Monthly Archives: November 2011

Orchids

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Villa Park, IL might not be the hot spot for tourist travel, but you will feel like you have been to the tropics in one quick visit to Hausermann’s. Once you step through the door, you will be in orchid heaven. Miles upon miles of orchids fill the greenhouses – every color and variety you can imagine. Hausermann’s hothouses are brimming with some of the most beautiful orchids I have ever seen in my life, including orchid containers, food and medium. I was most fascinated by the orchid nursery…where all of the future beauties are being “birthed”. Hausermann’s fall sale is on from Nov. 10th -13th. Seminars in orchid growing are offered as well as an online catalog for shopping and tips for keeping your orchids alive. Stop by and find a little treasure to brighten your home for the winter months ahead.

Bean There Done That

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If your travels bring you to the windy city of Chicago, take time to see the plethora of world class outdoor art. The Chicago Architecture Foundation offers an excellent walking tour of the Picasso, Chagall, Calder, and Dubuffet sculptures adorning the city’s various plazas.

On Michigan Avenue, Millennium Park is home to one of the most visited works of public art, Cloud Gate by artist Anish Kapoor. Watching the reaction of the people around the sculpture is almost as enjoyable as viewing the piece itself. Cameras continuously click on this part fun-house mirror, bean-shaped object. Spectacular reflections of the city’s amazing architecture reflect from the highly polished silver surface. To view “The Bean”, walk one city block north of the Art Institute of Chicago…and yes, bring your camera!

Wonderful Wednesdays: Free Admission to the Art Insitute of Chicago

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Calling all Illinoisans to the Art Institute of Chicago. Did you know the first and second Wednesday of each month is free to all Illinois residents? Just bring your driver’s license or proof of residency to the ticket office (you may be asked to make a donation) and enjoy a stunning collection of world class art.

Explore the well known impressionism paintings from Monet to Van Gogh. Step into the new Modern Wing and find contemporary artwork bathed in light and openness. Both, the original and the new wings, have delightful gift shops.  Here, you can purchase a souvenir of one of the great master’s works or a lesser known craftsman’s object you may want to savor. After you depart the museum, take a stroll to the museum’s outdoor sculpture gardens and find yourself insulated from the city’s hustle and bustle. Migrating warblers, owls and woodpeckers have been seen here in the trees (by yours truly) making it hard to believe you are in the middle of a major metropolis. Take a Wednesday morning, afternoon or day and feed your senses with art, for free!

Is Film Dead? Not at Central Camera Chicago

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There are plenty of skeptics in the world of photography who would say film is dead. To some, it may be a thing of the past. Many would swear by the ease of use with their digital SLR cameras. Then there is the iPhone user, who takes pictures of their friend while walking backwards…hoping to catch every step they take down a crowded sidewalk. For those of you who still search for film sources (I include myself in this group) and prefer to shoot analog, stop into Central Camera, 230 S. Wabash in Chicago, IL. For a moment, you may think you have stepped back into the early 70’s. Old camera bodies, cases and accessories fill the front window displays. Beyond the doors, you are greeted by more camera bodies (all film) and a sea of lenses. No digital cameras in sight. The well seasoned staff behind the counters are knowledgeable and helpful – some have even been there since the 70’s. If you are traveling to Chicago and need film, stop by and stock up while you are in town. If you can’t make to Central Camera, they have a website worth checking out. They close at 5:30 pm Monday through Friday and at 5:00 pm on Saturdays.