A Reader's Paradise

You will find this remarkable library situated in the South Side of Chicago, near the site of the future Obama Library. Artist Theaster Gates saved this early 20th century structure, the former Stony Island Trust Bank, from demolition to create this Chicago landmark, the Stony Island Arts Bank. Gates bought the building for $1 from Chicago with the vision of restoring it as a cultural hub—a place for free arts and cultural programming. To me, this room was by far the most impressive. The library is full of items from John H. Johnson, the founding publisher Ebony and Jet magazine, a the record collection from DJ Frankie Knuckles, and more. To preserve a connection to the history of the building, the bank's peeling paint and damaged ceiling tiles have been preserved as is. It's beautiful to see this shuttered bank transformed into an institution celebrating black artists, a repository for African American history, and a place where people can really feel the palpable history of the South Side.

Serenity Now

Serenity Now. Wilmette, Illinois, U.S. October 2017.

Baha'i House of Worship for the North American Continent. Wilmette, IL, U.S.A.

This Baha'i Temple is located just outside of Chicago and is worth a visit if only to admire the lace-style interior and exterior. I have visited my fair share of cathedrals, churches, mosques, temples etc., however this is the first religious site I have seen with this type of intricate architecture.

This Baha'i temple is one of the seven in the world and is the only one located in the United States. Completed in 1953, the Baha'i House of Worship is the oldest surviving of the seven. The Baha'i faith was founded in the mid 1800s and it is quite an inclusive religion that believes in the oneness of the world’s religions, the equality of all races, and a coming age of world peace. Baha’i temples are meant to be a place where all people of faiths can worship God. To reflect this openness, the exterior pillars include symbols representing Judaism (Star of David), Christianity (cross), and other ancient religions (swastika). 

I consider myself more spiritual rather than religious; I enjoy visiting to have that moment of reflection and introspection. It is clear, especially from the design, that Baha'i is a welcoming faith so I feel encouraged to come back, sit, and look up at this view.