I don't know about you all, but I certainly enjoy my meals. I especially appreciate my meals when I can integrate them with art. Whether I'm eating a snack provided by an opening reception at a gallery or partaking in a potluck where contemporary art topics may be discussed, it's a satisfying and fulfilling way to indulge in both of my interests all at once. Combing through the calendar this month, I stumbled upon several events that have intrigued my senses. Below I've compiled my own list of upcoming opportunities to eat and experience a meal with local artists and creative minds here in the city. Don't miss out on these events. They will most definitely be a special treat!

Feast: Radical Hospitality in Contemporary Art
Smart Museum
http://smartmuseum.uchicago.edu

February 16 – June 10 2012
(free)

The Smart Museum of Art presents, Feast, an extraordinary presentation constructed by over thirty artists who address social, political, and cultural structures, through engaging with food and shared meals as a medium for art making. This particular ongoing exhibition focuses on heightening the everyday meal experience through radical methods of hospitality. Exhibiting artists include, Marina Abramovic, the Italian Futurists, and Gordon Matta-Clark along with several other emerging artists who are jointly moved and interested in re-contextualizing and challenging concepts related to the food experience and embracing others to become active participants in shaping such a dialogue. In addition to this modern day “Dinner Party” excursion the program includes concerts, workshops, lectures, and symposiums. Make sure you attend at least one of these events. This exhibition is a definite must-see!  

Re-Thinking Soup
Jane Addams Hull House
http://www.uic.edu/jaddams/hull/

February 21  (every Tuesday)
12 – 1pm

Every Tuesday, the Hull House Museum provides organic soup and bread to lead an open talk available to the community of Chicago. Each week the program gathers in the prestigious Residents’ Dining Hall, where renowned scholars like, Gertude Stein, W.E.B. Dubois, and Upton Sinclair came together to critically investigate social, political, and economic issues related to their community. Similarly, several guests, including visiting artists, activists, farmers, and chefs, also accompany this contemporary discussion with Re-Thinking Soup. Join the museum to participate, discuss, and contend ideas and concerns surrounding food, art, and life and the every day.


Prints and Pints
Hyde Park Art Center
http://www.hydeparkart.org

February 17 2012
7pm – 11pm (free)

Looking for a fun, free, and fantastic opportunity to work with printmaking? Make a trip to the Hyde Park Art Center to interact with teaching artist Elke Clarke, as he guides you through a 45-minute workshop to print on anything of your choice. A dj-set and cash bar are also included.


Dinner Series with the Chicago History Museum
chicagohs.org
Taste of Ireland
Mrs. Murphy’s & Sons Irish Bistro
3905 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60613

March 6 2012
7pm ($55 members, $60 non-members)

Reconnect with Chicago’s Irish history and the History Museum in March for an excellent opportunity to experience a four course, contemporary Irish meal (with beer) at Mrs. Murphy and Sons, a local Irish bistro in they city. The Chicago History Museum will also be hosting a topic-related discussion regarding the development the restaurant,
Irish influence in Chicago, St. Patrick’s Day, as well as many other quirky and interesting facts.

Punk ‘n’ Brew Beer Dinner
Revolution Brewing
2323 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647

April 9 2012
7pm ($55 members, $60 non-members)

Last chance! Perhaps you couldn’t attend the first Dinner Series event in March. Here’s another opportunity to participate in this fantastic program. Punk ‘n’ Brew gives you an option to appreciate punk music’s significant role in Chicago’s history with the inclusion of yet another four-course meal at Revolution Brewing. Here, you can listen and learn more about the restaurant and the genre of punk itself. Who knows, maybe you’ll even discover a few new punk bands or musicians that you enjoy too!

Dinner and a Show: Marc Bamuthi Joseph/The Living Word Project with Theaster Gates: red, black and GREEN: a blues
MCA Chicago

Apr.il 12 2012
7pm

Get a chance to meet the artists before their opening at the MCA during this wonderful dinner reception provided by Wolfgang Puck Catering. Red, black, and GREEN: a blues, is the culmination of a collaboration between activist and visual artist Theaster Gates and spoken word and dance artist Marc Bamuthi Joseph that addresses fundamental environmental issues from the perspective of communities of color. Also, be sure to check out this duo's two day performance on April 13th and 14th. It's another show that I am really anticipating.

Dose market is back and in full swing at the River East Art Center! Dose Market is a year round market that happens once a month on a chosen Sunday and consists of over 50 stalls of selected fine food, clothes, and crafts. December 4^th from 10-5pm is when the next market will be, and in spirit of the holidays they will be open an extra hour and have a variety of seasonal treats. The first Dose was in July of this year as a result of the teaming up of the REAC and stylish and visionary individuals who wanted to bring something new to Chicago, it was a huge success. Chicago Magazine calls it a “Brooklyn flea-esque food and fashion bazaar.”

Your senses will transport you to a European market as you bask in the luscious textiles, sample exotic cheeses, and walk up and down the aisles while taking in the aroma of hot apple cider. You don’t want to miss this Chicago treasure, especially with the holidays coming up. You can find the perfect gift for all your friends and family…and maybe something for yourself.

The REAC is the perfect place for this Sunday event, providing at scenic background with a patio and a view of the ivy-covered walls that line the Chicago River, with Navy Pier close by. Dose Market showcases local artisans and restaurants, some that are already well know, like the Doughnut Vault and Franks ‘N” Dawgs, and those that are only known by a small portion, like Great Lake and Cheap Tart. You can find your favorite Chicago food stops set up with great deals and discover some new places that you will be sure to scout out after. Also indulge in the breathtaking vintage fashion booths that will drape you in Chloe, Valentino, and Chanel. The clothes and food are reason enough to attend this Sunday afternoon oasis, but there is also a plethora of other crafts and art available. From hand-knit blankets to wood carved sunglasses, you will be pleased with all of the creative booths you will encounter on your journey at the market. 

Tickets are $8 if you purchase them ahead of time online and $10 at the door, this also includes a free drink for those over 21 who want that morning mimosa to give them a lift for their shopping experience. Parking at the REAC lot at 454 E. Illinois and get your ticket validated for 4-hour parking for $6. Click here to visit their website and check out all the upcoming vendors and stores included in the December 4^th market and get your dose on!

DECEMBER 4^th from 10-4pm  ------- Get Dosed!

Iconic Chicago artist Tony Fitzpatrick has created an installation piece for the reputable steakhouse Keefer’s Restaurant in downtown Chicago.  The piece will be showcased on the large illuminated cove in the main dining room of the restaurant, and unveiled tomorrow, during the restaurant’s open house celebrating their ten-year anniversary.  

Keefer’s prides itself on being a local and independent restaurant with local and independent art, and it’s a place we, as Chicagoans should be proud to call our own.  Over the years, Keefer’s has drawn attention and praise for its fine cuisine of fresh steaks and seafood from food critics and associations all around including The Food Network (Best of Chicago for Steak), The Michelin Guide and Playboy Magazine, just to name a few. 

When the owners decided to add a mural to their space, there couldn’t have been a better artist for the job.  Fitzpatrick is a childhood friend of Chef John Hogan - Keefer’s original Chef since their opening a decade ago.  Though the initial idea was for a mural that would depict a more literal, graphic portrayal of Chicago’s history of stockyards, butchers and the working class, Fitzpatrick envisioned something different that would highlight Keefer’s unique brand.  

Fitzpatrick’s piece, The Necklace of Stars, was conceived as an adornment to the circular dining room wall, which he associated with a woman’s neckline.  Each star holds a different meaning, such as The Fire Star, which depicts an image of fire – more specifically, the Chicago fire.  Fitzpatrick says its about the rebirth and rebuilding of Chicago Burnham and Sullivan in several short years; “since Chicago never gives up, it rolls up its sleeves and gets to work.” 

Tony Fitzpatrick, Star for Red Bird; Naked City Star

Tony Fitzpatrick is a Chicago artist whose works are in numerous public collections, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, The Art Institute of Chicago, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.  He began as a printmaker, and now focuses on drawing and collage pieces, loaded with Chicago references.  Read more here.  Fitzpatrick’s association and inspiration from the city makes this piece special for the restaurant and can be appreciated by all Chicagoans, or at least Chicagoans at heart.

The installation is a fitting addition to the restaurant for their ten-year anniversary, and will be unveiled at the anniversary party being held on Tuesday, November 1st.  Join Keefer’s for their open house, which will include complimentary champagne, small bites, and great music.  Space is limited, so please RSVP to 312.467.9525.

Keefer’s will continue celebrating their ten years in Chicago with month-long deals for lunch and dinner all through November.  Click here to learn more about Keefer’s, their November specials, and their anniversary event.