Did You Know? Chicago native Lorraine Hansberry won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award

Did You Know? Chicago native Lorraine Hansberry won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for “A Raisin in the Sun,” the first play by an African-American woman to be presented on Broadway.

“A Raisin in the Sun” was originally a book that highlights the life of black Americans living through the years of racial segregation in Chicago. Hansberry won the coveted New York Drama Critic's Circle Award for the novel at only 29 years old. The play opened March 11, 1959 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, running 530 performances.

In 1961, “A Raisin in the Sun” debuted as a dramatic film, directed by Daniel Petrie. In 2005, the film was selected for preservation in the United States of America National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." The film was later revived for television in 2008, directed by Kenny Leon and starring well-known actors and actresses such Sean Combs (P. Diddy), Phylicia Rashad and Sanaa Lathan.  

“A Raisin in the Sun” won three Emmy nominations for its television production, while the play won Tony Awards in 2004 and 2014, including Best Revival of a Play. It is considered one of the hallmarks of American stage and remains a classic, with its themes of dreams and struggle, family and the home, still resonating today.

Did you know? The world’s first skyscraper was built in Chicago Illinois.

Did you know? The world’s first skyscraper was built in Chicago Illinois.

The Home Insurance Building was a skyscraper in Chicago. Built in 1885, it had 10 stories and rose to a height of 138 feet. It was the first tall building to be supported by a steel frame. With the ability to use a material lighter than brick, the building could carry more weight, allowing for the structure to rise much higher and carry its own weight more safely. The majority of the structure used cast and wrought iron.

The designer, architect William Le Baron Jenney, also designed the Horticultural Building for the 1983 World's Columbian Exposition  held in Chicago. His designs earned him the nickname “The Father of the American Skyscraper.”

Scholars regard the Home Insurance Building as a key example of the Chicago School of Architecture, serving as an early template for skyscraper architecture. The building was demolished in 1931 to make way for the Field Building (now known as the LaSalle Bank Building). It stood for 46 years. If you would like more information on this building or its architect click here.

Southern Illinois offers free lunches for kids this summer

“Twigs” is a program that began in Granite City in 2011 and has grown tremendously since. In 2011 the program provided 2,513 lunches and in 2017 it provided 103,871 lunches, according to the Belleville News-Democrat.

This program is a part of a non-profit organization, The Family Treehouse. “Twigs” provides lunches to children 18 and younger in various locations.

The Belleville News-Democrat provided a list of locations where children can get free lunches this summer. Dates and times vary by location based on when the schools in that community start up again in the fall.

Read more …

Artist of the Month - Ashley Piasecki

Ashley Piasecki is the June Artist of the Month. She lives in Milan and specializes in acrylic painting.

How long have you been an artist or when did you start? Was there a single incident or moment when you realized this was your passion? If so, tell us about it.

I have always been artistic. My love for art turned from a hobby to work when I was 17. I started painting and selling shoes. I did freelance art and painted shoes through college.

Illinois has been factored into your work in the past. What does being able to live and work in Illinois mean to you?

My recent works are taking the shape of the Mississippi River—somewhat muddy, rocky, watery, geographic and topographic looking. I work as the weekend gallery assistant at the Quad City Arts Center in downtown Rock Island, Illinois, which has a view of the Mississippi. I draw inspiration from Illinois’ geographic location in proximity to Iowa and the Mississippi River. I live in Milan on a country road where I am able to peacefully paint outside.

What opportunities does Illinois present for local artists?

The Quad City Arts is a fantastic non-profit resource for artists. The QC Arts are continually seeking and exploiting local, national and international opportunities for artists of all mediums! Another opportunity that I have created for myself is the relationship I have built with local interior designers who use my work in their clients’ homes.

What do you like about Illinois?

One thing I like about Illinois is the weather. We have all four seasons. Illinois also has great universities, especially Northern Illinois University, and I love our sports teams, including the Bears, Cubs and Blackhawks. In addition, the history of Illinois fascinates me, and the shape of Illinois is interesting as well. The outline of the state’s borders is like an arrowhead.

What is your favorite medium to work in?

I paint using acrylic mostly. I use oil if I'm feeling fancy, and I’ll paint with watercolor on rainy days.

Where can people view and purchase your work?

People can see and buy my work at State Street Interiors located at 905 State Street Bettendorf, Iowa. They can also view my work on Instagram.

What artist inspires you and why?

Artists Celeste Wrona and Sally Mustang inspire me. They have a sophisticated grasp on balance. Their works are abstract, watery, earthy, and have an elegant use of color.