Danielle Harth from Chicago, is our Artist of The Month. Danielle began painting 12 years ago while attending college. Artists and public figures who are over-the-top and unapologetically maximize their opportuniotes inspire her. She believes everyone is an artist and everyone has the potential to manifest their unique gifts

What does being able to live and work in Illinois mean to you?

Being able to live and work and Illinois is a privilege that builds character and exposes you to the polar complexities within the United States and world. There is beauty in the differences between the affluent cities and the agricultural, rural regions. In Illinois you can be exposed to great wealth and extreme poverty. There is diversity and integration and blatant segregation.

Are you ready to rock? Today is Women Rock Day, which draws attention to the female rockers who have helped shape the rock ‘n’ roll genre. A few of these sirens first took the stage here in Illinois. Read on to learn more about the talented Illinois women who have stepped behind the microphone to make music, break stereotypes and contribute their voices to history.

Gabriella Boros is our October Artist of the Month from Skokie, Illinois. For the past eight years Gabriella has beeen relishing woodblock printmaking which she defines as her favorite medium to work in. Gabriella's paintings have been viewed not only in Illinois but internationally as well.

How long have you been an artist or when did you start?

I have been creating art in one way or another since my earliest memory. There never was a period when I did not paint, draw or in some way express myself artistically.

Biki Chaplain is our September Artist of the Month. Orginally from Texas, Chaplain moved to Southern Illinois in the 1960's. Although she has worked in many mediums throughout the years her favorite to work in is oil because of the quality of the color.

How long have you been an artist or when did you start?

Apparently, I was an artist long before I realized that I was one. In high school, one of my classmates remembered she had gone to school with me in the second grade and remembered me as the girl who could draw the beautiful birds. However, it wasn’t until college that I considered myself an artist.

Kumiko, a cozy, Japanese-inspired restaurant and bar nestled in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, has been named one of the World’s Greatest Places of 2019 by TIME Magazine.

TIME’s list annually spotlights the 100 most noteworthy museums, hotels, parks and restaurants from all over the world. TIME selected Kumiko based on its innovative cocktail menu, which is influenced by co-owner and beverage director Julia Momose’s Japanese heritage. Patrons can enjoy a drink alongside steam buns, short ribs and other small plates crafted from Japanese ingredients by chef Noah Sandoval.