4 Gorgeous Chicago Photos Through the Eyes of Flickr Artists

Another winter is on its way. As this is being written, the first major snowfall of the season has blanketed Chicago. In the coming months there may be times when we wonder why exactly we tolerate such a harsh winder. There are many reasons, actually: it builds character (according to our fathers), it makes Christmas more enjoyable, and we’re able to appreciate spring and summer so much more than residents on the southeast and southwest coasts.

One final reason: Chicago is a striking and beautiful city, no matter the weather. With that in mind, here are 4 photos obtained from talented Flickr artists. Credit is given to the respective artist below each image.

@stuckincustoms

Caroling at Cloud Gate

Cloud Gate, also affectionately known as “The Bean,” will be the site of caroling on Friday, December 4th, 11th and 18th at 6 pm. Cloud Gate is located on the western edge of Millennium Park and is easily visible from Michigan Ave.

Chicagoans and visitors are invited to hear the beautiful voices of a variety of choral groups and join in a holiday sing-along. For more details on the event, click here.

1555 Wabash is minutes away from Cloud Gate and everything else Chicago has to offer. Located a few blocks west of Soldier Field in the city’s South Loop, 1555’s condos are the perfect home base for you to relax and recharge after enjoying the Windy City. For more information on 1555 Wabash and to schedule an appointment for a showing, click here to get started!

Image courtesy of Flickr user @dharma_for_one

Details on the Close-Out Prices at Heritage Homes

Last month we told you New West Realty recently announced close-out prices at 30% off the market price at Heritage Homes, making it even easier to buy a brand new home in the heart of Chicago. Since then, we’ve received inquiries regarding the specific pricing, so below are the relevant figures:

• 3 bed/2 bath condos starting at the $170’s
• Duplex starting at $195,000
• Townhomes starting at $235,000

For more information on this fantastic offer, click here to visit New West Realty’s home page. You’ll be able to view floorplans and schedule an appointment for a showing at Heritage Homes, putting you in Chicago’s historic West Loop and minutes away from everything the Windy City has to offer!

This Weekend in Chicago

McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park, open until March 10, 2010 (weather permitting)

Just opened yesterday, the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is now in its ninth season and draws more than 100,000 skaters annually. It is free to skate and open to the public. Skate rental is available for $10. The ice rink is located on Michigan Avenue between Washington and Madison Streets. Click here for additional information!

Banana Shpeel by Cirque du Soleil @ the Chicago Theater. Running today until January 3, 2010

Cirque du Soleil presents a new twist on vaudeville with Banana Shpeel, playing this winter at the Chicago Theatre. Neither circus, musical nor variety show, Banana Shpeel blends comedy with tap, hip-hop, eccentric dance and slapstick, with a hilarious narrative featuring wacky adventures.

Admission runs anywhere from $23-$98. Click here for details and showtimes.

Josué Pellot, New Work @ Chicago Cultural Center. Running until January 3rd, 2010

Josué Pellot is an emerging Chicago artist whose work deploys several mediums and styles to examine his Puerto Rican roots that were transplanted to the quintessential American experience and mediated by its pop culture and consumerism.

He works with photography, painting, screen-printing, video and sculpture. His exhibit at the Chicago Cultural Center on Michigan Ave. will be running until early 2010, and Pellot will be in attendance on December 3rd at 12:15 pm to talk about his gallery.

Admission is free. Click here for more information!

Chicago has a huge variety of things to do and places to see, no matter the season. If you’ve wanted to live in the heart of the city, minutes from the all the Windy City has to offer, Eastgate Village has wonderful townhomes and condominiums at Chicago’s near South Side. Click here for further information or to request an appointment for a showing!

This Weekend in Chicago

There’s always something to do in the Windy City, and this weekend is no exception. This week we’ve headlined a classic silent film brought to life with music, great live shows in the area, and a fun art project for the whole family. Let’s get to it!

The Golem film screening with music by Fulcrum Point, Friday @ 7 pm at the Chicago Cultural Center

The Golem is the classic 1920 silent horror film (click here for reviews) from motion picture pioneer Paul Wegener. The film depicts an ancient Jewish morality story about power, politics, magic and survival.

Fulcrum Point is a 5-member (string quartet and clarinet) group that will provide the film’s original score to go along with the film. The Golem will be shown at the Chicago Cultural Center and admission is free! Click here for complete details.

Family Days: Art without Borders, Saturday from 11 am – 3 pm at the Museum of Contemporary Art

The new season of Family Days continues as families explore the work of contemporary artist Liam Gillick, whose work is now on view in the museum. Families can experiment with their own designs, stories, and ways of making art by learning how Gillick draws from his world to create art.

Admission to this event is also free of charge, and it’s a great way to provide some intellectual and creative stimulation for your kids on the weekend. Click here for full details on the event.

Sunday Salon Series: Baroque Band, Sunday @ 3 pm at the Chicago Cultural Center

This Chicago Cultural Center event features Chicago’s period instrument orchestra performing a program of early music from Latin America. The event is presented in conjunction with the Latino Music Festival. Like the others, the concert is free to attend! Click here for the full details.

Eastgate Village is New West Realty’s beautiful near-South Side community of townhomes and condominiums. The spacious homes give you the perfect nest to help you relax and recharge after taking in everything Chicago has to offer. Click here for more information on Eastgate Village or to schedule an appointment!