Tedx Midwest, brought to Chicago by Mike Hettwer and an organizing committee consisting entirely of dedicated volunteers, took place in Chicago on May 2nd and 3rd. Elisabeth Ritz, whose outstanding firm, Ritz Communications, handled the PR for the event and who helped organize my...

Ever get stuck in a rut or find yourself in funk that lasts too long in work or at home or in a relationship? Twenty-nine artists all too familiar with overcoming a creative block share their secrets for breaking free. While they are talking about overcoming an artistic drought, many...

Chicago has become such a foodie city that I don't think we even realize just how foodie we are. On recent trips to New Orleans, Montreal, New York and Lisbon, I was shocked to see that while there was good food -- even great food -- to be had, none...

"Almost all creativity involves purposeful play."

-- Abraham Maslow, American psychologist, 1908-1970

I interview a lot of artists. Over the years, certain kernels of wisdom have stayed with me that I remember and refer back to time and time again. The artist I quote most often, whose words of advice...

If you live anywhere other than Chicago, you can feel that spring is in the air. With the season of blossoms and color, flowers aren't the only things sprouting this time of year. Hats bloom like wildflowers in the spring and milliner Jenny Pfanenstiel, a master milliner...

There is a vibe that is all-together different when you enter John Manion's restaurant, La Sirena Clandestina. A bit hideaway, a bit other worldly, a bit local loco and a bit loco local, Manion's Brazilian and Argentine influenced endeavor brings simple authenticity with full flavor to Fulton Market....

In a January post, 19 artists named their favorite, most creative chefs in the city. In a February post, 22 artists, shorter on cash, named their favorite dives in the city. I thought it would be interesting to find out where some of the best, high-end...

We are what we own, as the saying goes. With the creation of his infamous Soundsuits, visual and fashion artist Nick Cave takes this one step further. If we are what we own, when we cover ourselves into obscurity with what we own, who then do we become?

Playing...

The stars continue to align it seems for Chicago as a national dance hub and cultural destination. Just on the heels of the Paris Opera Ballet and the Hamburg Ballet opening their U.S tours in Chicago after long hiatuses, two major Chicago dance companies are celebrating big anniversaries.

'Tis the season of the black tie ball. Any charity worth its salt is planning a big fundraiser between now and June and it is often hard to choose which to support. However, there is one charity headquartered in Chicago that stands out for making a ground breaking impact on...

In a previous post on favorite restaurants in Chicago, artists listed their preferred go-to spots with the most creative chefs. The list included places like Moto, Big Star, Trotters (even closed people still salivate), and Alinea. But let's face it: Most artists can't afford to dine at a...

It was an interesting evening on January 28th at The Dinner Party when words of wisdom were shared by actress, playwright and Executive Director of the Black Ensemble Theater, Jackie Taylor, art collector and entrepreneur, Howard Tullman, and indie rocker, Kelly Hogan over food by chefs Mike and...

I used to be slightly cynical about Valentine's Day; but, over the years, I have come to embrace it (embrasser, oui, oui!) as one more good reason to get snuggly with one's mate. If you feel the same and can get beyond the plethora of red hearts everywhere, here are...

They say that if something happens once, it is the exception. If something happens twice, it is the rule. More than just the city of architecture and blues, Chicago, which now has a string of artistic "firsts" under its belt: the most number of regional Tony awards, opening of the...

The first Dinner Party of the second season is around the corner and kicks off with an incredible line-up. The January 28th Dinner Party at the Mayne Stage features Indie Rocker, Kelly Hogan, with a guest appearance by Jon Langford, art collector, Howard Tullman, and Founding...

There has been a lot of talk about the need for innovation in business lately. I am no market analyst; but, one need only look at the growth of Apple upon Steve Jobs' return to that company and his push for innovation to see just how critical innovation...

As I plan for the January 28th Dinner Party, I am still getting comments on the last Dinner Party with guests Peter Sagal of Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me!, Saturday Night Live alum, Tim Kazurinsky, and international violinist, Rachel Barton Pine, with food by chef Jared Van Camp of...

We are a city with an international reputation for award winning restaurants and chefs, consistently taking culinary creativity to the next level. With this in mind, I asked 19 artists to weigh in on their favorite restaurants and chefs who, in their opinions, take food to artistic heights... or just...

Crazy? More like crazy like a fox! Michelin star chef Homaro Cantu, renowned for his mad-scientist approach to cooking at his Chicago restaurants Moto (a culinary must if you consider yourself a foodie) and iNG (food tripping with the Miracle Berry, has just published his first cookbook, The...

It is time for the best of 2012 to resurface and this year our most impactful and riveting interview by far was with National Geographic photographer, Paul Nicklen, who discusses our impact on the planet and the small things we can do to make a difference.

Interviewed...