The brightly-splattered hallways of the Lill Street Art Center host a usual mix of serious-looking art students and cherubic children in summer crafts classes, but a closer look reveals another prominent group of art lovers of a different stripe. The at-risk youth that primarily compose Lill Street’s Artreach program, a nonprofit dedicated to providing art education to disadvantaged groups in the Chicago community, are learning more than just how to throw a pot – they’re learning the art of self-expression. more ›

When this Chicagoist writer left a job in Ravenswood late last year, we knew we'd miss our officemates dearly. We also lamented the fact we'd no longer be within walking distance to First Slice Cafe for lunch. The cafe, located on the first floor of the Lillstreet Art Center, is home to a small menu of fine creations, one of our favorites being the Chicago-Style vegetarian sandwich. more ›