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South Shore Cultural Center and Advisory Council This
page is brought to you by Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference Parks
Committee and HPKCC's website, www.hydepark.org, and is NOT a website
ofthe Advisory Council at South Shore Cultural Center, although with cooperation
from the Council, or of the Cultural Center. Contact the HPKCC Parks
Committee Chair. |
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7059
South Shore Drive on Chicago's South Lakefront. Phone number:
773 256-0149. General public hours: 9 am-6 pm, Sat. to 5, (Building
closes at 11). See lineup of concerts, events. Next South Shore Opera June 26 Advisory Council & Meeting and Council contacts First construction
at the Country Club 100 years ago December 9, 2006 |
Phone
numbers: General 773 256-0149, Center Director Andrea Adams.
Head Attendant. 773 256-0941. Programs- 773 256-9048, fax 773 256-1163.
Reservations and bookings- Special Events at Chicago Park District (downtown,
number coming) . Note that time spaces (except for some slots
esp. early weekdays) is quite fully booked.
Staff:
SSCC is now in the South Region, Director Liz Millan, Area Manager A.J. Jackson.
Andrea Adams, Center Director.
The Parrot Cage Restaurant. A top class venue
operated by Washburne Culinary Institute of Kennedy-King College, City Colleges
of Chicago. Evenings Weds.-Sats. 5:30 and 8:30 pm seatings; Sunday brunch 11
am-3 pm. 773 602-5333. Please do call for
reservations or to confirm room is available.
Remaining South Shore Cultural Center pages:
About SSCC
Timeline (with early Country Club photographs and sketches)
History of SS Country Club and Cultural Center
Landmark designation- Recommendation and criteria study for. (appr. May 2004)
Photo GalleryOther relevant material: South Lakefront Access Study updates
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Left,
center, and below by Gary Ossewaarde. Right from Chicago Park District-Framework
Plan for Jackson, SSC Center.
In site plan at right, north = left. Clubhouse
is the dark structure at center right; nature center/oasis starts at upper right.
Below: by Mary Rose Shaughnessy: clubhouse entry as set up for 'Real Men Cook' festival June 19, 2005- lines stretched all the way to the gatehouse.
Details in SSCC
Timeline, |
South
Shore Cultural Center was originally South Shore Country Club. The
clubhouse and its 58 acre site was rescued in the 1970's from the wrecking
ball, bought by the Chicago Park District in 1975 for $10 million, and eventually
restored as a historic landmark and reprogrammed after a massive community
and citywide outpouring leading to a determined organization and a unique
3-way agreement between government agencies and the local organization.
The successor to the Coalition to Save South Shore Country Club has for
over 20 years been the Advisory
Council-SSCC. The Council largely started the arts programs in response
to clear and continuing community determination that the Center is to be
a people's palace for arts and arts partnerships. The
building was placed on the National Register in 1975 and became a Chicago
Landmark in 2004. Top More in History and Timeline. |
The biggest current challenges, boldly embraced:
Won't you join the Advisory Council and its committees, activities and programs?
Despite a growing array of spectacular arts programs, partnerships, and classes, it has been difficult achieving the weight and citywide presence the Center deserves and could so admirably fulfill, although this certainly is coming along and is embraced by the Chicago Park District. The Center is a unique place whose needs should be given a full and careful listen and attention, the Council observes. Challenges range from space and its allocation to good access, fees and arrangements for partners and users, keeping up with wear and tear, funding and fund raising, growing and leveraging the rental revenue, best marketing and "attracting" strategies, and getting and keeping the best possible staff.
To help maintenance in the building and pergola/grounds, over 500 hours are volunteered yearly by council committees in creating and tending spectacular plantings in and around the building and making glorious Christmas wreaths (extra of which are for sale). A major fundraiser is the Geranium Sale, 3rd Saturday in May.
We contribute regularly to physical needs and facilities. A special task of the Council and its Performing Arts is concert programming and upkeep of the Steinway concert grand piano.
Don't miss the gorgeous Nature Area and preserve southeast of the Center bldg. - or catch it coming spring. (Questions? contact staff of the Department of Natural Resources at the Chicago Park District, try 312 735-8188 Ms. Praga or Natural Resources at 312 742-PLAY.)
Officers 2010: President: Gary Ossewaardegaryossewaarde@yahoo.com, VP: Barbara Wright-Pryor, Treas.: Marsha Davis, Rec. Sec.: Bobbie Greer, Cor. Sec. Sally Martini.
A new board was elected November 2009, including the five officers and 15 others to either two or one year terms.
The Council reports
that the following members, active since the fight to save the Country Club
and turn it into a cultural center, have passed:
Miriam G. Apter.
Selma Stewart White.
Polly Silberman.
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The Council. Next mtg. (Normally 2nd Saturdays). Room is subject to change. August 14, Saturday, 10:30 am exec. committee (members welcome).
Paid members receive an occasional newsletter and always a monthly phone notification. There is an attendance, NOT dues-paid, requirement for voting. Dues are $10. $5 srs, $20 organization, c/o Advisory Council-SSCC, 7059 South Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60649. 2010 dues are now due.
The Membership Committee meets Friday, July 23, 10:30 am in the conf. room (mez. se). Contact Marjorie Mims at 773 752-1184.
South Region budget meeting September 7, Tuesday, 6 pm, South Shore Cultural Center.
October 13, Saturday, 6-8 pm. Special general membership meeting for the community. Ald. Leslie Hairston keynote speaker. Learn about this gem of the South Side (tours included), its program, mission and prospects, and how you can become involved. Refreshments served!
The Council seeks ways to help and improve such operations aspects as programming including performing arts events, marketing, and facilities. It's 2nd Saturday meetings (10:30 am) are the best venue in which to learn its work and how to be involved in its many committees, including performing arts and concerts by our partners!. They are an open, very welcoming group. A newsletter is occasionally mailed to dues-paying members ahead of the meeting.
The South Shore Cultural Center Advisory Council continually revisits with the Park District the priorities that evolved out of the Master Plan for this Center. These priorities include such projects as the completion of the 3rd Floor and build out of the 2nd Floor, renovation of the Robeson Theater, the renovation of the Outdoor Theater, and Park Kids expansion in the lower level. The Advisory Council invites you to become active as we prioritize the recommendations and strategically begin the search for capital dollars as soon as upper floors cultural space conversion is costed out. Completion of the third floor is the main internal priority. Note that the Park District has committed over $2 million to the buildout or council/community priorities. Superintendent Mitchell acknowledged the window work alone at the Center could eat up $2 million, and $30 million could prudently be spent at the Center. Preparations are starting for the build out.
The Council has an active landscape and building committee, originally operating under the South Shore Open House Committee! Gardens were laid out with staff. Part of the support comes from the committee's May Geranium and Plant Sale second Saturday in May and sale of wreaths and poinsettias in December. The Nature Sanctuary has a volunteer work force under Patrick Shaw.
Council Sponsored Programs- Concerts with Chicago Music Association , UC Student Composers Alliance, the South Shore Opera Company of Chicago, Civic Orchestra and more. See in Center Programs below. 773 256-0149. This includes helping sponsor a promising youth in music.
September 7, Tuesday, 6 pm sign in. Chicago Park District South Region budget hearing. South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Drive. (Look here for Central Region budget hearing.)
We are sad to announce the passing of Anna Anthony, long-time active in the Center and Council. Address for cards is 360 E. Randolph. Wake is Thursday, February 28 at Leak and Sons, 7838 S. Cottage Grove. We are also sad to announce the passing of Miriam Apter, and Selma Stewart White.
At the June executive meeting:
Approved as partners by the council: Chicago Sinfonietta with concluding concerts at the center by the Project Inclusion 8-18 and 18-26 Mentoring training programs.
Chicago Chamber Modern Orchestra Project- several concerts a year. Thanks for both to Renee Baker of both organizations and to Dr. Barbara Wright-Pryor of the Performing Arts Committee.The geranium sale was a great success! and enabled planting of 14 beds in the main lawn and several side gardens and planter boxes. Thanks to the committee led by Sharon Murphy.
The council granted $280 toward scholarship aid for summer camp and $575 for current year fees owed for students of our partner, Calhoun School of Dance.
Repairs and upgrades continue at the Center. A teen center with computers will be created in the lower level, thanks to a generous grant from UPS.
South Shore Cultural Center was earmarked and expended $2.1 million for the buildouts of programming space. This is from Millennium Park garages lease.
Parking lot renovation,
now getting under way, will require great care to accommodate groups as well
as staff and partner classes.
With the 3rd Floor finished and in use (including dance studio, multipurpose and community rooms), the center is moving on with refurbishing of its major components, starting with the lobby, Robeson Theater, and parking lot (all almost done), then washrooms, dining room and more more of the ground floor.
South Shore Opera Company of Chicago is the newest of many partners; more music performance are being staged.
The Center has been offered for display a scaled down model of the P-51 Mustang fighter, flown by Tuskegee Airmen in World War II. A committee led by Matthew Bonds is looking into the best place and conditions of transfer. Council approval has been given and a letter will be written. The local surviving Tuskegee Airmen meet at the Center.
| Spotlight- Sister Esther Issacher. (Sister Issacher died shortly after this was written) Art us "innately in me" says Esther Issachar, affectionately known as Sister Esther. When her children were young, she started experimenting with painting. Then, when working at NBC, her employer suggested that she attend the Art Institute of Chicago nd agreed to sponsor her in her new endeavor. At the art Institute of Chicago, Sister Esther studied painting with several renowned instructors. After selecting pottery as an elective, she began living in the ceramics studio. Her two primary professors argued about her major, paint or pots? At that point, Sister Esther realized that she could apply the principles of acrylics and oils to pottery. Sister Esther has taught in various art programs including Evanston Art Center and Gallery 37. But she thinks the program at South Shore is exceptional and quite affordable. She enjoys working with all ages and in artists' terms, looks forward to throwing a wheel. |
Current plans are to have 3 to 5 exhibits each year and private events also in the Gallery.
Open now and being furnished: Margaret T. Burroughs Gallery. North of the security and registration office.
In addition, the piano now has a professional Steinway tuner and restorer and a tripod and a locking cover installed and underwritten by the Performing Arts Committee of the Advisory Council and Chicago Music Association. Repairs are proceeding in phases.
Call the Center regularly, 773 256-0149. Pick up the quarterly flyer which has major programs described. This will also be at South Side parks, schools, banks and downtown such as the Chicago Cultural Center. Note: the Park District website currently highlights only Park District programs. A mailed full-schedule publication is available - call the Center to be placed on the list.
Specials at the Center:
General:
In the Fine Arts Gallery: 12-5 pm.
July 11, 2-4 pm Gallery opening reception and meet the artists- Creative Artiost Association exhibit, Summer Sizzle Art exhibition and sale, July 11- August 13. Features established and emerging arists in paining, photography, sculpure, mixed media, and prints. Open daily 12-5 pm. South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 South Shore Drive.Special from the CMA exhibit: July 17, Saturday, 10 am- 2 pm. Paint Out. Live painting demonstration and particpation all day, all ages. Inc. Face painting, cartooning, food, prizes.
Come see the refurbished lobby and Robeson Theater, Music Library...!
Chicago Music Association concerts, 3 free a year, are co sponsored by the Advisory Council. Contact for CMA is Dr. Barbara Wright-Pryor, chgomusicassn@aol.com.
Watch us grow in 2010-2011 season:
Approved as partners by the council: Chicago Sinfonietta with concluding concerts at the center by the Project Inclusion 8-18 and 18-26 Mentoring training programs.
Chicago Chamber Modern Orchestra Project- several concerts a year. Thanks for both to Renee Baker of both organizations and to Dr. Barbara Wright-Pryor of the Performing Arts Committee.
August 5, Thursday, 6 pm. The day camp theater camp musical production-- open to the public! come support our kids.
August 7 and 8, Saturday and Sunday. South Shore Jazz Festival by Jazz Unites -- get there early as the whole back grounds fills up! There will be remote lots and shuttles. No gate charge. Food and bev. for sale. Note, can bring only a chair- no coolers, tables etc. 7059 S. South Shore Drive.
August 17, Tuesday, dusk. Movie in the Park. Sherlock Holmes.
August 24, Tuesday. Movie in the Park. dusk. The Wiz (closed captioned) with musician (?) Jay Aubernaus (?). This one is sponsored by the Center. Preceding it is the monthly 5th ward meeting at 6 pm (ask room).
August 31, Tuesday, dusk. Movie in the Park. FAME. Sponsored by the Advisory Council. 7059 S. South Shore Drive.
October 23, Saturday, 7 pm. South Shore Opera Company of Chicago presents an abridged concert and scenes version of Porgy and Bess. This will be a benefit with reception or dinner. South Shore Cultural Center Robeson Theater. Parking on site at $1 per hour. http://www.southshoreopera.org, marvinlynn@southshoreopera.org, 773 241-6147.
November 21, Sunday, 4 pm. Chicago Music Association presents "Youth on Parade." The CMA Junior/Youth Branch and Frineds in Concert. Free. South Shore Cultural Center Robeson Theater, 7059 South Shore Drive. Parking on site at $1 per hour. Contact chgomusicassn@aol.com.
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Kids and youth, family programs (More in School of the Arts) (See also Recreation Directory) (See also some of the programs above.
Washburne Culinary Institute of City Colleges of Chicago (Kennedy King)- regular and community classes continue/return at South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 South Shore Drive. This is one of the best and oldest cooking schools in the country. All community classes meet on Saturdays 10-1 and costs $45. Lower age limit uncertain. Each month a single-day class starts late each month and includes such topics as hearty soups, vegetarian, thrill of the grill, cajun/creole, pickling and canning, Parrot Cage restaurant, Sikia Restaurant African Dishes, Thanksgiving Favorites and more. Contact Continuing Education Department at 773 602-5042. Registration is a t 6343 S. Halsted Building @ room 220.
There is increasing emphasis on teen and intergenerational programs (seniors are being asked to volunteer.) Tuesdays will be teen days in the fall
Earth Team Apprentices Environmental Focus- Nature Along the Lake with Illinois Dept. Nat. Resources continues at South Shore Cultural Center and other locations. Contact Friends of the Park for information, 312 857-2757.
Washburne Culinary Institute is offering a cooking classes on a semester basis for kids who come to Center programs. Healthy food and cooking is part of the summer camp program. It will have no cost to students or the park district and will be taught by the Parrot Cage executive chef. Enroll at 773 256-0149.
Online
Program Registration Utilizes PayPal
We are now using the PayPal online payment
system. Before you register online for one of our fall classes, we encourage
you to review the new screens and review our Q&A about the new system. You
can
do this by copying and pasting the web address below into your web browser:
http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/programs.home.cfm
You
can view fall program offerings online now. To do this, copy and paste the
web address below into your web browser:
http://programs.chicagoparkdistrict.com/programBrowser/
Spring
2010 online registration has begun or is about to.
In-person registration at most parks begins Saturday, March 6.
View on line at the Park District website. www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/content.home.cfm.
From Nov. 17
Programs include a play camp for 4 and 5 year olds (new), expanded cooking,
art, theater, sports....
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Community classes are offered by the Washburne Culinary Institute. Restaurants participating include Heaven on Seven, Wishbone, Parrot Cage, BJ. Classes are 2nd Saturdays and must be reregistered.
Mission: The South Shore Cultural Center School of the Arts is dedicated to the cultural enrichment of the entire family through skill-based arts classes and culturally stimulating programs in all art forms that will enrich, enlighten and inspire further cultural arts exploration.
Partnerships are expanding--to the degree that limited space permits--the third floor needs the funding to be built out. Watch for Lyric 2007-08 programs. Likely returning for some activities, performances: Civic Orchestra of Chicago and the South Shore Chorus (now an auditioned group).
Park District
fall 2008 Classes being highlighted as examples. Major must be reg. with partner.
Theater is new. Get full descriptive handout at he Center.
Partner classes, current partners :
Example of four 10-week class sessions rotation
Divisions: Conditioning and Martial Arts, Visual Arts, Dance, Sherwood Conservatory of Music Instrumental Classes (312 427-6267 x105), Vocal Music including South Shore Community Chorus (312 294-3086). (Private coaching available: 773 343-2899). South Shore Cultural Center is proud to partner with the Chicago Music Association, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sherwood School of Music, and South Shore Community Chorus. Get program from Center for details and numbers to call.
Youth and Teen classes: Bitty Ballet, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Gospel, Vocal Coaching, Suzuki, Violin, Piano, Karate, Capoeria.
Adults and Seniors: Tap, Ballet Stretch, Jazz Conditioning, Stepping, Belly Dancing, Ballroom, Latin, Country Western Line, Western african Dance, Tai Chi, Yoga, Capoeria, Vocal Coaching, African Drumming, Senior Band, Pottery, Sight Singing, Piano.
These are park district programs under the PD Dept. of Natural Resources and other pd depts. Information, registration call 312 742-5039. Watch in 2006.
