Associates, and CSO’s Overture Council. There are so many causes (obviously fine arts based) that I am passionate about, and would love to get more involved in. Meeting similar-minded people would also be a great way to expand my connections and friendships in the city. While I am not sure I want to commit the money yet (they all charge some kind of annual fee), it is definitely something I want to keep in mind as I continue to think about my time in Chicago.

Similarly, I have continued getting involved with my Kappa alumnae group. I attended book club this past Sunday, and discussed Tania James’ Aerogrammes with three other women. We had a great discussion, not only about the poignant postcolonial short stories, but also about our Kappa experiences. I am also considering being an advisor at an active chapter in the Chicago area, so we’ll see what happens there!

In the fine arts vein, I finally took advantage of the AIC’s free hours this past Thursday. I don’t know how I have let it slip by me so many weeks now! After soaking in the Impressionism galleries, my automatic first stop, I headed to the Modern Wing. Admittedly more to check-out the view of the Chicago skyline at night through the floor to ceiling windows in the wing rather than the artwork itself. (Oops-don’t tell the cultured people!) It was a perfect way to be alone and content with where I am right now in my life. Art has that effect on me-calming, centering, and always reassuring.

Some of my favorite Impressionist pieces.

 

Beautiful night at AIC.

After warming up my art palette, I headed over to Muti’s live webcast of Verdi’s Requiem Mass at Millennium Park. The concert celebrated Verdi’s 200^th birthday, and was broadcast live on the web across the world. I enjoyed the concert beneath the chill autumn sky with my roommate Jordan. It was an idyllic evening.

Returning to thoughts about next year, I had a very crazy but instructive past week as we prepared for La Casa Norte’s 11^th Annual Gala. Many late nights were spent at the office (granted with some free Thai or Lou Malnati’s for dinner), but I loved being involved in every part of the planning process. The stress levels and amount of multi-tasking brought me back to my exhausting 2:00am college days swamped with papers and projects and tons of organizational tasks and agendas, but we were all in it together to bring the event to fruition. Let me just say this: I am NEVER having assigned seating at my wedding. Ever.

The night of the event was beautiful in the Winter Room at the Harold Washington Library downtown. A perfect venue. It was very successful, but not without its share of crazy moments, some troubleshooting, and me running around frantically in high heels and a head set, but we pulled it off!

Harold Washington Library.

 

The Winter Room.

Sisters at Gala!

I am curious to see how everyone feels now that the event is over, and what we are focusing on to improve for next year. I have lots of ideas! It is so nice to have this learning experience in the nonprofit world. To experience gala-planning firsthand, and see both the behind-the-scene work as well as the aftermath and benefits of the event. While I am torn politically about the need for these huge theatrical annual events to raise money for a nonprofit’s very existence, and the need to “sell” your cause to people who can fund it, it is the reality of the American NPO field. It is definitely something I will take into consideration as I look into my further involvement with NPOs.

Luckily, I had my sister to help me deal with some of the craziness Friday night as she visited me for her fall break. She got to dress-up and sell raffle tickets at the event, and we had a lot of fun! The after-party was also lovely as we had some great life chats over wine and apps. Saturday I took a mental health day to wind down i.e. getting caught up on four episodes of Nashville with some hot cocoa and making some ratatouille. Sunday after the Kappa book club I headed down to Pilsen with my friend to check out the 18th Street Open Studios event, full of fun little galleries and studios around the neighborhood. Pilsen is definitely a place I want to check out more with a lot of great cultural venues and food!

 

With my friend outside of the Hector Duarte house!

Also had my first tamale from Pilsen!

After seeing a handful of studios and galleries, we stumbled upon a jam shop with tasty-looking smoothies and sandwiches. We’re headed back for lunch some time soon so she can pick up her guava jelly and we can try the food! I also want to see the National Museum of Mexican Art just a couple of blocks away-it looks amazing. Before we left Pilsen we got some authentic Mexican food at a recommended restaurant-so glad we did :)

Now I am trying to gear up on some more sleep as this week takes off with more work activities and after-work festivities. Oh, and trying to survive the bitter cold that has taken over Chicago this past week. Bring on the hot cocoa and warm cider!

I also stumbled across this quote on one of my favorite tumblrs the other day, and I feel it is very applicable during this year of transition in my life:

“Stop comparing where you’re at with where everyone else is. It doesn’t move you farther ahead, improve your situation, or help you find peace. It just feeds your shame, fuels your feelings of inadequacy, and ultimately, it keeps you stuck. The reality is that there is no one correct path in life. Everyone has their own unique journey. A path that’s right for someone else won’t necessarily be a path that’s right for you. And that’s okay. Your journey isn’t right or wrong, or good or bad. It’s just different. Your life isn’t meant to look like anyone else’s because you aren’t like anyone else. You’re a person all your own with a unique set of goals, obstacles, dreams, and needs. So stop comparing, and start living.”
- Daniell Koepke

Weekly free froyo!

                       

Also checked out The Music Box for a screening of Chicago comedy pilots.