So the tour nostalgia is already kicking in pretty hard here at Art House HQ… We’ve driven just under 15,000 miles so far – that’s the equivalent of traveling from New York City to Tibet and back!
We’ve chugged up and down the Rocky Mountains, dipped our feet in both the Atlantic and Pacific, and met thousands of wonderful people in 36 states. It’s been a beautiful, exhausting thrill of a journey and we’re incredibly grateful for each and every participating artist who made it all possible!
Thank you for inviting us into your communities and fueling us with your energy and enthusiasm. It’s been an incredible ride.
Despite all of the incredible cities, people, spaces and places we’ve experienced this year, I think Chicago might have been our best tour stop yet. Chicagoans have got to be the friendliest big-city dwellers in the country and we all felt welcome from the moment a complete stranger first stopped us on the sidewalk just to say “hi.”
After a whirlwind four days at the lovely Hyde Park Art Center, a few trips to Bucktown, Ukranian Village and Lakeview on the North Side, a deep-dish pizza, a real Chicago hotdog and a jaw-dropping stroll through the Art Institute, we found ourselves utterly smitten with the Big Onion. Thanks to all the friends and families who came from further afield, too — we met wonderful folks from all over Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan, too.
A special thanks to the Hyde Park Art Center — what an ideal neighborhood institution! From the barter-friendly plant sale in the lobby to the free children’s programming all summer long, the neighborhood is very fortunate to have such an inspiring hub of creativity in the community. It was a pleasure to join forces for a few days!
You’re the best, Chicagoland — we can’t wait to see you again next year!
Till then…
Love,
Art House Tour Crew
7 Notes