Friday, June 24, 2011

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!

19 comments:

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

Great pictures, Jeanie! Thanks for taking me down memory lane in Chicago!

http://qugrainne.com said...

More great photos and memories, Jeanie. Love the one of the Twister couple!! And you had a grand time on Sunday - sorry I missed all those good stops.
Hope you are well - I'm looking forward to your July visit.
I am enjoying my first day in Vancouver. It's beautiful!!!
See you soon - Kerry

BECKY said...

Fabulous photos! I haven't stopped by in awhile and it looks like you've done some really cool traveling! Thanks for sharing with us!

Sally Wessely said...

You took some amazing photos. I loved seeing the city through your artist's eye.

Tracy said...

LOVED catching up with your Chicago highlights, Jeanie! I love Dick Blick shops and miss them...*sigh*... Happy Days :o)

Bella Rum said...

Fantastic pictures. Now I want to go back.

anno said...

Oh, man, I can't imagine only 10 minutes in the Dick Blick store ... takes me an hour or more just to get through the catalog! And I'm not a crafter (just a dreamer)!

Loved the pictures of Macy's and the theater. Thanks especially for the pictures of the Chagall mural -- will have to look for it the next time we visit.

Joanne Huffman said...

If you stay at The Palmer House, Dick Blick is a short trip across the street. As alsways, I love your Chicago photos.

Privet and Holly said...

What a city!
What a post.
Haven't been
downtown CHI
in ages. I just
make it to the NW
suburbs and stop,
as that is where
two of my dear
friends are. Have
to make the trip
in to the city next
time!
Happy Weekend,
xx Suzanne

Oh said...

Aha! so know I know how you spent your time after we left! You covered a LOT of ground. I love how you wield your camera effortlessly no matter where you are and get the pictures the rest of us miss. Macy's is grand, 'specially that escalator shot. (ya never know what I'm gonna love, but it often has to do with functional form.)

and the Macy's clock! egads, like the one in NYC!

and I cannot believe you had only 10 minutes in DB's, but perhaps that was a good thing?

So, how much stuff did you have when you boarded the train? did you need a porter, a sherpa?

Ok, next time, we're staying for 3 full days, wherever it is ('specially if shops and art are around. Love the Chagall. Going back through my pictures (to 1985) when i took the same "wall."

Annie Jeffries said...

These are so marvelous. I knew there was a reason(s) why I was drawn to visit Chicago someday. These photos showcase all the reasons.

Marilyn Miller said...

Now I had not been intrigued to visit Chicago until now. Beautiful shots and love seeing the art of the city.

Terry said...

I've always wanted to visit Chicago (not in the winter though!) and this just added to it. Lovely pics, thanks for posting !

Janet said...

Wonderful photos! I feel as if I've just been on vacation in Chicago and was able to see all the sights.

beth said...

wow....you really SAW chicago....what great photos !!

~*~Patty S said...

Fantastic pics and tour Jeanie!
Guess you'll just have to make a return visit sometime...something tells me one could spend weeks there...it is certainly now on my wish to visit list...all thanks to you!
:)
oxo

Jennifer Richardson said...

My eyes! my eyes!
What an incredible feast
...they're full to the brim
and running over
with the beauty
of it all!
Wow....so much to take in.
Very rich and moving photos.
Wonderful share:)
-Jennifer

Ragamuffin Gal said...

Magnificent pictures of your wonderful trip ~ thanks for sharing and narrating! I adore the mosaics!
XXO

Robin said...

What a great tour! I have seen some of those places but not for a very long time. It all feels so familiar:) And 2 years ago my Internet friend Kelly and I went to Navy Pier and saw the same Tiffany exhibit and it was truly spectacular!! You a alwaysnmake the most of your travels, seeing as much as you can. I'm lazier thanmu are and often regret not doing something later. Photography has helped me so much though in getting me out of the house with purpose and enthusiasm.
xo

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