Art Archives

Breaking the Grid: Why “The Hat” makes us happy

For those of you who don’t routinely follow breaking news in the world of geometry, we’re all worked up (in a good way) about “The Hat.” It was discovered in late 2022 by David Smith, a retired printing technician from northern England, whose hobby was hunting for interesting geometric shapes. When he realized he was […]

Apr 25 2023 by Nancy Lerner in Breaking the Grid

“The neighbor comes before the house”: finding affinity in Tunisia

On June 6, a group of 19 gathered in our hotel lobby in Tunis. And what was planned as a trip of art patrons to Tunisia was the setting for learning, illumination, friendship and the rare experience to see what political, cultural and social change looks like up close — and in real time. This […]

Jun 28 2022 by Nancy Lerner in Editorials

Sounding Boards: Eastlake Studio’s Mural Initiative Amplifies Chicago Voices

At Otherwise, we believe in the power of art to bring communities together, ignite important conversations and explore the world around us through a critical lens. We recently found inspiration in Sounding Boards, an initiative that uses public art as a vehicle to amplify diverse voices throughout Chicago. Technically speaking, a sounding board is placed […]

Sep 15 2021 by Madeline Rosemurgy in Breaking the Grid

2008-9 Lycée Français de Chicago Artist-in-Residence Program: Lightyears ahead of #vanlife

As an unintended consequence of the pandemic, the role of the recreation vehicle has become central to the conversation about life in America, and values related to independent thinking, minimalism, adventure and bucking the status quo. But back in 2008, the prescience of an artist keenly observing our culture imagined how a vintage Airstream might […]

Jul 29 2021 by Nancy Lerner in Breaking the Grid

Documenting The Magic of Discovery

As founder of Lycée’s Artist-in-Residence Program and co-curator of the Hicks project, Nancy Lerner implemented a new program at Lycée Français de Chicago.

Jan 11 2019 by Kurt Santana in Editorials