Getting Your Kicks

By Justin Sondak in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 30, 2006 5:52PM

The art world is getting a little more casual with the arrival of summer. This weekend we’re looking forward to seeing quality work and engaging in stimulating discussion in a more casual environment, and maybe laughing our ass off.

This weekend we're making time for the Chicago Photography Center's Spring Show, featuring 11 emerging Center artists. The CPC seemingly came out of nowhere a couple of years ago and has quickly become one of the best reasons to visit West Lakeview. We particularly like its casual yet professional environment. The open floor plan welcomes you to view and discuss the work on display; often reliably good shots of landscapes, buildings and portraiture; and to learn more about classes and equipment from friendly staff who will gladly sign you up for Photo I or Digital Photo I.

But the summer’s way, way, waaaay informal artist event is ArtLeague Kickball, Saturday afternoon on the Wicker Park diamond. It’d be a stretch to call our readers’ favorite neighborhood the center of the Chicago art world, but for a few hazy, sweaty hours, the Park will be a hub for local artist shenanigans: “a good old-fashioned afternoon of camp sports, whistle blowing and vulgarity.” Rules will be posted on-site, to be enforced by Stop Smiling staffers/umpires, with the hosts of the Bad at Sports podcast calling the play-by-play. Four neighborhood teams known as The Mullets, West Town Banditos, the Record Players, and the West Loop Flyers will vie for shiny awards (“Best at Sports?”) and the pride of knowing they can kick some art geek’s skinny butt.

WITHiNSIGHT Spring ’06 is at the Chicago Photography Center, 3301 N Lincoln Ave, through July 30. The gallery is open Saturdays & Sundays from 10am – 4pm or by appointment. More information at www.chicagophoto.org.

Top photo by Rosa Marie Silva, Chicago Photography Center
Bottom photo via rachelleb