Category Archives: Center on Halsted
BEHIV’s 5th Annual Exhibition of Artwork – Opens November 19
“Resilience”
BEHIV’s 5th Annual Exhibition of Artwork
from Art Therapy Clients and Supportive Artists
Better Existence with HIV (BEHIV ) will host its fifth annual exhibition of artwork created by clients in its Art Therapy program, as well as supportive community artists, at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, from November 19 through January 4.
The exhibition will be preceded by a fundraising reception on November 19,
from 6:00-7:30pm, in the Center’s Irving Harris Family Foundation Reception Hall.
Tickets to the reception can be purchased on BEHIV’s website
The exhibition itself is free to the public.
Art Therapy helps people explore issues related to HIV/AIDS, assisting them in coping with a range of emotions. Permission to create and learning to respect one’s own creations are cornerstones of the program. Verbal expression has its limitations, but acquiring a visual language offers powerful energy for change and healing. Most of BEHIV’s clients have no formal art training, but their ability to work through difficult emotional issues through their art helps them lead more productive, healthier lives.
In the past, Art Therapy was funded by federal Ryan White CARE Act funds, but Art Therapy funding has been eliminated from that program. BEHIV is committed to continuing the beneficial service and hosts the exhibition and reception annually to support the program, with reception proceeds and art sales benefiting the program.
Sponsors of the 2010 exhibition (to date) include BestGayChicago.com, Boi Magazine, Canon Solutions, Center on Halsted, Chicago Department of Public Health, ChicagoPride.com, GRAB Magazine, MTMChicago.com, Northwest Speech and Hearing Center, Tibotec Therapeutics.
BEHIV annually educates more than 5,000 young people throughout Chicagoland about how to protect themselves, because HIV increasingly affects our youth houses more than 190 men, women and children impacted by HIV, who might otherwise be homeless
delivers case management, mental health counseling, art therapy and massage therapy services to more than 300 adults who need a lifeline to supportive services provides approximately 1,000 free HIV and sexually transmitted infection tests to our most vulnerable populations.
Dancing on the Deck III This Weekend, October 2nd!
As Summer fades and Autumn rolls in,
Join us aboard the fabulous Kanan Cruise Ship!
We’ll depart from Navy Pier for a four-hour cruise along the Chicago Skyline. There will be an open bar, buffet, DJ and dance floor. Featuring DJ Alexis Rivera and DJ TEO. Enjoy live entertainment from some of Halsted Street’s most colorful personalities punctuates the evening, along with hot sailor boy dancers and sexy mermaids.
Saturday, October 2, 2010 – 9:00 PM – 1am Navy Pier
*$150 tickets are available online at CenteronHalsted.org or from Circuit Night Club or Rehab, a Cocktail Café, both at 3641 N. Halsted Street after 5pm daily.
PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE NOW
*Pre-boarding check-in begins at 8:30pm on Navy Pier at the Kanan Cruise Ship on Saturday, October 2nd. Passengers may begin boarding the vessel at 9:00pm with a prompt departure time of 9:30pm. The Kanan will return to Navy Pier at 1:00am. Passengers must be at least 21 years of age with proper identification. This is a rain or shine event, no refunds.
It Gets Better Project – Filming in Chicago Sunday October 3
15 minutes of your time
could make a lifetime of difference!
Dan Savage and his husband Terry, frustrated and horrified over the growing epidemic of gay teens who have attempted or committed suicide to escape brutal bullying at school and home, have created a brilliant way to reach out and give hope to gay kids.
The It Gets Better Project is a library of YouTube videos featuring happy, proud gay adults talking about how the… bullying will eventually end and life eventually gets better.
You can see the clips he’s collected so far here:
It Gets Better Project
The library is growing every day. But Dan has asked for more clips—particularly clips of couples and families ready to share the joy of their lives as gay adults—so we are working with the Center on Halsted to host a free six-hour videotaping marathon. And YOU can participate!
TIME: 15-minute sessions between 1:00 and 7:00 pm
LOCATION: Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted
ROOM: Polk Brothers Foundation Youth Space, Second Floor
Dan Savage will be on hand to meet you and
help you feel comfortable in front of the camera.
Here’s all you have to do:
1. FORWARD THIS INVITATION to all your Chicago-area adult gay friends.
2. EMAIL JAKESTIGERS @ GMAIL.COM to schedule your 15-minute shoot. Please include your name, phone number and a range of times you’re available, and we’ll do our best to fit everyone in.
3. BRING A PHOTO OF YOU AS A KID if you want. We’ll scan it while you have your shoot and give it back to you.
That’s it! We’ll edit your video, add your photo and submit it to Dan to post on the It Gets Better Project page.
Thanks in advance for your participation. See you Sunday!
The Legacy of Matthew Shepard with Judy Shepard September 30th
H.E.A.L. Ourselves:
Opening Eyes, Closing Wounds
(Healing, Engaging, Acting, Lifting)
H.E.A.L. Ourselves is a series of events
focused on advocacy against LGBT hate violence.
September 30th, 2010
Center On Halsted – 7pm:
“The Legacy of Matthew Shepard” – Judy Shepard
Speaking from a mother’s perspective, diversity speaker Judy Shepard has made the prevention of hate crimes the focus of her efforts, and urges her audiences to make their schools and communities safer for everyone, regardless of their race, sex, religion, or gender identity and/or expression.
Mrs. Shepard’s keynote speech is the highlight of a series of advocacy events in Chicago related to anti-LGBT hate violence. Center on Halsted has created this programming to increase advocacy in response to violence, engagement in violence prevention efforts, and healing in our communities.
PRICE
$10. Reserved tickets can be purchased online
Best Gay Chicago
2010 Chamber Expo Celebrating the LGBT Community and Business September 25th
Saturday, September 25 2010,
12:00pm – 3:00pm
The Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the return of the Chicago Area Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Business Expo. The expo will be held on September 25th, 2010 from 12pm to 3pm in Center on Halsteds Billie Jean King Recreation Center. This event is free and open to the public.
Bringing together over 40 area businesses, the 2010 Chamber Business Expo will include a mini “Taste of the Chamber”, a sampling of some of Chicago’s finest restaurants and caterers. This event gives the public an opportunity to check out a variety of goods and services provided by members of the Chicago Area Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.
Christina Pinson, Executive Director, states, “The Chamber is an important resource to the community. We try to encourage our own community members to support their locally owned LGBT businesses. Our motto for the past few years has been ‘Don’t just be Gay, Buy Gay!’ We really feel that it is important to develop loyalty and support within our own community. “
For more information about the 2010 Chamber Business Expo, please contact Christina Pinson at 773.303.0167
Is It OK To Stop Using Condoms With my Boyfriend? Free Forum September 21
What’s Love Got To Do With It?
Is it okay to stop using
condoms with my boyfriend?
A free forum at the
Center on Halsted, September 21
Please join LifeLube and the Chicago Development Center for AIDS Research for What’s Love Got to Do with It? Discover the link between relationships and HIV infection, and learn ways to have the sex you want and stay healthy as researchers Colleen Hoff (San Francisco State University) and Patrick Sullivan (Emory University) present their findings. Moderated by Brian Mustanski of the University of Illinois – Chicago.
What’s Love Got to Do With It?
Doors open for food and socializing at 6:00pm , Program begins at 7:00pm
Center on Halsted , Hoover Leppen Theatre – Third Floor , 3656 North Halsted, Chicago
This community event is FREE, but you must RSVP
Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at 6:00 PM
Printing Executive, and LGBT Philanthropist Martin Gapshis Dies
Martin Gapshis ,
a Chicago business owner and philanthropist who was as comfortable in a black tie as he was in gardening shoes, died of a heart attack on Monday. He was 63.
In charity circles, Mr. Gapshis was known as much for the work he did behind the scenes as he was for donating to causes. His great attention to detail in producing elegant invitations to galas and balls drew many to admire him and his work. He was also a founding board member for the Center on Halsted.
In 1995, the Hearts Foundation Inc. honored him for his philanthropic work, and Mr. Daley proclaimed a Martin Gapshis Day. Earlier this year, the Center on Halsted honored him with the Human First award for his work in the gay and lesbian community. Mr. Gapshis was a co-chair for the $20-million capital campaign to build the center.
Mayor Daley released the following statement, “As Mayor and on behalf of the City of Chicago, I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Martin Gapshis. He was my friend and a friend to all of Chicago.
I am especially proud of the legacy Martin leaves this city in the Center on Halsted, the most comprehensive lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community center in the nation.
Martin possessed a passion for the arts, politics, and community involvement. He served both the city and its LGBT communities throughout most of his adult life, demonstrating a quiet commitment to improving the lives of others. For his many contributions and accomplishments, Martin was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 2007.
In his understated way, Martin always worked hard to make a difference, demonstrating his belief in the basic human rights that must be secured for all. He was a leader and role model for LGBT communities, not only for all his contributions and accomplishments, but for his ever-present humility and the depth of his kind and generous spirit.”
Alfresco BYOB Rooftop Dining in the Heart of Gay Chicago
THE CENTER ON HALSTED ROOFTOP
is the place to dine alfresco this month!
Enjoy a unique, intimate dining experience created for you by 15 talented youth enrolled in our After School Matters What’s Cookin’ Culinary Arts Program. Led by Chef Abraham Conlon, these burgeoning chefs will present Dining on the Rooftop: two weeks of fantastic three-course al fresco dining every Wednesday and Thursday night from July 21-22 through July 28-29!
Every week will focus on a different cuisine, each featuring an appetizer, main course, and dessert. A non-alcoholic beverage will also be provided. Every menu is vegetarian friendly. Please be sure to note all food allergies and dietary restrictions on the online registration form as to ensure a positive dining experience.
The Dining on the Rooftop series is BYOB.
The rooftop will be opened for seating at 5: 45, and dinner will begin promptly at 6pm. Tickets are $25. RESERVE ONLINE.
Virtual Rainbow – Chicago Artists Month – At Center on Halsted with Archer Coe and Others
What: “Virtual Rainbow”/Chicago Artists Month
Redefining the LGBT community in the digital age through art and performance.
When: FREE – open daily – NOW – November 15.
Where: in the 2nd and 3rd floor art galleries at Center on Halsted, located at 3656 N. Halsted in Chicago
Featuring a collaboration of emerging and established LGBT artists, “Virtual Rainbow” offers a group show expressing the diversity of inspiration taken from new technology and the Internet. Highlights will include Doug Smithenry’s “Coming Out Online” project and the premiere of “No Exit,” an opera co-produced with Chicago Opera Vanguard.
Additional programming will feature multi-media performances in song, dance and spoken word, as well as a workshop focusing on artists who embrace digital dissemination of their work. Other local artists being featured in the gallery show are Archer Coe, Ryan Kododziej and Jay Boeldt.
Upon a recent visit to Center on Halsted, everyone on third floor seemed taken by artist Archer Coe’s unique images! Originally from Michigan, Coe has lived in Chicago for 8 years.
A self taught photographer, Archer holds degrees in painting, illustration and computer graphics. His candid captures of everyday people in the steps of everyday life grew from a series of events, some life threatening, that led him to question the steps of his life and “what it all means”.
As many as 400 photos are used to create one composite image, moving the resulting image toward a time based narrative. His current works stem from his love of the city of Chicago and the uniqueness of each inhabitant.
Chicago Artists Month is an annual celebration of Chicago’s vibrant visual arts community during the month of October. Over 200 events will take place throughout the city. More information is available at Chicago Artists Month.
The Best of Gay Chicago
LADIES AT THE HOOVER-LEPPEN THEATRE / CENTER ON HALSTED – JUNE 2 – 5
LADIES AT THE HOOVER-LEPPEN THEATRE
FOR MAJOR 4-NIGHT ENGAGEMENT JUNE 2 – 5!
Kristopher McDowell Productions is producing a June series at The Hoover-Leppen Theatre/Center on Halsted in Chicago. The supremely talented ladies featured in this series continue to garner praise from discerning critics. Each artist presents one solo concert engagement each night at the Hoover Leppen Theatre at the Center on Halsted, 3656 Halsted Street.
Featuring …
SHARON McNIGHT performs
SONGS TO OFFEND ALMOST EVERYONE
on Tuesday, June 2 at 7:30 PM
SHARON McNIGHT returns to Chicago after having performed at Chicago Pride in 2007 and at the Chicago Gay Games the same year. Brassy, sassy and full of life McNight will perform her hit show SONGS TO OFFEND ALMOST EVERYONE which recently played in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Palm Springs, California. SF Chronicle said, “McNight gets saucy in (her) new show – Songs To Offend delights (the) crowd!” In this hysterical show, Sharon performs songs that will have the audience rolling in the aisles. Sharon was nominated for a Tony Award for her starring role in STARMITES and has appeared on SEINFELD.
Chicago Jazz Vocalist
SPIDER SALOFF performs
ENTERTAINING GUESTS “World Premiere”
on Wednesday, June 3 at 7:30 PM
SPIDER SALOFF is a celebrated Award-Winning jazz vocalist and Chicago-based artist who will debut her all-new one woman show ENTERTAINING GUESTS. Spider has been called “one of the finest jazz vocalists in this or any other city” by the Chicago Tribune. This Sneak Preview will feature mostly original material written by SPIDER SALOFF. She has seven solo albums including her most recent CD Cole Porter Live at Maxim’s which recently enjoyed performances at Maxim’s in Chicago and at The Metropolitan Room in New York City.
Ferociously Entertaining
MELISSA YOUNG performs
LUCKY STAR: A Madonna Tribute
on Thursday, June 4 at 7:30 PM
MELISSA YOUNG is a name that is catching on. Another Chicago-based actress, vocalist and comedienne has performed LUCKY STAR: A MADONNA TRIBUTE to sold-out crowds at Davenport’s Show Room in Wicker Park and has wowed audiences at the Drury Lane Theatre and other well-known Chicago venues.
“Young’s show is open, inviting and an awful lot of fun!”
says Chicago Reader.
Broadway Star and Brazilian Jazz Artist
LUBA MASON performs KRAZY LOVE on Friday, June 5 at 7:30 PM
“A voice as big and rich as a star-filled sky.” Jazz Times
Jazz vocalist, Broadway Star and wife of Latin superstar Ruben Blades, Luba Mason explores the arc of modern day relationships and infuses them with the music of Brazil in her newly released CD KRAZY LOVE on Sunnyside Records. Classically trained in voice and piano, Luba’s writing talents are premiered in 8 original songs alongside some Brazilian classics. A Broadway veteran of 8 shows including starring roles in CHICAGO opposite Brooke Shield’s, HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS… opposite Matthew Broderick and JEKYLL & HYDE as well as TV guest star appearances in LAW & ORDER, NYPD BLUE and RAINES. Luba has recently performed at both the 2009 PANAMA and COSTA RICAN JAZZ FESTIVALS and is happy to include Chicago on her current national tour of KRAZY LOVE.
PURCHASE TICKETS FOR LADIES AT THE HOOVER-LEPPEN or call etix at 1-800-514-3849.
LADIES AT THE HOOVER-LEPPEN THEATRE performs 4 times with a different show each night: Tuesday through Friday June 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. All shows are at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $30 per person per event. All tickets on sale NOW!
The Best of Gay Chicago
Gay and Lesbian Community Center on Halsted
Center on Halsted is a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community center in Chicago, in the Boystown area.
The Center on Halsted was designed as a space which through its programming would attend to the cultural, emotional, social, educational and recreational needs of the LGBT community.
The new 60,000-square-foot (5,600 m²) facility contains a variety of spaces: Meeting space for community organizations, gathering space for youth and for older adults, Hoover-Leppen Theatre, Billie Jean King Recreation Hall, Richard M. Daley Roof Garden, and others. The building’s green elements include natural ventilation, daylighting, post consumer and post industrial materials and many others, and have earned the building LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) silver certification.
Construction of the permanent site kicked off with groundbreaking ceremony on June 14, 2005. The facility officially opened on June 5, 2007.
They have lots of different programing always going on, for just about everybody. Stop by and visit them!
3656 N. Halsted – (773) 472-6469
The Best of Gay Chicago!
