The Time Out Chicago blog

9 art gallery exhibitions to check out in February

It's the dead of winter in Chicago, and it's safe to say that most locals are in need of a little pep. Warm your body and soul with some art during February. And maybe some alcohol. Okay, lots of alcohol. Primer — This new monthly event at Canvas is aimed at connecting with artists and entrepreneurs, spreading the word about your creative projects and getting inspired. There will also be musical performances by vibraphonist Preyas Roy, video installations by DRMBT, and artwork by Jane Georges and Lefty. Free with RSVP. Thursday, Feb 5, 7-11pm (creative project pitches 8:30pm) at Canvas (2313 W North Ave) Identify — An exhibition addressing issues of identity and classification, the exhibit includes Tara Bogart’s modern hair studies, Heather Dewey-Hagborg’s 3D portraits created from DNA strangers left behind in public places, Jess T. Dugan’s explorations of the queer experience, Michael Itkoff’s GIF-like loops of idealized figures and collaborators Garth & Pierre’s installations referencing scientific categorization. Friday, Feb 6, 5-7pm at Catherine Edelman Gallery (300 W Superior St) Context 2015 — Filter Photo Festival’s inaugural exhibition at its new gallery space in the Hubbard Street Lofts features the work of two dozen photographers, juried and curated by Michal Raz-Russo, the assistant curator in the Department of Photography at the Art Institute of Chicago. Friday, Feb 6, 5:30-8:30pm at Hubbard Street Lofts (1821 W Hubbard, suite 207) 18th Annual Chicago Bike Win

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Amtrak commits $12 million to make Union Station less gross

In an effort to make the lives of Union Station commuters less miserable, Amtrak has announced a commitment of $12 million for renovations of the hub. 

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Word on the Street: 10 crazy things we overheard in Chicago this week

This week, we overheard gems like:

"Jake Gyllenhaal and I take SoulCycle together."

"I can't eat mac and cheese tonight. I'm having sex tomorrow."

And more!

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Choose your own adventure in the art film 'The Latest Sun is Sinking Fast'

One of the most exciting film events happening in Chicago this winter is not a movie playing in a commercial theater but rather an installation involving the simultaneous projection of four short films at the Hyde Park Art Center’s Kanter McCormick Gallery. The Latest Sun is Sinking Fast, the latest work by local experimental filmmaker Melika Bass (Shoals), offers more of the beautiful, yet vaguely terrifying, portraits of souls in isolation in which this artist seems to specialize. 

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41 exciting things opening in Chicago in February

The shorter-than-usual month is packed with interesting events and openings. Hit the convention circuit and get your fill of new car smell at the Chicago Auto Show or mingle with Walking Dead fans at Walker Stalker Con. Catch the return of Fleetwood Mac at Allstate Arena or laugh your ass off when The Book of Mormon begins an encore 12-week run at the Bank of America Theatre. Here are the best things to do in Chicago in February.

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Kickstarter campaign looks to bring an emission-free food truck to Chicago

A new Kickstarter campaign wants to bring the country's first street-legal, emission-free food truck to Chicago. Unsurprisingly, they're aiming to sell organic cold-pressed juice. Even less surprisingly, it looks like they'll come in mason jars. 

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5 things to know about Chicago's stand-up comedy scene

The stand-up comedy scene in Chicago is on fire. There are scores of comedy clubs, independent shows and open mics. If you live here, chances are that you're aware that comedy is happening around you—sketch, improv, Second City. Chicagoans take pride in farming comedic talent to late night television. Of late, our stand-up scene, traditionally improv's step sibling, has been getting national acclaim in its own right.

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Charlie Chaplin made a movie here 100 years ago this month then quickly left

In January, 1915, Chaplin made his one Chicago film, His New Job. His stay here lasted only a few weeks. So what made him leave? Spoiler alert: It was probably the weather.

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Whole Foods Streeterville opens with a ramen bar and Begyle beer

It seems like you can hardly open a restaurant in Chicago without ramen or a craft beer brewed just for the restaurant—and now grocery stores are getting into the game. Whole Foods, which is opening seven stores in former Dominick's locations this year, will have both ramen and a signature beer at its Streeterville location, which opens tomorrow at 9am at 255 E Grand Avenue. Here's a peek inside.

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A piece of parenting advice for Jay Cutler

Kristin Cavallari, the wife of apathetic Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, posted a screenshot of a text conversation between her and her husband to Instagram yesterday that shows Jay at wit's end with his children who refuse to eat and behave. 

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