On Sunday, August 4 at 12:30pm, join us in celebrating the legendary children’s folk singer Ella Jenkins and honoring her 100th Birthday at Ella Jenkins Park (333 W. Wisconsin at Sedgwick).
A leading performer of children’s music for over fifty years, Ella Jenkins has been honored by the DuSable Museum of African American History. Affectionately named “The First Lady of the Children’s Folk Songs,” Ella was a recipient of the 2004 GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award and has been recognized by many other prestigious arts and culture organizations.
A family-friendly event, there will be music, birthday treats, giveaways, and activities for kids. Sponsored by the Old Town Triangle Association, Church of the Three Crosses, Lincoln Central Association, and Tim Ferrin. RSVP’s requested below.
Thursday, July 18 | 6:30 PM – 8 PM
Free | Light refreshments will be served.
Authors Nancy Stevenson and Donna Vos discuss the joys of writing. Stevenson’s first novel, Long Reach will be published shortly. Vos is a published author whose works can be found under the pseudonym “Donna Cousins.”
With over 15 years of experience, Priya found her passion in the subject matter of still life (and occasionally, landscapes). Her love of vibrant color and impasto led her to the Old Masters and the style of impressionism. Through expressive brushstrokes and careful placement of color, Tripathi can portray three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface.
Opening Reception: July 14, 2024, 2 to 4 PM
Exhibition: July 10 to August 7, 2024
Tuesday – Friday 10 to 5
Saturdays 10 to 1
1763 N North Park Ave
Events throughout the greater Old Town area include painter Priya Tripathi’s opening reception at the Leslie Wolfe Gallery (2 – 4 PM), Cafe/Cabaret Cocktail Reception (4 – 6 PM) at the Triangle Center (Menomonee & North Park), kids craft events at the Near North Library on Division, a Pet Fashion Stroll for furry family members at Burton Place, and a showing of the movie, Ratatouille at Ella Jenkins Park (Wisconsin & Sedgwick) at the end of the day. Many local businesses will offer specials to celebrate the holiday.
In 2023, the Old Town Triangle Association and Old Town Merchants & Residents Association “Twinned” with our counterparts in Montmartre. Recognizing the shared history of arts, entertainment, and local food establishments – it seemed a natural connection. With Chicago and Paris having Sister City status, we are following their lead in a more communal fashion. Without set parameters, we are able to offer different options for everyone to participate. If you have any interest, suggestions, questions about how to participate in this “Twinning” effort, feel free to join. We are always looking for ways to celebrate this unique friendship.
You can register and donate below – we recommend $10, but any amount is welcome. Registration is not required, but greatly appreciated as it helps us make a better event for you!
Many in the community are invested in the Fern Hill proposal. Here is a list of updates, news, and information regarding questions posed by the Triangle Board and the Historic District Planning and Zoning Committee and the resulting position that was taken.
Wells St Commercial Building Context Draft.
On March 5, 2024, a letter was sent to city officials requesting clarification of certain zoning rules at play in the Fern Hill proposal. To date, city officials have not responded to that letter (click here to view)
The Events Committee continues to offer great options with the return of the Triangle Wine Tasting with a twist! A night of Greek culture awaits you on May 8th. Wine PLUS food and music will fill the Triangle Center. Tickets on sale now – $50 per person ($25 Discount for OTTA Members). Click here to register.
Patterson’s paintings create narratives with collected objects, collective memory, and a nod to art history. While the objects are chosen for their color, their placement results in relationships that suggest complex human relationships, archetypes and messages. The series was created in Mexico City and many of the rich cultural traditions of Mexico can be seen in the work.
Patterson, born in Illinois, is currently the Chair of Fine Arts at Loyola Academy. She worked and painted in Mexico City for the last 25 years and has a new studio in Evanston.
Opening Reception: Sunday April 7, 2 – 4 PM
Exhibition: March 30 – April 27 2024
DO YOU HAVE NEW OR GENTLY USED CHILDREN’S BOOKS YOU WOULD LIKE TO PASS ON TO FRIENDS IN THE COMMUNITY?
The Old Town Triangle is partnering with Marrillac St. Vincent Family Services in hosting a book fair to support the growth and development of our local children.
Drop off Baby & Toddler Board Books, Children’s Chapter Books, Young Adult Novels, and Spanish Language Children’s Books at the Triangle Center through March 26, 2024.
Amber Keene is an art teacher in Northbrook. Her background includes a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Art Education From University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and a Master’s of Fine Arts in Art Education from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
“I am in constant awe of the beauty that can be found in this world we live in. As an artist I try to capture that feeling of inspiration, using oils and a mixed media approach. My landscape paintings are a result of my travels in the U.S. and abroad and the pieces in my self-portrait series consist of resin, oils, and collaged images from nature. The photo portraits were taken by photographer Bill Furlong, resulting in a beautiful collaboration between two artists.”
Exhibition | February 6 – February 29, 2024
Gallery Hours | Tuesday – Friday 10 AM – 5 PM | Saturday 10 AM – 1 PM
Created as a not-for-profit community venture, the Old Town Art Center operates under the guidance of the Old Town Triangle Association. The Center plays host to gallery shows, provides year-round art classes, and offers lectures and workshops. The Gallery is named after local artist and community advocate, Leslie Wolfe, who was dedicated to the arts and artists. Her passion is reflected in the selection of emerging and established artists who are selected to exhibit.
Strategic Planning Committee
Four workgroups were created to focus on specific topics. Each workgroup generates suggestions for improving how the OTTA addresses those topics. Preliminary proposals were provided to the Board at the July meeting. While still not finalized, you can review the draft documents (click here) presented by each workgroup. A community meeting will be held in October to seek feedback from members.
OTTA Members voted to invest in creating a Strategic Plan for the organization at the Annual Members meeting in January 2022. The Committee was formed with: Zac Bleicher, Dorothy DeCarlo, Diane Fitzgerald, Phil Graff, Brad Neuman, Rick Rausch and John Engman (Consultant).