Ah, adolescence. Once upon a time there was more to being a teenager than just texting with your thumbs, hanging out at the mall, and sleeping late on Saturdays. Like being courteous, maintaining personal hygiene, sitting up straight, and laying the foundations for a successful career as corporate drone or model housewife. The Chicago Film Archives has put together a fascinating program of retro shorts from their holdings which highlights an American era when being a teen was both charmingly frightening and scarily dull. more ›

If you’re a fan of pop kitsch American-style, check out Mitch O’Connell’s series of new paintings, "God Has Forgiven Me (so what's your problem?)" at Packer Schopf Gallery, May 15 - June 20. Interestingly, the gallery's website refers to O'Connell's exhibit as "Divorce." Hmm... And the artist's MySpace page asks friends to "come gaze at the colorful brushstrokes of Mitch working through personal, painful issues... for your viewing pleasure!” We love a guy with a wicked sense of humor. more ›