We've all entertained the Mac versus PC debate and seen both Apple and Microsoft commission known names in the art and design communities for special projects. Purists may argue art has no place in the corporate world, but artists themselves are welcoming the publicity of attaching their names to big brands, and the challenge of merging form with new, innovative functions. more ›

So are the fruit flies buzzing around the basket of tangelos and peaches on your kitchen counter, and your Aunt Kathy, and your Cousin Melvin, and your landlord. Even the Amalgamated Union of Lolcat-Artists, Local 12 — one of Chicago's most cutting-edge arts organizations — is throwing a group show (theme: "Kittehs H8 Scaree Glenn Beck"). Chicago Gallery News' comprehensive list of openings should help you find what's what and where, as should Newcity's list. but here are some highlights (i.e., emailing us about your upcoming events works!) to help you along: more ›

In recent weeks we've heard about two local arts orgs that are looking for new members. Printmakers -- including aspiring ones as well as seasoned pros -- can join up with Spudnik Press, the West Town cooperative that offers common studio space with the ability to make traditional as well as photographic litho, relief, and silkscreen prints. For a monthly fee, Spudnik members can use the studio for all but a few hours out of the week, when it hosts classes and special events. Visit their website for more info. more ›

Why you wanna go and spend your weekend standing in some litter-covered park, staring at scrawny musician types for hours on end? Those rock and rollers don't care about you, honey -- they'll just take your money and then move on to the next town or festival, leaving you with nothing to show for it except grass stains, foggy concession stand memories and some iPhone/gPhone/SLRphone pics. more ›

When looking at “Control,” the collection of new works by Chicago Art Department resident artist Jen Rosenthal, a particular Joy Division song comes to mind. The world doesn’t seem light as a feather these days. It’s a delicate balancing act—recognizing when we can actually manipulate our lives versus when we just have to let go of the steering wheel and hope for the best. Of course, the no-hands rollercoaster ride can be thrilling and nauseating all at once. more ›

There’s something a little irritating about the word 'Twitter.' Maybe because we hear it 10,000 times a day. Chicago is, after all, ranked third on the Twitter Cities List. And the adoration of the real-time messaging service has reached a fever pitch. Politicians doing it while in session, cable networks going ape shit over it, media moguls chronicling their craps. more ›

In 2007, Chicago-based mixed-media artist Abraham Velázquez Tello and painter Jova Durán formed the experimental artist group Tripa Colectivo to support and represent Latino and Chicago artists while exploring culture and gender themes in their work. more ›

Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State, 9th Floor more ›

The pay phone, the vinyl record, the VHS tape - all once cutting-edge technologies that have been upgraded and replaced. Such is the impending fate of Polaroid photography. To commemorate the demise of the snap and print pic, the Chicago Art Department plays host this month to a photography exhibit titled DEATH + EXTINCTION, which consists entirely of projects created in the Polaroid medium. more ›

If you're more about verbal cues, though, check out this month's Interview Show at the Hideout. FotS Mark Bazer sits down with Jon Langford, author Rick Perlstein, WGN's John Williams, and last-minute guest traffic reporter Abby Ryan. The show starts at 6:30 and costs $5. more ›