The Lisa D Show is Back!

Hello Evanston Newbie Blog that I haven't posted on in forever, here's what I'm up to these days. Hope you are all doing fabulous!

Since 2011 I've been "radio silent" and not doing anything in front of a microphone. Today I am excited to announce that "The Lisa D Show" is BACK in the form of a weekly podcast. 

For those of you meeting me for the first time, I'm a former radio talk show host. My work as a radio personality in El Paso, Texas, from 2005- 2011, was beyond enjoyable and rewarding; I was paid to talk to humans for 1-3 hours a day on live, call-in radio. My radio shows took many forms; political talk show host on a call-in station, lifestyle talk radio host for "Charlando con La Gringa" (translation: chit chat with the white girl) on airwaves out of Juarez, Mexico, and host of "The Lisa D Show" a weekday call-in talk radio show featuring guest interviews and cultural news of the day. "The Lisa D Show" was my longest run as a talk radio show host, honoring me with a slick logo!

When my family left El Paso, TX, for Evanston, IL, in 2011, I had intentions of setting up shop on a new platform ... it took me 6 years! Thank you returning fans for waiting for my voice to reappear and welcome new fans to my podcast, "The Lisa D Show." You can look forward to conversations with creatives, roughly 20 minutes in duration, posted on a weekly basis. I believe creatives (of all kinds) make our planet a more connected, interesting and beautiful place to live. My energy and enthusiasm for my guests will be consistent, I don't invite guests whose work I don't admire. This podcast will 100% FOTP (Focus on the Positive) and isn't a criticism-based platform. Don't be afraid to request to be on the show, email me at thelisadshow@gmail.com.

"The Lisa D Show" will be recorded in a former Polish Grocery Store at 1100 Florence Ave. in Evanston, IL. We welcome a live audience and will announce podcast recordings and guests using Facebook Live so you can stop by and see the podcast in action.

We will post new podcasts on thelisadshow.blogspot.com or you can listen on Sound Cloud

Before I forget I want to thank my supportive husband Dave Ford for nudging this project along and helping get me back in front of a microphone. Dave is very familiar with my love of conversating and thinks I do it very well, his enthusiasm is much appreciated! 

Evanston Made Arts Celebration June 2016

Evanston Made is a month-long celebration of the arts in Evanston designed to create opportunities for artists to engage with the community. (and vice versa)  Art studios, galleries, museums and businesses throughout Evanston will show works by Evanston creatives June 3-30. 

• Evanston Made's artist studio tour takes place June 4, 12-5 p.m., with more than 75 artist's studios open to the public. Maps for the studio tour will be available online and at participating venues.

• The Evanston Art Center will host an exhibit, June 3-30, featuring works by Evanston creatives. The exhibit opening is June 3, 5-9 p.m.

• Participating venues will show works June 3 - 30. If you are an Evanston business owner interested in participating, click here to sign up.

Email evanstonmade@gmail.com for more info

What a Year It's Been! What a Year It Will Be!

Portrait by Annette Kerstin Patko of Bordeaux Studio

Hi Everyone,

This is the ONLY blog post I will publish in the month of December, which is totally illegal, I should never go radio silent for that long. BUT it's been a really busy year and I've got projects that have consumed me in fantastic ways.

As you know, I'm a gypsy by nature, lover of shiny keys and all things new, so I'm very aware of cities and what they offer - Evanston so far has offered me the moon and I'm so grateful.

When we moved here in 2011, I told my husband Dave Ford it would take us five years to rebuild our lives - financially, socially, etc. - after moving from El Paso, Texas. Summer of 2016 is our 5-year anniversary, stay tuned.

Here is what I managed to create in terms of "the life I wanted in Evanston" in 2015:

1. Evanston's annual Open Studio Artist Tour will celebrate its 3rd year anniversary and will get a new name so we can stop confusing the annual event with the non-profit Open Studio Project! Stay tuned.

2. My new role at Evanston Magazine as Editor-at-Large, requires great story ideas for each issue that help tell Evanston's unique story. Send ideas to lisa@jwcmedia.com

3. My new role as Engagement Director at Hackstudio, requires I help grow a successful new endeavor in this market and I'm so inspired to do so. Hackstudio's focus is to help people connect with who they are and connect who they are with the world! 

4. I'm proud to be the returning Evanston Arts Council Co-Chair with my colleague in the arts, Dino Robinson. Join us and get the arts funded and celebrated in Evanston!

Additionally, I will continue to work on raising smart and giving citizens of the world (Miles & Louie) and providing shelter for ONE angry bunny. 

Thank you for your continued support and love for all my endeavors. Let me know if we can work together in any of these buckets!

Happy New Year, y'all! 

Lisa 

***

My first blog post from Monday, June 27, 2011 - We Have Arrived!

This Weekend: Midwest Clay Guild's Annual holiday ceramics sale

You're invited to the Midwest Clay Guild's Annual holiday ceramics sale! Shop work made by guild members as well as select visiting artists. 

Opening Reception: Friday, December 4th 6-9pm
Sale continues Saturday and Sunday, December 5-6, 11am-6pm

Pictured below, Justin Hart Ceramics

http://www.midwestclayguild.org

The Midwest Clay Guild provides communal studio space and facilities for ceramic artists. Created in 1971, it is one of the oldest cooperatives in the United States. The Guild includes functional potters and ceramic sculptors who exhibit locally, nationally, and internationally.

MIDWEST CLAY GUILD
1601 Payne St., Unit B
Evanston, IL 60201

email:  info@midwestclayguild.org

Phone: 847.475.9697

Pop Up at Sidetracked Studio

Saturday, December 5, 12-7 p.m.

From Sidetracked Studio: First of our one day pop up events for the holidays. Brian Bush has shown at Sidetracked Studio with his paintings, but this Saturday he will be here with his fantastic linocut prints for one day only! Not only that but Brian will be present as well. So come by not only for this pop up, but for "Undiscovered Species" with artists Jordan Scott, Julie Murphy, Vito Desalvo, Lauren Levato Coyne, and Rory Coyne. Lauren and Rory will be working there all day as well, so be sure to come by!

http://sidetrackedstudio.com

West Evanston Art Crawl

Visit six different galleries in Evanston's great West side. Talk to the artists, enjoy refreshments, and consider buying affordable art: it's that simple. Go here for complete list of participating artists: http://westevanstonartists.com/

First Friday: 12/4/15 from 5-9 pm.

Six studios within six lovely blocks.  Affordable art for holiday gifts, interesting conversation and light refreshments (including Sketchbook Brewing samples at Adler George Studio and Space 900).

Visit our Facebook Page for updates and images!

Alice George, at Adler George Studio 1125 Florence Avenue -new work in progress-art postcard sets

Beth Adler, at Adler George Studio 1125 Florence Avenue- Monoprint books on handmade paper and collages on wood panels

Ausrine Kerr, at Ausrine’s Art Room, 1123 Florence Ave (on display: Ausrine’s latest oil paintings, sculptural felt pieces, Alvydas Pakarklis ceramic work, J. Crow oil paintings).

Jack Kraig 1532 Crain Ave (on display: Many new 6×8 framed  photographic images will be available.  Mandel bread plus sale items!)

Mill Creek Miniatures, 1127 Florence-In the Right Place: New Paintings by Amy O. Woodbury

Space 900, 1042 Wesley Avenue (a visual arts collective)–Peggy Robinson and invited jewelers

See "Undiscovered Species" on Nov. 7, 6 -9 p.m.

See "Undiscovered Species" Nov. 7, 6 - 9 pm

Sidetracked Studio is proud to present Undiscovered Species, an exhibition featuring doodles, drawings, collages, and paintings that reveal the obsessive and repetitive mania of their makers, all of whom happen to be Chicago-based artists. View works from the exhibition here.

Artists:
Lauren Levato Coyne, Rory Coyne, Vito Desalvo, Julie Murphy, Jordan Scott.
Opening night reception is Nov. 7, 6 - 9 pm and continues through Dec. 19.
Drinks provided by New Holland Brewing, our beloved beverage partner.

above image "Selvedge" by Lauren Levato Coyne, colored pencil on paper, 22" x 20", 2015. 

https://sidetrackedstudio.wordpress.com

Nov. 19 Art Opening: The Art of Normal

So what is "The Art of Normal", you ask? It's an audiovisual exhibit that pulls back the curtain on the everyday lives of those with disabilities. Visitors will see, hear and experience the art up close, granting them a unique view of the artists' hopes and dreams, their challenges and triumphs – and giving them a brand new definition of normal.

Event: Art opening on November 19th,The Art of Normal, an interactive exhibition that attempts to allow visitors an experiential view of living life with a disability and also explores issues surrounding ADA laws and compliance. 

The exhibition will be housed in the newly rededicated Fleetwood Jourdain Gallery on the 2nd Floor of the Morton Civic Center.

Like The Art of Normal on Facebook

Follow The Art of Normal on Twitter

Nov. 6: West Evanston Artists First Friday

Adler/George open studio on November 6. Black and Blue Monoprints by Beth Adler.

1100 block of Florence, Curt's Cafe at 1813 Dempster and Space 900 at 1042 Wesley.

Visit six different galleries in Evanston's great West side. Talk to the artists, enjoy refreshments, and consider buying affordable art: it's that simple. Go here for complete list of participating artists: http://westevanstonartists.com/

Jill King Studio will be joining Ausrine's Art Room! Looking forward to moving onto 1123 Florence Ave.

Six studios within six lovely blocks.  Great art, interesting conversation and light refreshments (including Sketchbook Brewing samples at Adler George Studio and Space 900).

Visit our Facebook Page for updates and images!

Alice George, at Adler George Studio 1125 Florence Avenue -new work in progress

Beth Adler, at Adler George Studio 1125 Florence Avenue -Black and Blue-new monoprints on handmade paper and collages on wood panels

Ausrine Kerr, at Ausrine’s Art Room, 1123 Florence Ave (on display: Ausrine’s latest oil paintings, sculptural felt pieces, Alvydas Pakarklis ceramic work, J. Crow oil paintings).

Jack Kraig 1532 Crain Ave (on display: Many new 6×8 framed  photographic images will be available.  Mandel bread plus sale items!)

Mill Creek Miniatures, 1127 Florence-In the Right Place: New Paintings by Amy O. Woodbury

Space 900, 1042 Wesley Avenue (a visual arts collective)–

Ken Avick -Paintings and Drawings
Colleen Conley- Drawings
Clark Ellithorpe- Collage Paintings
Judith Roston Freilich – Fiber work and Drawings
Joanna Pinsky – 2-D Shaped Paintings

Curt’s Cafe South, 1813 Dempster, Holiday Market

A Bright Night for the Arts in Evanston

Come and celebrate Evanston's rich and diverse arts community with us! Tickets are $20. Featuring wine and tasty small bites. Mayor Tisdahl will present the Mayor's Awards for the Arts, and we will feature a few "Bright Spot" presentations on innovate and amazing projects taking place in the area.

Buy tickets at https://abrightnightforthearts2.splashthat.com

Truly Collaborating at Hackstudio

Collaborating with the team at Hackstudio has been an incredibly eye-opening experience. No two days have been the same; every mind that arrives is unique and compelling; every interest is pursued authentically. 

Our grand opening on Nov. 5, 6-9p.m., will feature a gallery-like exhibit of what kids are working on here. Learn more about this amazing new program for kids in Evanston at www.hackstudio.com

Open House Chicago Features 14 Evanston Stops!

For the first time ever, the Chicago Architecture Foundation's "Open House Chicago" will feature a community outside of the city's borders: Evanston! The free public festival, October 17-18, will offer behind-the-scenes access to 200 buildings, including 14 in Evanston. 

Learn more at http://www.openhouseevanston.com/ or 

http://openhousechicago.org/sites/?neighborhood=7

Northwestern will feature several buildings too!

Northwestern University will participate for the first time in the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s popular Open House Chicago program Oct. 17 and 18.

Three historic buildings on Northwestern’s Evanston campus will be open to visitors: Alice Millar Chapel and Deering Library, which will be open both Saturday, Oct. 17, and Sunday, Oct. 18; and Dearborn Observatory, which will be open only Sunday, Oct. 18. Alice Millar Chapel and Deering Library will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18. Dearborn Observatory will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18.

Open House Chicago is a free annual festival presented by the Chicago Architecture Foundation that offers behind-the-scenes access to more than 200 buildings across Chicago. For the first time, the festival will include sites in Evanston, including Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s Levere Memorial Temple, which is located next to Alice Millar Chapel, the Evanston History Center, several churches and FEW Spirits Distillery. A total of 14 sites will be open in Evanston.

“We’re proud to showcase some of the beautiful buildings on our Evanston campus,” said Alan Anderson, executive director of neighborhood and community relations. “Our campuses have a number of architecturally significant buildings, so we’re pleased that the Chicago Architecture Foundation has chosen to include these in this year’s Open House.”

Following are the Chicago Architecture Foundation descriptions of the Northwestern buildings that will be open: 

• Alice Millar Chapel (1962). Architect: Edward Gray Halstead. At just over 50 years old, Alice Millar Chapel is a relatively young building. Its design marries a simplified Neo-Gothic form with stained glass that is unabashedly Modern. The 700-seat sanctuary has little ornament to distract from the bold, colorful abstract stained-glass windows that flood the sanctuary with an ever-changing light. The entire chancel wall is covered, floor to ceiling, in this glass -- a most unusual backdrop that highlights the uniqueness of the space. The windows are the work of Belgian-born designer Benoit Gilsoul. They were fabricated by the noted Willet Studios of Philadelphia. Vail Chapel is a smaller space linked by a colonnade to the east. It is a much more traditional sanctuary with intricate representational stained glass.
• Deering Library (1932). Architect: James Gamble Rogers. On the edge of the great lawn at the heart of Northwestern's campus rises a monumental building by the master of Collegiate Gothic architecture. Its construction was funded by the Deering and McCormick families, who founded International Harvester. The library's mass and four short corner towers allegedly prompted Frank Lloyd Wright to disparage it as "a pig on its back." But you may disagree as you ascend the stairs from the heavy stone-and-timber entry corridor to discover a stunning reading room. Enormous arched leaded-glass windows flood the double-height space with light. The windows illuminate the intricately timbered ceiling and elaborate details in carved stone and wood throughout.
• Dearborn Observatory (1889). Architect: Cobb & Frost. In 1889, this observatory was jointly constructed by Northwestern University and the Chicago Astronomical Society to hold what was then the world’s largest telescope. This original 18.5-inch telescope is still in use. In 1997, the old handcrank-operated dome was replaced with the current shiny aluminum cover with electric motor operation. In order to minimize vibrations, the core pillar on which the telescope stands is structurally isolated from the rest of the heavy stone structure below. The entire building was laboriously moved several hundred feet over a three-month period in 1939 to make way for a campus construction project.

Alfonso “Piloto” Nieves Mural Dedication at Dewey Elementary

Fall Fiesta celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month – This Saturday, Oct. 10, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Enjoy Latino music as you indulge in a tamale and horchata tasting with Dewey friends.  Bring your old costumes to share and grab a new one at the costume swap.  Kids can paint free miniature pumpkins and play relay games in the field.  Plan to buy your carving, decorative, and novelty pumpkins for the season from the Fall Fiesta!  Put October 10 on your calendar now, this is a free, community-building fiesta that you won’t want to miss!  And, it will feature the dedication of the mural created last school year by Dewey students and artist Alfonso “Piloto” Nieves (11:30).  Event volunteers are needed:  please contact Amy Nedoss, anedoss@me.com or Rebeca Mendoza, beccamen@gmail.com.

FREE Talk by Julie Lythcott-Haims on How To Raise an Adult

FREE Talk by Julie Lythcott-Haims on How To Raise an Adult

Julie Lythcott-Haims, former freshman dean at Stanford University and the author of How to Raise an Adult, will be speaking (no cost) at Beth Emet (SW corner of Dempster and Ridge) on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m.  Her book has been characterized as the Anti-Tiger Mom Manifesto and takes on schoolwork, sports, extracurriculars, college admissions, online school portals, chores, play, adolescence, and mental health.  Click here for the New York Times review.

Serious Sale!

This Saturday Harvey Pranian, Evanston's famous Art & Antiques dealer, is selling tons of interesting objects, 10a-5p, 1035 Wesley. He is occupying a yard, a gallery and an apartment with items. Bring your paycheck and prepare to shop your brains out!

http://harveyantiques.com/

10.2.15: West Evanston Art Crawl

Six studios within six lovely blocks of Florence Avenue in West Evanston will be open and showing works by a variety of artists this Friday night!  Great art, interesting conversation and light refreshments (including Sketchbook Brewing samples at Adler George Studio and Space 900).

Alice George, at Adler George Studio 1125 Florence Avenue (Alice will be displaying an exhibition called “Metaphysical Comics,” collograph and mixed media prints inspired by comics & thinking about things).

Beth Adler, at Adler George Studio 1125 Florence Avenue (small works on paper)

Ausrine Kerr, at Ausrine’s Art Room, 1123 Florence Ave (on display: Ausrine’s latest oil paintings, sculptural felt pieces, Alvydas Pakarklis ceramic work, J. Crow oil paintings).

Jack Kraig 1532 Crain Ave (on display: Many new 6×8 framed  photographic images will be available.  Mandel bread plus sale items!)

Mill Creek Miniatures, 1127 Florence (displaying local artist Amy Woodbury displaying “Painting Utah”)

Space 900, 1042 Wesley Avenue (a visual arts collective)–a preview of Harvey Pranian’s “Big Sale” will be on display

Curt’s Cafe South, 1813 Dempster, will be displaying the work of Marcy Lichterman (opening night)

For a map and links to artist's websites visit http://westevanstonartists.com/

Oct. 1: Bike Light Giveaway

In a continued effort to promote bicycle safety in Evanston, on Thursday, October 1, the City of Evanston will hold its 2015 “Pedal Bright” Bike Light Giveaway and Installation event.

The exciting initiative will provide bicycle safety information and help cyclists increase the visibility of their bikes as the days get shorter during the fall and winter seasons. Teams of volunteers will install a limited number of free bicycle lights, distribute city bike maps, and provide a quick tutorial on the rules of the road for bicyclists.

Bicycle lights will be installed while supplies last on Thursday, October 1, from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., at two Evanston locations:

• Robert Crown Community Center, 1701 Main St.
• The Weber Arch at Northwestern University, Chicago Ave. and Sheridan Rd.

The morning and afternoon hours are often peak times for bicycle traffic on local roadways. Later sunrises and earlier sunsets make visibility especially important for both bicycle commuters and recreational cyclists. Bicyclists in need of lights are encouraged to have a light installed at one of the locations. Lights will only be installed on bicycles without lights; lights will not be handed out to individuals without bikes.

Illinois law requires that every bicycle when in use at nighttime be equipped with a front lamp capable of emitting a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet, and a red reflector on the rear visible from 100 to 600 feet. A lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear may be used in addition to a red reflector.

The City is proud to announce the event's sponsors and partners, including:

• Evanston Police Department
• Northwestern University
• Northwestern University Associated Student Government
• NorthShore Evanston Hospital
• Evanston Township High School
• Evanston Bike Club
• Downtown Evanston
• Wheel and Sprocket
• The Illinois Bicycle Lawyers at Keating Law Offices

Additional sponsors will be announced. Those interested in being a sponsor should contact bikes@cityofevanston.org.

For more information, please call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents in Evanston may simply dial 3-1-1.

Sunday: View the Total Lunar Eclipse with CIERA Astronomers

Upcoming Events for CIERA - Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics

Observe the eclipse through telescopes. Talk to CIERA Astronomers!

Multiple telescope stations will be available to shorten the lines.

Maximum point of eclipse occurs at 9:47 PM. If the weather is questionable, check our Facebook Event for updates.

Admission is free and all are welcome.

CIERA is the Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics at Northwestern University. Visit us: CIERA.northwestern.edu

8-11:30 p.m.

Segal Visitors Center, Top Level, 7th Floor Parking Garage 

1841 Sheridan Rd   

Evanston, IL 60208 map it

Public Art by Heather Hancock in Downtown Evanston

Have you seen this? Downtown Evanston commissioned local artist Heather Hancock to install a temporary mural on the building at the corner of Grove Street and Sherman Avenue, also known as Other Brother Coffee. Titled "Flourish", Hancock used masonry tape and repurposed reflectors to create a new experience in the streetscape. "Flourish is a playful re-imagining of lines and forms from the built world as organic, growing elements." Stop by during the day and night to see how "Flourish" changes with light. If you share a photo on Facebook or Instagram, use #flourishdowntownevanston. 

Fun Alert: Evanston Oktoberfest

Be a part of the first-ever Evanston craft beer fest! Bring your friends and family to enjoy an afternoon of craft beer, food, and fun, fall festivities right here in downtown Evanston!

October 11 - Evanston Oktoberfest will celebrate Evanston's craft breweries and brewpubs, featuring four pours each from Temperance, Smylie Brothers Brewing, Peckish Pig and Sketchbook Brewing. There will be plenty of delicious food available for purchase from some of Evanston's finest resaturants and food vendors. Attendees will also enjoy live music, dancing, kids activities and more!

Evanston Oktoberfest runs from 1:00 to 5:00 pm for General Admission ticket holders and VIP ticket holders get early admission at 12:00 pm. Please note that all food is available for purchase so please bring cash. See below for additional ticket information. Evanston Oktoberfest will take place at the parking lot behind the Hilton Garden Inn located at 1818 Maple Avenue (also known as the Downtown Evanston Farmer's Market location). 

Evanston Oktoberfest is hosted by Downtown Evanston, a nonprofit organization that manages and markets the downtown Evanston business district. Ticket sales help cover the event costs for the participating breweries and Downtown Evanston. 

TICKETS

VIP Tickets ($50 plus tax)

• Early admission at 12:00 pm
• Four 3-oz pours of a special cask ale (1 from each brewery)
• 3-oz pour of a specialty drink from FEW Spirits (more info to come soon!) 
• Commemorative beer sampling glass
• Sixteen 3-oz pours (4 from each brewery)

General Admission Tickets ($35 plus tax)

• Commemorative beer sampling glass
• Sixteen 3-oz pours (4 from each brewery)
• Admission from 1:00 to 5:00 pm

Designated Driver and Kids 13 and Older Ticket ($10 plus tax)

• Commemorative water bottle

Kids 12 and Younger (FREE)