Two challenging murals created by Astrid Fuller in the 1970’s (The Spirit of Hyde Park & Pioneer Social Workers) under the Metra Electric E. 57th St. viaduct have been restored by Chicago Public Art Group artists Bernard Williams and Damon Reed. Join the community in celebrating their restoration on Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at 3:00pm. Meet the artists and have a tour of these powerful murals. Refreshments will be served. For information or to get transportation call 773-288-1242.

57th St Viaduct – Northeast side

First published in 1951, Nelson Algren’s Chicago: City on the Make was scorned by the Chicago establishment because of its gritty portrayal of the city. Bill Savage discusses his annotations to the 60th anniversary edition of this provocative work providing historic photos and updated info. As the city moves into a new era with a new mayor, does the picture still hold true? Savage, a native Chicagoan, teaches at Northwestern University and has written extensively on Algren.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012: 6pm | Blackstone Branch Library | For more information, visit: friendsofblackstone.wordpress.com

On Saturday, June 2, from 10 am to 3 pm, the Hyde Park Art Center invites you to join the Big Dig Gig with residency project “General Economy, Exquisite Exchange.” This free artsy garden party will celebrate the first anniversary of the Art Center’s Abundance Garden by pruning last year’s bounty of plants donated by individuals from the community, and planting new local surpluses.

The Hyde Park Art Center is located at 5020 South Cornell in Chicago. For more information call 773-324-5520 or visit www.hydeparkart.org.

Join the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust for Wright Plus, an internationally renowned architectural housewalk featuring rare interior tours of eight private homes designed by Wright and his contemporaries, plus entry to three landmark Wright buildings. Enjoy interpretations based on in-depth research of the homes’ history and architecture, including discussions of the original occupants’ lifestyles. Experience the extraordinary mix of famed architectural styles in Oak Park, IL and Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood.

Oak Park and Hyde Park locations. Saturday, June 2nd. Visit www.GoWright.org to buy one Wright Plus ticket at regular price and receive 10% off additional tickets (up to 4 total tickets). The offer ends December 19, 2011.

W. Raymond Johnson
Director, the Oriental Institute Epigraphic Survey Chicago House, Luxor

The Epigraphic Survey, based at Chicago House in Luxor, Egypt, has been documenting the pharaonic monuments in the Luxor area for publication since 1924. In response to changing conditions in Egypt, Chicago House now sponsors conservation and restoration programs as well. Ray Johnson reports on the preservation activities at Chicago House during, and after, the Egyptian Revolution of 2011. Dr. Johnson, who has worked in Luxor since 1978, discusses the implications for current and future archaeological work in Egypt under the newly created Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities.

Free and open to public thanks to the generous support of Oriental Institute Members | Reception to follow | oi.uchicago.edu/getinvolved

7:00pm | Oriental Institute, 1155 E 58th Chicago, IL 60637, Breasted Hall

The Neighborhood Writing Alliance announces its 2012 annual event benefiting free writing workshops for adults in Chicago’s undeserved neighborhoods, publication of its award-winning Journal of Ordinary Thought, and 35 events and readings annually.

Dolen Perkins-Valdez, New York Times bestselling author of Wench, will be featured in conversation with Michelle Wright, Northwestern University Associate Professor of African American Studies. The chair of the benefit is NWA board member Natalie Y. Moore, reporter for WBEZ’s South Side Bureau.

Every Person Is a Philosopher is June 7, 2012, 5:30–8:00 p.m. at the School of the Art Institute Ballroom (112 S. Michigan Ave.). Tickets, starting at $100, are available through http://jot.org/annual_benefit.php or (773) 684-2742.

Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre (CRDT) will perform the 2012 version of its critically acclaimed production, New Works.This formidable peek under the curtain gives dance and music enthusiasts a preview of CRDT’s major fall presentations.

June 23, 2012 | Hubbard Street Dance Center | 1147 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607 | www.cerquarivera.org