The Chicago Humanities Festival returns next week with its spring program, dedicated to “Stuff.” Over nearly two dozen programs across the weekend, authors, scholars and other experts will address our relationships with all kinds of, well, stuff. We’ve selected some of the most intriguing (not counting the programs that are already sold out, like Sheryl Sandberg and John Waters).
Marie Kondo
The reigning queen of decluttering and author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and Spark Joy will discuss her celebrated KonMari Method of mindful organizing. Harris Theater. Apr 28 at 7:30pm. $20.
Kimberly Drew
Drew, the social media manager for New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, will talk about engaging followers and keeping visual art relevant in an increasingly online world. She’ll be joined by Ebony editor-in-chief Kyra Kyles. Art Institute of Chicago. Apr 29 at 2pm. $15.
Adam Haslett
The author of You Are Not a Stranger Here, a finalist for the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize, discusses his latest novel Imagine Me Gone, a stunning work about family and mental illness. Studebaker Theater. Apr 30 at noon. $15.
Siddhartha Mukherjee
A Pulitzer Prize–winning author as well as an oncologist, Mukherjee will discuss his recent book The Gene, a history of our study of genetics and heredity. Ticket price includes a paperback copy of the book. Art Institute of Chicago. Apr 30 at 2pm. $29.
Lauren Greenfield
The director of the remarkable documentary The Queen of Versailles, Greenfield has been cataloging consumerism and materialism for a quarter of a century. She’ll present images from her new photographic study Generation Wealth in conversation with Facets artistic director Milos Stehlik. Studebaker Theater. Apr 30 at 2pm. $15.
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