Happy Birthday Chicago 2021

> > > CLICK HERE TO ATTEND < < <

Virtual, Avatar-Based Environment
FREE with a suggestion of donation
A virtual open gallery experience
March 4th through April 4th

  • Gallery showcasing local…
    • Visual artists of all mediums
    • Vendors of all kinds from crafts, to spices, to jewelry
    • Musicians of many genres
    • Unique performances     
  • Create your own avatar and walk around our multi-room art experience
  • Click on any participants work to learn more, watch, listen, or see more work
  • Live pop-up events such as…
    • Chicago Trivia
    • Listening Party with featured local talent
    • Artist Features: time lapse of creative process with Q & A
    • Deep Dish pizza kitchen tutorial
    • Happy Hour
    • Crafting nights
    • St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
    • Chicago History Night

Please email info@echoesofchicago.org if you are interested in co-producing a pop-up event!


Donate to Virtually Holidazed
100% Profits go to HOW
(Housing Opportunities for Women)


Thanks to an Anonymous Donor found by Big High Five
the first $500 will be matched!

 

Virtually Holidazed.
Virtual, Avatar-Based Environment
FREE with a suggestion of any size donation
A virtual open gallery experience
November 27th – December 21st

  • Art Gallery showcasing local artists 
  • A Marketplace featuring local Craft Artisans and Businesses
  • A Listening Wall featuring local Musicians’ work
  • Event Date: November 27th – December 21st
    • There will be some live pop-up events happening in the space during this time period

> > > CLICK HERE TO ATTEND < < <

The platform that the gallery is hosted in is www.framevr.io and may be a little beta sensitive, but remember that it is FREE, FUN and for a GOOD CAUSE. We have also uploaded a lot of great content so please, once you have connected to the frame, give it some time to load. This is especially true for cell phones and VR headsets, the optimal way to enjoy the gallery experience is on a computer web browser. 

Using Frame

  • Setting up an Account
    • Go to www.framevr.io
    • Click the Blue, Green, & Red lines on the top right for the menu
    • Scroll down and sign in using google, microsoft, or facebook
      • You can also  type in an email and password you would like
    • Customize Avatar
      • You can be a robot or a person avatar
    • Type in Information you would like to be displayed
      • Your Nametag (how you will be seen in frame)
      • Your Company (if applicable)
      • LinkedIn URL (if you want, if applicable)
      • Twitter URL (if you want, if applicable)
      • Set Profile Photo (if you want)
  • How To Navigate
    • W = forward, S = back 
    • Q = look left, E = look right
    • A = sidestep left, D = sidestep right
    • Click and drag your mouse to change your view
    • Navigating the virtual space comes with a different learning curve for all of us, so please click here for a brief tutorial.
  • Use Headphones!
    • In order to avoid complications with the sound quality, we advise and request that you use headphones when you are in the virtual space.
  • Be aware if your Microphone is On or Off
  • Using the Avatar Cam
    • Click the Blue, Green, & Red lines on the top right for the menu
    • Click the ‘Avatar Cam’ to Share your Camera
    • A window of your shared camera will move around with your avatar
  • Like in the rest of life, if it’s broken… first try rebooting!
    • If you are experiencing any glitches, refreshing the page usually works.  
    • If audio gives feedback, try muting and unmuting a few times — and use headphones!

Holidays During Covid-19
This year has had a significant impact on all of us in too many ways, including our ability to celebrate the arts. Any other year, Chicago is packed full of events to showcase our city’s unique and diverse artistic culture, from visuals to music to great food and beyond. But this year many of us struggle to simply make the rent, while our favorite local restaurants are empty, and our lives are upended as we try to keep a safe distance from each other. Our city’s arts and music events have always been a crucial piece of our community identity, and despite the struggles, we feel that this year should be no different. Therefore we are doing something new!

Each December, Echoes of Chicago produces a fundraising Vendor & Art Gallery to benefit Chicagoans that are experiencing homelessness or near-homelessness as the holidays near. This year, we are raising money for Housing Opportunities for Women (HOW).

Free to Attend
We have made this event FREE FOR ALL to participate or attend. We do ask, that if artists feel they can spare any profits from the event, or an attendee feels the experience and charity cause are worthwhile, to make any contribution to the event they can – all profits go to Housing Opportunities for Women.

Purchasing Work
Due to social distancing and being virtual, making purchases is an obstacle that we faced. We invited artists, artisans, businesses, musicians, and performers to share 2D images of their work so that we can link directly to their websites for the point-of-sale.

About Echoes
Echoes of Chicago is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create affordable, innovative arts and music events that promote Chicago culture and community while raising awareness and funds for local nonprofits. By using traditional elements such as music and the arts to build an audience, they reinforce community by supporting local organizations, businesses, entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives at each of their events. Echoes is entirely volunteer-run and donates 100% of each event’s profits to local nonprofits. 

Housing Opportunities for Women (HOW)
Since 1983, HOW has been a leader in permanent solutions to homelessness. Through prevention strategies; expanded, affordable, supportive housing; and individualized support services they have helped thousands take back their lives. HOW operates under the Housing First Model, which ensures that homeless individuals are housed as quickly as possible, and then provided with tools for success and self-sufficiency

 


Echoes of Chicago is a nonprofit whose mission is to create affordable, innovative arts and music events that promote Chicago culture and community while raising awareness and funds for local nonprofits. We are entirely volunteer-run and donate 100% of each of our other event’s profits to local nonprofits. Happy Birthday Chicago is our annual fundraiser where we raise funds to support and expand our organization and its future events.

A City Divided

Echoes of Chicago encourages their community to unpack the divisive issues that Chicago faces. This is a self-reflective event for Chicagoans to take a moment and consider the things that divide us, why they divide us, and what can help us overcome them to improve Chicago. 100% of profits will benefit nonprofits that address issues that divide us: Chicago Community Bond Fund and Jane Addams Resource Corporation.

But don’t worry, it’s still a party: a celebration of community members willing to come together, rise above the reasons that divide us, and consider, unpack, and challenge them.

A City Divided will feature:
• An Art Gallery showcasing local artists
• A marketplace featuring local Craft Artisans, Nonprofits, and Businesses
• Local Music Performances
• Arts and Crafts tables at our Creative Corner
• Full Bar with Beers and Spirits
• A Themed, Live Photo Booth
• The Echoes Superhero, Windy, performed by Nina Cativa
• And more!

Master of Ceremony
Al Tamper

Live Performance
Prelude To A Million
Al Tamper
$ U I T
D’Munti
Tarnynon pronounced Ty-yuh-nuh
Adjacent Cruise
Emma Grace

Artists
John Fahrenbach
Adel Zhaneken | adel.zhaneken.business.com
Art by Gordana | etsy.com/shop/ArtByGordanaa
Elena Baydina | www.AEillustrations.com
John Fahrenbach
John Metido
Light, recorded by Jovana Mishkoska
Melina Scotte | meliart.carbonmade.com/
Nikki Busch
Pascal Saint-Clair | www.pascalstudio.net/
RenmaDesign | www.renmadesign.com
Rin Matter| www.facebook.com/ElsewhereArt/
Sarah Suzanne Noble | sarahsuzannenoble.com
Simone Robinson | www.etsy.com/shop/ShopSAR
William Lane | www.williamLane.myportfolio.com
William Steele | artbysteele.weebly.com

Vendors
Artsy Eye | www.AEillustrations.com
Defensive Wounds | www.WinslowDumaine.com
Limba Gal Jewelry | www.limbagal.com
Sam Lynn Studio | samlynnstudio.com/

Happy Birthday Chicago will feature:
• An Art Gallery showcasing local artists
• A marketplace featuring local Craft Artisans, Nonprofits, and Businesses
• Local Music Performances
• Arts and Crafts tables at our Creative Corner
• Full Bar with Beers and Spirits
• Live Photo Booth
• The Echoes Superhero, Windy, performed by Nina Cativa
• And more!

Supported by Lagunitas Brewing

Live Music:
Dos Ultra
Audio Monkeys
David Ladon
The Terms
SVCRED HVRP

Artists:
Andrew Mott, Angela Estrella Mejia – AngieStar Photo, Art by Gordana, Arturo Gonzalez, Chris Johnson, Cleofe Guangko Casambre MD, Drew Reynolds, Isaac Israilevich, Ive_Gu,Jillian Kennedy, Joey Tea, Kristin Wenc, LP Lundy, Melina Scotte, Oscar JoyoPaul Papo Mireles, Rebecca Israilevich, RenmaDesign, Robert Ray Johnson, Sarah Braden, Sarah Rivard, Sarah Suzanne Noble, Tom Packard, Wayne Thomas Abell, William Lane

Vendors:
Ms Nguyen Stitches, Lincoln ApparelTendaji Body OilsDrew ReynoldsSam Lynn Studio, CosasDBThe Simple GoodKingston James & Company,Corazon Mixteco, EME CARICATURES

Join us Saturday January 19th for local art and music to kick off the year at Re:solutions.

Re:solutions is an arts event exploring change, growth, and innovative approaches to addressing urban issues. All proceeds benefit I Grow Chicago and CircEsteem.

Hairpin Arts Center
2810 N Milwaukee Ave 2nd Floor
(Diversey, Milwaukee, and Kimball)
Saturday, January 19th, 6pm-12am

Supported by Lagunitas Brewing

Re:solutions will feature:
• Shopping from local crafts-people, businesses, and artists!
• An Art Gallery featuring over 20 local artists
• A Marketplace featuring local Craft Vendors
• Arts and Crafts tables at our Creative Corner
• Live Music
• Full Bar
• Circus Performance by CircEsteem
• Photo Booth
• And more!

Music Performances
The Weekend Run Club
Lemon Knife
Artemis
Ali Jackson

Artists
Alex Brightbill, Andy MottBrankica Pacula, Chelsea Weber, Eason BraggFluorescent City, Gordana Draganic, Guru_guluIsaac Israilevich, James T. Sturnfield, Jenn Weiskopf, Jonathan CarradineLinda Horton PhotographyMegan KindMegan Rivera, Oscar Joyo, Paul Papo Mireles, R. B-C Artistry, Renma Design, Robert Johnson, Sarah Braden, Sarah Rivard, Sarah Suzanne NobleT.J. LeglerTom PackardWayne Thomas AbellZelene Schlosberg

Vendors
Art by Markas O, CannaBon Therapeutics, Crescent Moon Henna, Grilly Boutique & Recycled by Robin, Kingston James & Co., Lavender’s Story, Lincoln Apparel, Product Of Chicago, Tanzen Lilly Jewelry and Fine Art, Tetyana Boyechko Artist

I Grow Chicago started in the streets, is supported by the streets, and is transforming the streets. We are a community-led, grassroots organization with one ambitious goal: to heal the hood. Together, a group of neighbors and supporters are building a culture of hope in Englewood and beyond. All our programs work to combat the traumatic effects of violence and poverty.

The mission of I Grow Chicago is to grow Englewood from surviving to thriving through community connection, skill building, and opportunity.

CircEsteem’s mission is to unite youth from diverse racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds and to help them build self-esteem and mutual respect through the practice and performance of circus arts.

Founded in 2001 by retired Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey clown, Paul Miller, CircEsteem helps youth build self-esteem and create safe and diverse communities through the learning of circus arts.  During the first half of 2017, CircEsteem worked with more than 750 diverse youth from 21 Chicago neighborhoods through academic enrichment, mentoring, and in-school arts enrichment programming. Youth are supported to build personal development and leadership skills such as self-esteem and teamwork through the training of circus arts utilizing social circus methodology. For the past 16 years, CircEsteem has provided its unique social circus programming throughout the City of Chicago to thousands of youth.

Social circus is an innovative social intervention approach based on using circus arts to impact social change. It targets various at-risk groups living in precarious personal and social situations including underserved youth. In this approach, the primary goal is not to learn the circus arts, but rather to assist participants’ personal and social development by nurturing their self-esteem and trust in others as well as by helping them to acquire social skills, become active citizens, express their creativity, and realize their potential. Social circus is a powerful catalyst for creating social change because it helps marginalized individuals assume their place within a community and enrich that community with their talents. At CircEsteem through social circus, participants develop a strong sense of community over weeks of continued practice and training with diverse individuals from their own community and from other communities in Chicago.

Save the Dates for upcoming Echoes events!
Happy Birthday Chicago on March 9th
A City Divided on May 18th

100% of profits benefit those of us who are less fortunate and are in need.
Join us in benefitting Housing Opportunities for Women and The Resurrection Project


Each December we take the opportunity of using our platform to benefit Chicagoans that are experiencing homelessness or near-homelessness as we prepare for our own Holiday celebrations. We are raising money for two great nonprofits: Housing Opportunities for Women (HOW) and The Resurrection Project.

This year we are expanding our craft vendor Marketplace to provide people local options for holiday gifts. The event will also be increased to two days and run a little earlier than usual. All other elements of our event will still be there: art, photobooth, arts & crafts, etc!

2810 N Milwaukee Ave
(Diversey, Milwaukee, and Kimball)
Saturday December 1st 11am-9pm
Sunday December 2nd 11am-3pm
 
Supported by Revolution Brewery
 
HOLIDAZED is a Holiday party featuring:
• Holiday shopping from local crafts-people and artists!
• An Art Gallery featuring over 20 local artists
• A marketplace featuring local Craft Vendors, Nonprofits, and Businesses
• Arts and Crafts tables at our Creative Corner
• Full Bar to Drink and Be Merry!
• A Themed Photo Booth
• And more!
 
Since 1983, HOW has been a leader in permanent solutions to homelessness. Through prevention strategies; expanded, affordable, supportive housing; and individualized support services they have helped thousands take back their lives. HOW operates under the Housing First Model, which ensures that homeless individuals are housed as quickly as possible, and then provided with tools for success and self-sufficiency
 
The Resurrection Project was founded by six churches and concerned neighbors in 1990 to address the rising blight and crime in the Pilsen neighborhood. Each church committed $5,000 in seed funds. Since then, The Resurrection Project has turned that $30,000 seed capital into community investments of more than $346 million. They use a comprehensive approach to community development. Their mission is to build relationships and challenge individuals to act on their faith and values by creating community ownership, building community wealth, and serving as stewards of community assets.

Artists:
Alan CainAlex Brightbill, AnorielArt by BalaBéle Benard, City Alive Art, Danielle BraunEllyn LeahyHuff Puff ToysJason Daniel PhotographyJessica SawyersJillian KennedyL.PRESTIGE, Leah Popper, MMegan Rivera, Melina, Miguel A. Del RealMorgan Schaefer, Nina Nichole, Oscar JoyoPeyton RackRenmaDesignSarah Suzanne NobleSpazzgroundArturo Gonzalez, Tom Cranston, Zo after dark

Craft Vendors:
Art By Markas Oartistic kind, Chicago Photographer Collective, Cleo’s Corner DesignCrescent Moon HennaDetayaeIcky Bah KooJessica Brackett StudioKingston James & CompanyKraneil Fine ArtLincoln ApparelMagnolia Fowler ArtsRachel Wallis, Scarab SanctuaryTendaji Body OilsThird Sight TarotTommy’s Abstract World

Echoes of Chicago encourages their community to unpack the divisive issues that Chicago faces. This is a self-reflective event for Chicagoans to take a moment and consider the things that divide us, why they divide us, and what can help us overcome them to improve Chicago. 100% of profits will benefit Somos Logan Square and The Firehouse Community Arts Center with Chicago CRED.
 
But don’t worry, it’s still a party: a celebration of community members willing to come together, rise above the reasons that divide us, and consider, unpack, and challenge them.
 
A City Divided will include:
• An Art Gallery featuring over 20 local artists
• A marketplace featuring local Artisans, Nonprofits, and Businesses
• Local Music Performances
• Arts and Crafts tables at our Creative Corner
• Beers and Spirits
• A Themed Photo Booth
The Echoes Superhero, Windy, Performed by Grace DeSant
• Stand-up Comedy by Keegan Buckingham
• And more!
 
Somos Logan Square
Somos Logan Square is a community organization of current and former residents of Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. They organize for affordable housing, and against evictions, rising rents and developments that are imposed without taking the community’s voice into account. They are opposed to the negative impacts of gentrification. They believe that housing is a human right, that everyone deserves a home, and that development should be driven by the community.
 
The Firehouse Community Arts Center
The FCAC is changing the world through youth and young adults in the arts within a faith community. They believe the arts is a powerful tool and the “creative spark” for redemptive transformation.

 

Chicago CRED

Their singular purpose is to achieve a transformative reduction in Chicago gun violence. They believe the best solution for ending gun violence is recruiting men most likely to be perpetrators or victims of shootings and transition them to jobs in the legal economy that pay as much or more than what they earn in the violence-plagued illegal economy.

Master of Ceremony:
Jurisdiction Da Necessity

Live Music:
Artists:
 
Marketplace Vendors: