Alden B. Dow: A Way of Life
2024-09-16 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Online Event
Midland, Michigan’s significance in the development of the Mid-Century Modern Movement is well deserved thanks to native son, and Michigan’s Architect Laureate Alden B. Dow F.A.I.A. Introducing modernism to Midland and creating over 100 structures there, Dow inspired numerous architects, designers and builders to create modern and organic structures in this small city. From 1930 to 1970 over 430 individually designed MCM structures were created and have now been documented to share.
From the beginning of his career Dow’s designs inspired freedom of thought and innovation. “Gardens never end and buildings never begin” is how he defined his own form of organic architecture, seamlessly integrating nature and structure together. Please join us for a special, free virtual opportunity to hear Craig McDonald, Executive Director of the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio talk about what influenced Dow, his body of work, and the legacy of Mid-Twentieth Century Modern Architecture he initiated.

Artecito Virtual
2024-09-19 18:00 - 19:00, 2024-10-03 18:00 - 19:00, 2024-10-17 18:00 - 19:00, 2024-10-31 18:00 - 19:00, 2024-11-14 18:00 - 19:00, 2024-11-28 18:00 - 19:00, 2024-12-12 18:00 - 19:00, 2024-12-26 18:00 - 19:00 | Online Event
Artecito es un proyecto criado por OPEN Center for the Arts y Lincoln Park Zoo para explorar diferentes temas de la naturaleza y conservación del medio ambiente a través de las artes

Noted Chicago Bridge Designers
2024-09-25 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Event
A look at a quintet of designers who impacted bridge design in Chicago and throughout the United States.
While it would be hyperbole to call Chicago “a city of bridges”, it certainly has its fair share crossing the Chicago River. The city has more moveable bridges than any other in the United States. Multiple waterways, car and pedestrian traffic, and heavy railroad infrastructure require bridges of all shapes and sizes in the city–some of which have amazing histories often overlooked. Behind the bridges are their designers: Ralph Modjeski and Joseph Strauss began their storied careers and opened their first offices in Chicago before receiving national and international acclaim; John Alexander Low Waddell and John Greiner were already famous before they erected structures in Chicago; an architect and urban planner, Edward Bennett, worked to instill the principles of the City Beautiful movement in his bridge designs which was contained in the Chicago Plan of 1909. This virtual program will discuss these designers and the functional beauty these bridges bring to Chicago.

Virtual Kinderschule Open Haus
2025-02-26 19:00 - 20:00 | DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL, 60625, United States
You are invited to our new virtual Open House. Prospective families will have the opportunity to learn about our excellent Preschool and Kindergarten program. During this virtual meet, you will learn about our teaching philosophy, you will meet the teachers and the administration and can ask all the questions you may have about our fully immersive German preschool and Kindergarten program.
When and How
February 26, 2025 | 7pm CST
You will receive the participation link once you have registered.
Questions?
Contact us at kinderschule@dankhaus.com or call 773-561-9181 Ext. 1

Constructing Architectural Networks: Ukraine [VIRTUAL]
2025-06-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Join us for a discussion with architects working on material logistics and mutual aid networks during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This program is hosted in collaboration with the exhibition Constructing Hope: Ukraine which is currently on view at the CAC through September 1, 2025.
The second exhibition of this work in the United States after premiering at the Center for Architecture in New York in 2024, Constructing Hope: Ukraine focuses on decentralized reconstruction efforts, presenting the work of grassroots initiatives happening inside and outside of Ukraine. The speakers, Kseniia Kalmus (artist and co-founder of Livyi Bereh) and Ada Wordsworth (founder and director of KHARPP), will sit with the exhibition curators to discuss their work to provide support for rebuilding and repairs across Ukraine. Come join this special opportunity to hear first-hand accounts of how supporting locally can create a collective good.

Constructing Ecological Landscapes: Ukraine Webinar
2025-07-10 08:00 - 17:00 | Virtual, Chicago, IL, United States
Join us for a virtual discussion for the closing of the exhibition Constructing Hope: Ukraine. This program is hosted in collaboration with the exhibition Constructing Hope: Ukraine which is currently on view at the CAC through September 1, 2025.
This panel, the closing event of the public programming for the Constructing Hope: Ukraine exhibition, will feature speakers Asia Bazdyrieva and Darya Tsymbalyuk, whose research and creative practices engage with the environmental, cultural and political dimensions of war and recovery in Ukraine.
In dialogue with the exhibition, the conversation will explore how both natural and built landscapes are shaped by imperial histories, extractive infrastructures, and ongoing ecological violence. It will also reflect on the role of cultural knowledge, grassroots recovery and interdisciplinary research in shaping resistance and imagining more just and resilient futures.
The event will include presentations by the speakers, followed by a conversation with exhibition curators Betty Roytburd, Ashley Bigham, and Sasha Topolnytska, and conclude with an audience Q&A.

Constructing Ecological Landscapes: Ukraine [Webinar]
2025-08-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Join us for a virtual discussion for the closing of the exhibition Constructing Hope: Ukraine. This program is hosted in collaboration with the exhibition Constructing Hope: Ukraine which is currently on view at the CAC through September 1, 2025.
Free with Advanced Registration
This panel, the closing event of the public programming for the Constructing Hope: Ukraine exhibition, will feature speakers Asia Bazdyrieva and Darya Tsymbalyuk, whose research and creative practices engage with the environmental, cultural and political dimensions of war and recovery in Ukraine.
In dialogue with the exhibition, the conversation will explore how both natural and built landscapes are shaped by imperial histories, extractive infrastructures, and ongoing ecological violence. It will also reflect on the role of cultural knowledge, grassroots recovery and interdisciplinary research in shaping resistance and imagining more just and resilient futures.
The event will include presentations by the speakers, followed by a conversation with exhibition curators Betty Roytburd, Ashley Bigham, and Sasha Topolnytska, and conclude with an audience Q&A.

American Prophets: James Baldwin & Queer Spirituality (ONLINE)
2025-09-16 18:00 - 19:00 | American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL, 60601, United States
Despite James Baldwin’s disavowal of Christianity in his youth, he continued to engage the symbols and theology of Christianity in works such as The Amen Corner, Just Above My Head, and others. With his new book Jimmy’s Faith: James Baldwin, Disidentification, and the Queer Possibilities of Black Religion, author Christopher W. Hunt shows how Baldwin’s usage of those religious symbols both shifted their meaning and served as a way for him to build his own religious and spiritual vision.
Hunt is interviewed by Northwestern professor Ivy Wilson. Books will be available for purchase and Hunt will sign them following the program.
This is the livestream of an in person program at the American Writers Museum. When you register for this event, you will receive access to the livestream link. If you would like to attend the program at the AWM, get your tickets here.
This program is presented in conjunction with the AWM’s forthcoming special exhibit American Prophets: Writers, Religion, and Culture, opening November 2025. American Prophets is supported by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Religion and Cultural Institutions Initiative.

From Ancient Oracles to Modern Mystics: Mystische Frauen
2025-10-23 19:00 - 21:00 | DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL, 60625, United States
Join us this Hallows’ Eve season as we explore the myst of German women whose spiritual visions transcended the limits of reason. From ancient prophetesses and medieval visionaries to latter-day stigmatists, these women offer us glimpses beyond the boundaries of human perception–reminding us that the world we see may not be all that exists.
Don’t miss this evening of history, mystery, and storytelling!
Can’t make it to the in-person event? Mike Haas will be hosting an online version here the following Thursday, October 30, from 7-9 PM CT.

From Ancient Oracles to Modern Mystics: Mystische Frauen
2025-10-23 19:00 - 21:00 | DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL, 60625, United States
From Ancient Oracles to Modern Mystics: Mystische Frauen
Presented by Mike Haas
Join us this Hallows’ Eve season as we explore the myst of German women whose spiritual visions transcended the limits of reason. From ancient prophetesses and medieval visionaries to latter-day stigmatists, these women offer us glimpses beyond the boundaries of human perception–reminding us that the world we see may not be all that exists.
Don’t miss this evening of history, mystery, and storytelling!
Can’t make it to the in-person event? Mike Haas will be hosting an online version here the following Thursday, October 30, from 7-9 PM CT.

The German Imprint on our American Christmas
2025-12-13 13:00 - 15:00 | DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL, 60625, United States
The German Imprint on our American Christmas | Presented by Mike Haas
Christmas — or Weihnachten — is Germany’s most beloved holiday, and America’s too! What many Americans don’t realize is just how deeply German immigrants have shaped the way we celebrate the season.
From the Christmas tree to Santa Claus, from mistletoe and gingerbread houses to Nutcrackers and Advent calendars, so many of our favorite traditions have German origins. Even our cherished Christmas music from Handel’s Messiah to O Tannenbaum to Silent Night carries the spirit of that heritage. And who could forget A Charlie Brown Christmas or the joyful Christmas markets that now brighten towns across the United States?
Join us for an insightful and festive presentation exploring the stories behind these beloved traditions. Whether you come to learn, share, or simply celebrate, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of the German influence on America’s most cherished holiday.

Winter Writing Institute (online)
2026-01-05 10:00 - 14:00 | Virtual, Chicago, IL, United States
Winter Writing Institute (Online)

Join us for an online professional development session co-presented by Teach Tank. This session will support educators in using writing as a healing practice, facilitating complex conversations through writing experiences, and developing culturally responsive writing strategies that can be used across grade levels and content areas. Free, registration required.
Illinois Teachers will earn 4 CPDUs.
For any questions, reach out to the AWM Education Team at education@americanwritersmuseum.org.
