MILWAUKEE — The family of one of the two men fatally shot during a demonstration against police violence in Kenosha, Wisconsin, has filed a federal civil lawsuit against local law enforcement, accusing officers of facilitating Kyle Rittenhouse’s attacks.

Anthony Huber was participating in an Aug. 25 protest sparked by the police shooting of Jacob Blake two days earlier. The Black man was left partially paralyzed after he was shot in the back by police during a domestic disturbance call.

Rittenhouse, who was 17 at the time, traveled from his home in Antioch and joined other armed individuals in Kenosha who answered a call from local militia to protect businesses from protesters. The protests turned chaotic that night.

According to prosecutors, Rittenhouse opened fire on Huber, 26, and Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, killing them. Gaige Grosskreutz was also shot, but survived his injuries.

Rosenbaum was shot in the parking lot of an auto dealership and as Rittenhouse ran from the scene he stumbled and fell. Huber was shot in the chest as he tried to disarm Rittenhouse by wrestling his rifle away.

“After he had killed and maimed multiple individuals, Kyle Rittenhouse walked up to a dozen Kenosha police officers, assault rifle in hand, with crowds yelling that he had just killed innocent people. What did the police do? They spoke to him and let him walk away,” said Huber family attorney Anand Swaminathan.

Rittenhouse maintains he fired in self-defense, but prosecutors have charged him with a litany of counts, including reckless homicide, recklessly endangering safety, attempted first-degree intentional homicide and being a minor in possession of a dangerous weapon.

The federal lawsuit seeks unspecified damages against Kenosha County Sheriff David Beth; Daniel Miskinis, the former City of Kenosha police chief; Eric Larsen, the city’s acting police chief; and unnamed officers and deputies.

The plaintiffs allege in the lawsuit, filed in the U.S. Eastern District of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, that the defendants “deputized these armed individuals, conspired with them, and ratified their actions by letting them patrol the streets armed with deadly weapons to mete out justice as they saw fit. “

“The police are supposed to serve and protect,” Anthony’s father, John Huber, said in a statement. “But that’s not what the Kenosha police did. They walked away from their duties and turned over the streets of Kenosha to Kyle Rittenhouse and other armed vigilantes. If they had done their job, my son would still be alive today.”

The lawsuit also alleges that the officers’ decision to treat demonstrators and militia members differently was motivated by racial discrimination and was in retaliation for protests critical of police violence.

The plaintiffs allege in the lawsuit that while police allowed armed militia members who were white to roam the streets illegally with weapons, they strictly enforced a curfew against peaceful protestors, who were a diverse group speaking out against police violence.

That discriminatory and retaliatory conduct violated the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of a right to free speech and peaceful assembly and to equal protection of the law, the lawsuit said.

Anthony Huber’s mother, Karen Bloom, said the lawsuit is about justice for her son, and his legacy.

“After Anthony’s death, there will always be a hole in my heart,” Bloom said. “But his memory lives on, and I will never stop telling his story.”

Kenosha’s police chief or Kenosha County sheriff’s officials did not immediately returns calls for comment on the lawsuit.

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Like many Americans, I do not like wearing a face mask, which hurts my ears, steams up my glasses and makes my bearded face itch. And while I think businesses should be free to require face coverings as a safeguard against COVID-19, I am skeptical of government-imposed mask mandates, especially in K-12 schools.

At the same time, I recognize that my personal peeves and policy preferences are logically distinct from the empirical question of how effective masks are at preventing virus transmission. From the beginning, however, the Great American Mask Debate has been strongly influenced by partisan and ideological commitments, with one side exaggerating the evidence in favor of this precaution and the other side ignoring or downplaying it.

Last September, Robert Redfield, then the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, described masks as “the most important, powerful public health tool we have,” going so far as to say they provided more protection than vaccines would. In a 2020 New York Times op-ed piece, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer asserted that “wearing a mask has been proven to reduce the chance of spreading Covid-19 by about 70%” — a claim that even the CDC said was not scientifically justified.

The CDC invited skepticism about the value of general mask-wearing by dismissing it until April 2020, when the agency suddenly began recommending the practice as an important weapon against the pandemic. Although that memorable reversal supposedly was justified by evolving science, the main concern that the CDC cited — asymptomatic transmission — was a danger that had been recognized for months.

When the CDC changed its advice, research on the effectiveness of face masks in preventing virus transmission was surprisingly sparse and equivocal. Although laboratory experiments supported the commonsensical assumption that almost any barrier to respiratory droplets, including DIY cloth coverings, was better than nothing, randomized controlled trials (RCT) generally had not confirmed that intuition.

A January 2021 review of the evidence in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found “no RCT for the impact of masks on community transmission of any respiratory infection in a pandemic.” The article, which also looked at observational studies, said “direct evidence of the efficacy of mask use is supportive, but inconclusive.”

The authors then considered “a wider body of evidence,” including epidemiological analyses, laboratory studies and information about COVID-19’s transmission characteristics. “The preponderance of evidence,” they concluded, “indicates that mask-wearing reduces transmissibility per contact by reducing transmission of infected respiratory particles in both laboratory and clinical contexts.”

In a “science brief” last updated on May 7, the CDC says “experimental and epidemiological data support community masking to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2.” But it acknowledges that “further research is needed to expand the evidence base for the protective effect of cloth masks.”

Where does that leave Americans who are unpersuaded by the existing evidence? Banned from major social media platforms, if they are not careful.

YouTube recently suspended Sen. Rand Paul’s account because of a video in which the Kentucky Republican said “most of the masks that you can get over the counter” have “no value.” Those statements ran afoul of YouTube’s ban on “claims that masks do not play a role in preventing the contraction or transmission of COVID-19,” which is similar to policies adopted by Facebook and Twitter.

While conceding that “private companies have the right to ban me if they want to,” Paul said he was troubled by the fact that the leading social media platforms, partly in response to government pressure, seem to be insisting that users toe the official line on COVID-19. He has a point.

Paul’s criticism of cloth masks was stronger than the science warrants, reflecting a broader tendency on the right to dismiss them as mere talismans without seriously addressing the evidence in their favor. But rational discourse entails rebutting arguments by citing contrary evidence instead of treating them as too dangerous for people to consider.

Jacob Sullum is a senior editor at Reason magazine.

Send letters to [email protected].

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If you plan on attending live theater performances in and around the Chicago area in the months ahead, you’ll need to adhere to strict new COVID-19 safety protocols announced Tuesday by the League of Chicago Theatres.

A growing coalition of the area’s performing arts venues and producers will require audience members to show proof of vaccination or negative COVID test results to gain entry to participating theaters. The protocols will be in effect Sept. 1 through Dec. 31.

In addition, masks must be worn at all times throughout the performances and throughout the venues. Other restrictions may be in place for those venues offering refreshments.

Protocols may vary slightly by venue, so patrons are asked to check a theater’s website prior to ticket purchase or arriving.

The new guidelines also apply to all performers, staff and crew at each participating theater.

“The health and safety of our patrons is our main concern. The theatre community was the first to close and the last to reopen and this has been a tremendous loss for the city of Chicago and the economic generator that the arts provide,” said Broadway In Chicago president, Lou Raizin, in Tuesday’s announcement. “On an annual basis, pre-pandemic Chicago’s creative industries produced more than $17.6 billion in economic output, supported 81,300 jobs and generated more than $4.8 billion in household earnings — delivering $336.5 million in local and state government revenue. Given the necessity for theaters to open with 100% capacity our working together with fellow Chicago arts organizations has given us the opportunity to chart our way back to opening our doors and bringing our stages alive again safely.”

According to the official announcement, “fully vaccinated” means the performance date “must be at least 14 days after the second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine, or at least 14 days after a single-dose vaccine. Attendees can also provide proof of a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance start time, or a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within 6 hours of the performance start time.” Accommodations will be made for children under 12, people with a medical condition or for religious beliefs.

“The arts and cultural community is embedded in the fabric of Chicago,” said League executive director Deb Clapp. “Not all of the League’s more than 200 member theaters will be able to open this fall. We are pleased that many members of our vibrant performing arts community that will be opening have come together to craft a unified response to this crisis so that audiences can once again experience the joy of live performance without future disruption.”

In July, New York’s Broadway League announced mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations and masks for all of its member theaters.

In Chicago, the Goodman Theatre re-opened its production of “School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play” earlier this month with reduced seating capacity and a mandatory masking policy for its audiences.

“While all of us at The Second City love to improvise, this is one time when we’re all in agreement to commit to the script: get vaccinated…and keep our casts, staff, and patrons safe,” said Parisa Jalili, CEO of The Second City.

Currently, the roster of theater companies (according to Tuesday’s announcement) adhering to these new safety protocols includes:

16th Street Theater
A Red Orchid Theatre
About Face Theatre
Aguijon Theatre
Albany Park Theatre Project
American Blues Theater
Apollo Theater Chicago
Artemesia Theatre
The Artistic Home
Aston Rep Theatre Company
Athenaeum Theatre
Auditorium Theatre
Babes with Blades
Black Button Eyes Productions
Bluebird Arts
Brightside Theatre
Broadway In Chicago,
Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble
Chicago Humanities Festival
Chicago Magic Lounge
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association
Chicago Youth Shakespeare
Court Theatre
First Floor Theatre
First Folio Theater
Goodman Theatre
Greenhouse Theatre Center
Harris Theater for Music and Dance
Hell in a Handbag
Her Story Theatre
High Concept Labs
House Theatre of Chicago
International Voices Project
The Joffrey Ballet
Lookingglass Theatre Company
Lyric Opera of Chicago
The Marriott Theatre
Midsommer Flight
The Neo Futurists
The New Coordinates
Northlight Theatre
Oak Park Festival Theatre
Oil Lamp Theater
Old Town School of Folk Music
Paramount Theatre
Piven Theatre Workshop
Pivot Arts
Playmakers Laboratory
Porchlight Music Theatre
Pridearts
Promethean Theatre Ensemble
Raven Theatre
Red Tape Theatre
Rivendell Theatre Ensemble
Saint Sebastian Players
Saltbox Theatre Collective
The Second City
Shattered Globe Theatre
Skokie Theatre
Stage Left Theatre
Steppenwolf Theatre Company
Theatre Wit
Three Brothers Theatre,
Timeline Theatre Company
UrbanTheater Company
Victory Gardens Theater
WildClaw Theatre
Williams Street Repertory Theatre
Writers Theatre
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A pair of Big Ten recruits and five players from the Chicago Catholic League/East Suburban Catholic highlight the list of the area’s top offensive linemen.

1. Deuce McGuire, Marist

The 6-5, 270-pounder teamed with current Notre Dame freshman Pat Coogan last spring to form the state’s premier offensive line tandem. McGuire, a three-star prospect, is the consensus No. 7 player in the state’s class of 2022 and is No. 53 nationally among senior offensive tackles. He’s committed to Northwestern.

2. Valen Erickson, St. Rita

A relative latecomer to football, Erickson originally figured his future was in basketball and didn’t hit the gridiron till seventh grade. This will be just his second full season with the Mustangs, whom he joined after moving from Ocala, Florida before his sophomore year. He’s a top-20 player in Illinois’ senior class and is committed to Nebraska.

3. Luke Dalton, Marian Central

The 6-5, 300-pounder is rated 20th among Illinois seniors in 247Sports.com’s composite rankings. He’s one of the most recent prospects to come off the recruiting board, committing to Cincinnati last week.

4. Yaser Al-Awadi, Maine East

Few prospects have come as far as fast as the 6-8, 300-pound senior, who didn’t start playing football till late in his freshman year. But now he’s on everyone’s radar, and his nine offers include Michigan State, Purdue, West Virginia and Kansas.

5. Jimmy Liston, Fenwick

The Friars have three offensive skill players already committed to D-I schools, and Liston will be joining that list at some point. Ranked 27th among Illinois seniors, the 6-4, 310-pounder has nine offers from the likes of Arizona State, Mississippi, Penn State and Texas Tech.

6. Mack Indestad, Lemont

The 6-7, 265-pounder is back to open more running lanes for senior back Albert Kunickis and the Indians’ run-focused attack. Indestad is ranked 32nd among the state’s seniors and is committed to Eastern Michigan.

7. Austin Barrett, St. Charles East

The 6-6, 275-pounder is among the nation’s top offensive tackles in the class of 2023. He has offers from Illinois, Iowa State and Syracuse and can expect that list to grow as college coaches see more of his junior film.

8. Paolo Gennarelli, St, Charles North

An exceptional athlete, Gennarelli also was a state-qualifying shot putter this spring. The 6-3, 275-pounder is committed to Army.

9. Gabe Rosen, Evanston

A 6-7, 340-pounder with a 6-11 wingspan, Rosen was an anchor of the Wildkits’ offensive line last spring as a sophomore. Expect him to be the next hot prospect for a program that is sending linebacker Sebastian Cheeks to North Carolina next season.

10. Carter McAlilly, Brother Rice

Not many sophomores start for the Crusaders, especially on the offensive line. McAlilly is part of that select group, and the 6-1, 290-pounder is back for a third season to protect quarterback Jack Lausch and open holes for speedy back Aaron Vaughn.

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Dozens of people attended a vigil Monday evening for a 70-year-old woman gunned down earlier that day in Hegewisch on the Far South Side, hours before police released photos of the two suspected shooters.

Yvonne Ruzich — known by family as “Grandma Jo” — was parked in her car around 4:30 a.m. in the 13300 block of South Baltimore Avenue when two male gunmen walked up and fired shots, Chicago Police said.

Ruzich was seated in her car, speaking with someone in another car before reporting to work at Baltimore Food & Liquor Store. Surveillance video shared with media outlets show the gunmen approach from behind and open fire as Ruzich drove away.

She was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn and pronounced dead.

Around 200 family, friends and community members gather for a vigil for Yvonne Ruzich outside Baltimore Food & Liquor Store in the Hegewisch neighborhood, Monday, Aug. 16, 2021. Ruzich was shot and killed earlier this morning in the 13300 block of South Baltimore Ave.Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

Ruzich retired after working 25 years in the Department of Streets and Sanitation, but continued working in Hegewisch, reporting early for work at Baltimore Food and Liquor for more than a year and a half, Police Commander Robert Rubio told the crowd at the vigil.

Ruzich was also a familiar face in the neighborhood, Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10th) said.

“How many of us came here in the morning for coffee and she was in there?” Sadlowski Garza said.

“Please, there’s someone out there who knows who this is… Say something. We can’t let this go on,” she said.

Ruzich’s daughter, Karla Ruzich, pleaded for the public to turn in the shooters.

“Whoever you are out there took her from her grandbabies. And you should be ashamed of yourselves. And anyone hiding your dirty little secret out there right now should be ashamed of themselves,” she said.

A woman sits in front of a memorial set up for Yvonne Ruzich outside Baltimore Food & Liquor Store in the Hegewisch neighborhood, Monday, Aug. 16, 2021.Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

Police said one suspect wore all-black clothing and a black face mask. The second person wore a light-colored hooded sweatshirt, light pants with black shoes with white soles and a light-colored face mask.

Police asked anyone with information to call Area 2 Detectives at (312) 747-8271. Anonymous tips can be submitted to www.cpdtip.com.

Community activist Andrew Holmes said he put up a $2,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of the shooters.

Contributing: Tyler LaRiviere

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Tim Tebow’s NFL comeback is seemingly over.

The Jacksonville Jaguars waived Tebow on Tuesday, parting with the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner who switched from quarterback to tight end in hopes of rejuvenating his pro football career.

Tebow’s blocking ranged from awkward to awful in Jacksonville’s preseason opener against Cleveland on Saturday night, his 34th birthday. He failed to get a catch and played no snaps on special teams.

“Thankful for the highs and even the lows, the opportunities, and the setbacks,” Tebow posted on Twitter. “I’ve never wanted to make decisions out of fear of failure and I’m grateful for the chance to have pursued a dream.”

Tebow opened training camp as Jacksonville’s fourth- or fifth-string tight end after switching positions this year. He was trying to return to the NFL after spending the previous five years in the New York Mets’ organization. He hit .223 with 18 home runs and 107 RBIs while never making it to the big leagues.

He asked coach Urban Meyer for a tryout after retiring from baseball in January. Meyer, who coached Tebow at the University of Florida, obliged and ended up giving him a one-year contract worth $920,000, the minimum for a player with three accrued NFL seasons. The low-risk deal includes no guaranteed money, so Tebow would have to make the team to earn a dime.

And that was always the uncertain part. Jacksonville entered camp with three tight ends essentially locked into roster spots: run-blocking specialist Chris Manhertz, fellow veteran James O’Shaughnessy and fifth-round draft pick Luke Farrell.

It quickly became clear that Tebow was less of a pass-catching option than Tyler Davis, a sixth-round selection in 2020, and second-year pro Ben Ellefson.

Denver selected Tebow in the first round in 2010. He led the Broncos to a playoff victory in his second season, but never developed the consistency to be a dependable NFL quarterback. He also failed to stick with the New York Jets, New England and Philadelphia.

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A health care worker, known by Belmont Central residents as “Dr. Lou,” was treating patients Sunday when he heard a loud vibration that sounded like a drill going through a ceiling.

When he heard the screams that followed, he ran outside and saw two girls with gunshot wounds lying on the grass.

Lou, who didn’t want his full name used, immediately checked the older girl’s breathing, felt for a pulse and then grabbed her hand, repeatedly telling her, “It’s going to be OK.”

“I just wanted her to be aware in case she was still conscious that someone was really caring for her while she was dying. I did not want her to feel she was dying alone,” Lou said, his voice quivering.

“And the truth is she did not make it. And I feel sorry I could not do more.”

Serenity Broughton, 7, died from the gunshot wounds she suffered to her chest and torso.

Her sister, identified by family as 6-year-old Aubrey Broughton, was “fighting for her life” at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood with gunshot wounds to her chest and armpit, Chief of Patrol Brian McDermott said Sunday.

A 7-year-old girl was killed and another wounded August 15, 2021 in Belmont Central.Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

Regina Broughton, the girls’ grandmother, said the sisters were very close and that “Serenity enjoyed her sister Aubrey the most.”

“Serenity enjoyed just about everything except being told no,” Regina Broughton said in a text message. “She had the potential to be anything she wanted to be. But she was a child. And her baby sister is missing her and doesn’t understand why her big sister ‘Honey,’ as she calls her, isn’t coming home.”

Lou, the healthcare worker, said roughly 20 bullet casings ended up in a narrow alley beside his clinic after the shooting.

“It was a terrible sight,” said Lou who ran back to grab more supplies to help Aubrey just as police and paramedics arrived and took over the blood-soaked scene.

“I never seen anything like this. It was like in movies. I’ve never seen anything like this ever. And it’s happening in real life.”

The girls’ mother was putting Serenity in the backseat of the family’s car when Serenity was shot shortly before 3 p.m. in the 6200 block of West Grand Avenue, Chicago police said.

Aubrey was sitting in the back of the car when the gunfire erupted on the block police described as a “gang-conflict area.”

Neither the girls nor their mother were intended targets, police said.

Lou did not know how the girls ended up in the grass but said there was so much commotion and crying, his goal was to tend to them.

A 7-year-old girl was killed and another wounded August 15, 2021 in Belmont Central.Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

Mayor Lori Lightfoot Monday described the girls’ shooting as “senseless and brutal” and called for a war against gangs.

“We must unite against our common enemy: the gangs who have no regard for the sanctity of life, even that of young children,” Lightfoot said in a statement.

“We must declare war on these killers and their associates, and we must support our police as they leave no stone unturned as they search for the killers so that they may face justice. These killers have forfeited their right to walk amongst us as free people and we can have no empathy for them.”

Police are encouraging anyone with information on the shooting to file an anonymous tip on the Chicago Police Department’s website or to contact Area 5 detectives.

Activist Andrew Holmes is also offering a $2,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest or conviction.

“It’s not about the money, it’s just about catching these individuals before they strike and hit another child,” Holmes said. “Stop killing our children.”

Serenity and Aubrey’s cousin, Alysha Tolefree, said the family has started an online fundraiser to cover costs related to Serenity’s funeral and the girls’ medical bills.

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Police have released photos of two gunmen wanted for fatally shooting a 70-year-old woman early Monday in Hegewisch on the Far South Side.

Yvonne Ruzich was parked in her car just after 4:25 a.m. in the 13300 block of South Baltimore Avenue when two males approached and fired shots, Chicago Police said.

Ruzich was reportedly seated in her car, speaking with someone in another car before reporting to work at Baltimore Food & Liquor Store. Surveillance video shared with media outlets show the gunmen approach from behind and open fire as Ruzich drove away.

She was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn and pronounced dead.

Around 200 family, friends and community members gather for a vigil for Yvonne Ruzich outside Baltimore Food & Liquor Store in the Hegewisch neighborhood, Monday, Aug. 16, 2021. Ruzich was shot and killed earlier this morning in the 13300 block of South Baltimore Ave.Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

Monday evening, dozens of people held a vigil for Ruzich and called for the public to turn in the shooters.

Ruzich had retired after working 25 years in the Department of Streets and Sanitation and had spent a year and a half reporting early for work at the store where she was killed, Police Commander Robert Rubio told the crowd.

Ruzich was a familiar face in the neighborhood, according to Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10th).

“How many of us came here in the morning for coffee and she was in there?” Sadlowski Garza said.

“Please, there’s someone out there who knows who this is… Say something. We can’t let this go on,” she said.

Ruzich’s daughter, Karla Ruzich, said her mother was known as “Grandma Jo.”

“Whoever you are out there took her from her grandbabies. And you should be ashamed of yourselves. And anyone hiding your dirty little secret out there right now should be ashamed of themselves,” she said.

Police said one suspect wore all-black clothing and a black face mask. The second person wore a light-colored hooded sweatshirt, light pants with black shoes with white soles and a light-colored face mask.

Police asked anyone with information to call Area 2 Detectives at (312) 747-8271. Anonymous tips can be submitted to www.cpdtip.com.

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You might have already seen the video below. @BarstoolChicago relinked this video of a guy that buried a bottle of Tito’s in Grant Park, three weeks before Lolla and dug it up.

Do you really have to respect it, though?

This guy buried a bottle of Tito’s in Grant Park 3 weeks ago and dug it up during Lolla. Have to respect it pic.twitter.com/yd6T1Q2nnb

— Barstool Chicago (@barstoolchicago) August 1, 2021

One reason I do not respect this video is due to the fact it’s merely a bottle of Tito’s. Sure, Tito’s is an absolutely great bang for your buck. Quality vodka at a non-ridiculous price. But if you’re going to bury booze, how about a 4.5 liter of Grey Goose? Now that would be special.

The real reason I am not impressed is that people have impressed me more. More specifically, at Rebelution’s 2014 Lollapalooza set. You can watch a video sample below, but honestly this was one of the most righteous times I’ve ever had.

During the middle of the set—and my ex-girlfriend, aunt & uncle, brother, and friends I was with can all attest to this—some kid started holding a full-sized weed plant above his head. Not like a fake plant, or something he ripped off the mother plant. This was the mother plant, in a pot that I would imagine anybody under 100lbs wouldn’t be able to pick up on their own.

Although awesome, I was dumbfounded. HOW did he get that in there? Did he bring that in just for the Rebelution show? How did he carry it around all day?

These questions went unanswered for years. Then, I saw the video that Barstool posted. Which, by the way, has been done for as long as remember by Chicagoans. Except now, the dots have been connected. The Lolla ’14 weed pot mystery had been solved.

How did that kid get a garden-sized pot, with a 5-foot (at-the-time) illegal pot plant, through Lollapalooza security? He didn’t….he planted it in the park weeks before.

I wouldn’t say this mystery has been fully solved, but we’re getting there. If you or somebody you know has any information on this crucial, developing story…please email me.

Featured Image Credit: WGNTV

For additional Lollapalooza coverage and interviews with up-and-coming acts, check out all of our coverage here.

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We’ve had a rough year, but thankfully there’s art. More specifically, there’s interactive art in this age where physical interaction seems restricted. Among the latest installations, the Van Gogh For All exhibition in Chicago has been one of the local’s favorites, attracting everyone from avid art history nerds to the general public.

“Treat this place like your playhouse.”

Is there a specific order we should view the exhibition with? No.

Is there anything we shouldn’t touch or move? No.

Van Gogh for All is redefining the viewing experience of classic masterpieces. Taking away the seriousness of art exhibitions, you will step into a giant playhouse filled with art you can walk into, touch, manipulate, and feel. Lay down on Van Gogh’s bed in the yellow room, or walk into the starry night and take a selfie. Put his trench coat on and read through the letter in his drawer. Sit at his favorite street-corner café, and enjoy some delicious pastries brought to you by the exhibition organizer.

Oh, and don’t forget to try your hands on creativity! You can create your own sunflower and lilac arrangements then draw them with the crayons provided. You can place the finished piece on the photo wall and become a part of this show!

Fun, but Still Accurate to the History

As the core purpose of this exhibition is to educate through interactivity, many would be astonished by the amount of research that went in the background.

The studio area perfectly recreated Van Gogh’s work environment, from his supply chest to his still life references sitting around the room. If you dig deeper, you’d even notice the books in the studio area are not by random choices, either. The curator even gathered enough proof to remake all the letters and notes that went back and forth between Van Gogh and his brother, the family portraits and lore, and various types of painting tools.

The same amount of dedication to detail and accuracy can be seen throughout the show. Therefore, if you’re an avid Van Gogh fan, now is your chance to truly step in to this legendary artist’s workspace.

333 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL  60601

The Van Gogh For All experience is on display until September 26. Tickets can be booked ahead of time or purchased on site. The exhibition is open seven days a week, from 9am to 8pm.

Social distancing rules are in place, and face-covering is required throughout the exhibition unless you’re eating. Yes, you read this right. Go there around dinner hour, and you’ll get to taste some of Van Gogh’s favorite desserts and pastries back in the day!

Van Gogh For All was designed and produced by Dolores Kohl Education Foundation, a 501c(3) organization dedicated to promote education and youth development through experiential, innovative programming since 1974.

Featured Image Credit: Immersive Van Gogh on Facebook

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