Foodie Fun: Chicago

Inspired by talented food-blogger Nick Feitel and Tea-Fanatic/Traveling Graduate Student Lola Keys I wanted to write a bit about the culinary finds in Chicago.

This summer I have located one of the best places to spend those watched-over calories: Taylor Street, Chicago!  Between the history of Little Italy, and the expansive growth of the University of Illinois, Chicago, Taylor Street has been attracting people since the 1850's.  Mario's Italian Lemonade, open since the 1950's, serves a delicious slush-like lemonade in a variety of flavors.  Loyal customers are willing to stand in the rain for this awesome refreshing treat.  My Order: A Strawberry Limeade!  

About a block west of Mario's you will find a more contemporary addition to the historical community: Busy Burger.  Easily spotted amongst the modest and classic Taylor Street facads', the outside of Busy Burger is painted mars-black with huge white block lettering.  Music spills from the speakers and into the street playing the hottest dance hits into the evening.  Sleek silver tables, and Vivid Tangerine Chairs line the west-sidewalk, and the mesquite smell of grilled awesomeness dances in the air.  My Order: a Busy Cheese Burger with Onion Rings (you're gonna wanna get the onion rings).

Finally, I want to highlight another hidden jem on my accent into food-heaven: Dinkels Bakery.  Open since 1922 on Lincoln Avenue, Dinkels' roots are founded in Bavaria, Germany, where Master Baker Joseph K. Dinkel and his wife worked to achieve a very successful bakery.  Expect a line of people from every generation there to pick up Birthday Cakes, Breakfast Treats and Fresh Bread.  My Order: The Maple Bacon Donut!



Hope You Enjoyed those Chicago Food Finds:  Stay Tuned for the Artist Scene in the Florida Keys!

Spring Events

This week myself and Holly DeRosa will present our experiences working in the field of art therapy and autism at the Illinois Art Therapy Association's Living Room Lecture Series.  More information can be found on the IATA website.

 

Do Your P'Art will host their annual fundraiser at the Merchandise Mart on April 29th.  Tickets are available through their newly updated website courtesy of Bright Plum.

 

Thanks for checking in!
Maia

Spring has Sprung

With the arrival of spring - I feel myself experiencing freshly awakened efforts to bring material and conversation to The Traveling Artist Blog. 



Machu Picchu, Peru



I feel some sense of responsibility to explain my most recent hiatus from the World Wide Web.  I wish it were some awesome reason of why I stopped sharing these past several months - some amazing experience I was having, a life defining-moment or altering event that kept me isolated from technology, and the supportive audience I have come to gather. 

Perhaps backpacking ancient civilizations in South America, fearlessly seeking the title of "The First Woman Under the Age of 30 to Cross the Sahara Wearing Nothing but the Color Purple and Singing Prince the whole way" ... or something less comedic - more soulful.  Seeking serenity in rejecting technology for three months: painting the sides of buildings in forgotten communities.

I'd have to say that all of the above is more-or-less untrue and less romantic by my definition - I just got bored.  I'd like to blame a number of things: life, finances, family, ans career - in the end I am the common denominator.  In situations of restless boredom - I have for years blamed my creative drive. 

Wheeler 2011

Damning it as an uncontrollable beast that only shows itself once or twice a year - expecting me to maintain the flame of inspiration and creation until it's anticipated return.  So on this hour, this day, this month, this year - I again blame the painful, vast, and lonely deep-pit of empty creative-drive that has kept me spitefully away from reaching out. 

Perhaps more important than where I've been - is why I am coming back.  Coming back to an audience I reached out to from behind my keyboard and invited into my processes and experiences.  SO for everyone who has visited my written word, asked follow up questions, posted a comment, or "liked" what I've contributed - Thanks for the continued support - I hope to bring you some things, and also beg for conversations that may spark some creative ember within myself.

Thanks for checking in!

Happy New Year!

After almost a month hiatus I am back to share all things Travel, Art and Love!

Lots of huge things have happened this past month!  Divine Pastries hit the shelves on December 31st at Kim & Scott's Pretzels: Cafe Twist located at 2218 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago.  Also make sure to check Divine Pastries new website and leave an email at sponton@divinepastries.com!  

The exhibit Self Care and Growth: Living an Expressed Life opened this past Sunday, January 9th at the Evanston Art Depot located at 600 Main Street, Evanston, IL.  Artist, and MAAT Candiate Emerald Smith, and myself feature paintings and prints that address the topic of "self-care" in the counseling relationship. Both Emearld and myself believe that making art enriches our own lives, as well as the lives of the clients we work with.  Taking time to tap into our own creative energy is an essential part of being present and empathic with our clients.

This week I submit my sketchbook for the Sketchbook Project that opens March, 2011!  Make sure to look out for the dates the exhibit is near you!


Thanks For Checking In!