On Saturday, July 26, the Washington Park and University of Chicago communities were invited to celebrate arts and culture at a block party on E. Garfield Boulevard between Prairie Avenue and King Drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The event, sponsored by the University, the South East Chicago Commission and 3rd Ward Alderman Pat Dowell, featured food, family-friendly activities and performances highlighting the artistic and cultural potential of the Washington Park community.
The day’s activities began with a conversation on the future of the 300 block of Garfield Boulevard. Urban planners from Solomon Cordwell Buenz solicited feedback on draft concepts for the block from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Arts Incubator.
Outside, attendees were entertained by performances from Hyde Park Suzuki students, a showcase by young actors from the Arts Incubator’s Community Actors Program, readings and an open mic facilitated by the K.L.E.O. Center, singer-songwriter Maggie Brown and jazz musician and Arts and Public Life artist-in-residence David Boykin. Arts vendors and students from the Arts Incubator’s Design Apprenticeship Program showcased their wares throughout the afternoon.
UChicago sponsors of the celebration include Arts and Public Life, the Office of Civic Engagement and UChicago Arts.
A full schedule from the day’s events is available here.
—Prof. Kunle Odunsi
