My Kind of Town

Chagall’s America Windows at the Art Institute of Chicago

I want to visit practically everywhere, including Chicago, but it's never been at the top of my list, particularly not in February. However, when the opportunity presented itself, I naturally jumped at the chance. Although this quick trip provided a mere snap shot of Chicago, its quickly moved up to the status of cities I must revisit. It's filled with culture - music, art, architecture, and well, great hot dogs and pizza.

From Cloud Gate in Millennium Park to American Gothic at the Art Institute, Chicagoans have much to boast about in the world of art. Cloud Gate, aka 'the bean', is undoubtedly one of the most photographed sculptures on the planet. It looks other worldly, as if at any moment it could morph into something new or simply slink off. Not far from 'the bean' is Crown Fountain, also in Millennium Park, a giant pair of towers which squirt water on warm days from an ever-changing series of local Chicagoans faces. It is a rather odd, but strangely captivating installation. Art abounds throughout the city. Even in the small spaces of earth between the sidewalk and the road, sculptures have found a home. If you're an art lover, Chicago won't disappoint, and there's no disputing the art housed at the Art Institute of Chicago is extraordinary.

Deep Dish Pizza

The art of food in Chicago won't disappoint you either. Just as Philly has its cheese steaks, New York its cheesecakes and Baltimore its crabcakes, Chicago has food fame of its own - Chicago dogs and Chicago deep-dish pizza. Food here, like art and architecture, is steeped in a rich history influenced by a large cultural melting pot. On your first trip, you absolutely must indulge in at least one of these Chicago treats. However, don't make the mistake of ordering your usual large pizza here - this is no ordinary pizza. You won't be able to finish one, unless you're a total glutton. One or possibly two slices are a delicious meal!
A couple highly recommended traditional deep dish pizzerias are Lou Malnati’s and Pequod's. We ate at Giordano’s, also recommended, on downtown's central loop for convenience. It was very good. No time for Chicago dogs on this quick weekend trip (what a bummer), but I'd gladly go back to Chicago just for that (any excuse), which would undoubtedly prove to be the most expensive hot dog in history. Fortunately for me, there are great Chicago style dogs in Fort Lauderdale at Hot Dog Heaven, and in Tampa at Mel's, which I visit whenever I get the chance. Still…it wouldn't take much more to convince me to head back to Chicago. It really is my kind of town! I do think I'll wait however, for it to get a little a lot warmer!

More on the sights and sounds of Chicago next post.

Amazing!

Okay, so I told you about the Sarasota Chalk Art Festival (it was wonderful) and the American Sandsculpting Championship (also, wonderful) but think BIGGER! Really BIG! AMAZING really describes how great I think this next event will be.

Fort Myers Beach is hosting the World Championship of Sand Sculpting (Solo Division) November 17-27. If you like this kind of thing at all you have to go! Bring the family or your friends because of course you'll want to share the experience but, if you have to go alone. They'll get what they've missed once they've seen your smart phone photos. This event is not to be missed! And if my intel is correct it has only been hosted in the United States twice. 

Although there are bigger, more easily accessible beaches along Florida's vast shoreline we apparently have really great sand! I've always thought of beach sand as something I had to cross barefoot (at times as if walking across hot burning coals) to get to the good part, the water, but in the last few years I've had to change my mind. Sand isn't just that stuff you can't keep off your blanket or that you can never completely get out of your swimsuit. It's art!

2010 World Solo Sand Sculpting Champion, Thomas Koet

In it's 25th year the World Championship attracts sculptors from places like Italy, Switzerland, Singapore, Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, Lativa, United Kingdom, Australia, Mexico, Kenya, Canada and the United States. And starting this week they are all competing for the "WORLD TITLE" on Fort Myers Beach, Florida. 

If you don't think these folks are true artists you couldn't be more wrong. One glimpse of the winning work from 2010 will convince you otherwise and a further glance will leave you hooked. Putting this much dedication into something so temporary undoubtedly means you are truly passionate and dedication to your craft. Someone put it like this, they're sand surgeons. Interestingly enough, many of these artists have trained in other fields that are far afield of sculpting.  And this work is not for wimps. You definitely have to be in great physical shape to shovel then mold the massive piles of sand into sculpture. But don't take my word for it - see for yourself!

One last thing take the trolley from Lover's Key to get to the event. You may still be stuck in the long traffic line to get in but at least you won't be part of the problem and you'll avoid the $5-$10 parking fee. I promise it is well worth the trip! 

If you want to see more photographs from 2010 check out the Worldsfans Facebook page photo album.

A Great Way to Spend This Afternoon!

Get there! Don't say I don't have enough time to plan it. If you live within 2 hours of the area it's so worth it. Just do it! The 2011 Sarasota Chalk Festival is incredible! Yesterday, Friday, it was just gearing up so there's still plenty of time. If you wait you'll miss the opportunity forever 'cause this art is truly temporary! 

It was great being there Friday and I plan to see the completed works, but I felt very fortunate to be there during the creative process. Almost everyone loves to draw or doodle so I'll stay this with certainty, even if the last thing you'd spend a weekend doing is touring an art museums this event is still for you. It was nothing short of inspiring for kids, adults, serious artists and, yes, even you doodlers. It was truly exciting to see the different techniques and approaches to this medium. And the 3D work gets everyone's attention! There were also wall mural examples of chalk art and graffiti art - some on the wall and some on plastic sheeting. The following is a pic-tour.  

 

So if you're looking for something very cool to do outdoors? I highly recommend the 2011 Sarasota Chalk Festival through Nov. 7th on South Pineapple Avenue in Burns Square, Sarasota. 

I'd forgotten how pleasant it is in this part of Sarasota. There are ample shops and restaurants to stroll by to suit any taste. Nancy's BBQ smelled divine if you love BBQ. For me however, when I'm forced to choose, it took just one locals recommendation of Owen's Fish Camp to head me in that direction. I love seafood and I love to go local. Next time I've got to try Nancy's. 

Just a minute away is Marie Selby Gardens a beautiful place to spend an afternoon or hold an event.