The Last of Chicago

Lots of pix in this post -- not much text!

After Di and Kerry went their respective ways, I had time to kick around Chicago. Here are a few things that captivated me.

This could be a post in itself.

It's Chagall's Four Seasons, a mosaic located in the Chase Tower Plaza on Dearborn and Monroe streets.

It was a gift to the City of Chicago by the artist, made in his French studio in 1974 and finished on site.

It cover four sizes of a long rectangular panel, 70 feet long and 14 feet high. It's about 10 feet on each side.

Wikipedia tells me it was renovated in 1994 with the protective glass canopy installed. It was the subject of a 1974 documentary by Chuck Olin called The Gift: Four Seasons Mosaic of Marc Chagall.

The it was off to Macy's.

Through seemingly countless buyouts over the years, Macy's took over Marshall Field's and the historic Marshall Field building with its elegant ceiling and beautiful column architecture.

Of course, the store has lots to check out -- and I showed great control, capturing only photos!

I was impressed by the Chicago skyline in chocolate...

...the criss-crossing of escalators...

...and the fashion, which seems to look great on the mannequins and not so hot on me.

The clock is one of the long enduring features of the store.

I have a passion for theatre architecture, from the marquee to the interior.

I couldn't take a peek into the Chicago theatre, though I loved the sculpture on the facade.

But the Oriental (Ford) theatre was just closing doors for a show. They wouldn't let me past the ticket taker, but from the doorway I could catch a couple of photos.

Oh, they don't make them like this anymore. I felt all gorgeous and glam even in my tennies, shooting from the doorway!

I loved the geometry of the stone buildings (this above the Garrett's popcorn shop where I bought Rick some of the famous Chicago mix).

But time was running out. And my only my art friends will appreciate this.

As I hurried back to the hotel to get my bags and make it to the station on time, I happened to pass by a window with art supplies. It was Dick Blick. Can you imagine the frustration -- Dick Blick in only ten minutes, max?

I know where I'm stopping first next time!

NEW AT CHOPSTICKS AND STRING: "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," by Rebecca Skloot. If you've ever had a polio vaccine, you should thank Henrietta. Fascinating!