The Weight of It: What Chicago's Artists Carry to Create
This summer, we're revisiting some of our favorite conversations. In this episode, we talk about the weight artists and organizers carry, and why they keep carrying it anyway. Photographer Kenn Cook Jr. reflects on capturing the West Side's true story and the West Sider who moved him to tears with her reaction to his work. Muralist-turned-fiber-artist Andy Bellomo opens up about painting through anxiety and postpartum in full public view at the Chicago Cultural Center. Laura Baginski remembers Early Birds Club co-founder Susie Lee, who kept building joy for others even through stage four cancer. And 2025 MacArthur Genius Grant winner Tonika Lewis Johnson tells the story of the Folded Map Project and the phone call that changed her life.
Explore the full episodes we revisited today:
1) Kenn Cook Jr., discussing how he captures the true essence of the West Side of Chicago.Full episode: https://pod.link/1838675173/episode/ZWI1NjJlODQtYTMzNy00ODU0LTk4MWUtNzFmYTNjNjRmYjAw
2) Andy Bellomo explores how large-scale public art becomes a powerful vehicle for queer community, activism, and belonging in Chicago. Full episode: https://pod.link/1838675173/episode/YzlkYzQ2YzYtZDIxMC00OWM0LThlOWEtZDgzYTFlZDU2N2Iz
3) Laura Baginski discusses the essence of Chicago, the importance of creating safe spaces, and the legacy of her late co-founder, Susie Lee. Full episode: https://pod.link/1838675173/episode/MTFkNzI5ZmEtNmFlMy00MDk2LWE3YmItOTc3NTY2NGM5NjA3
4) Tonika Lewis Johnson discusses her impactful work, including the Folded Map Project, which visualizes segregation in Chicago. Full episode: https://pod.link/1838675173/episode/Zjg5NjM4ODYtZjUyNy00MTVhLWFiYTAtOGU3ODc1NTUxNDZk
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Notes from Chicago is a weekly interview show hosted by Ashley Phillips, centering the voices, stories, and neighborhoods that make up the real Chicago.