Downtown Auroran Spring 2015 FASHION

Downtown Auroran www.downtownauroran.com Marissa Amoni Founder, Publisher and Editor

FASHION! I immediately think of David Bowie’s “Fashion” video from 1980. Beep beep. Eighties fashion is laughable now, which makes the video even more brilliant. Bravo, Bowie.

It’s almost tragic to look back on some of the popular styles from past decades, but fashion is always changing and is bound to humiliate us in the end.

Some might have cringed this last fall when plaid flannel came back into favor. Not I. I was thrilled to be reminded of my “grunge” days in high school.

I’m a fan of casual styles, and wearing jeans with a tank top and a flannel is all right by me. I rocked that initial trend at West Aurora High School in 1994, and once again, 20 years later. But I am glad that the button-down shirts are more fitted now.

Aurora is unique for a Midwestern town in terms of fashion. Trends typically start out on the coasts and then head to the central states. Aurora, however, is large, rich in diversity, and positioned close enough to the big city of Chicago that it often holds its own with fashion trends.

With several fashionable clothing stores now open in downtown Aurora, the next “it” outfit might just come off of a hanger from a boutique along Downer Place or Broadway.

In this issue’s cover story, we meet Jessica Fong and Claudia Urrutia. Both women are fashion school graduates who own boutiques in downtown Aurora. We also get a glimpse of some winter and spring fashions through the lens of 19-year-old Gabrielle Daylor.

As Chris Evans notes in his music column, fashion is a tool. Fashion helps to not only sell music; it sells identity. What does your fashion style say about you?

Kelmscott Communications Graphic Design Tony Scott Copy Editor Chris Evans Cover and Portraits Stephanie Motenko Frank Patterson Contributors Advertising and Submissions: (630) 674-2099 downtownauroran@gmail.com Cover and portraits by Chris Evans Downtown Auroran (DTA) is a local, independent operation. We promote and support local arts and culture while advocating for a vibrant downtown.

DTA is published quarterly and distributed free of charge throughout downtown and select locations in the Aurora area. DTA is printed in Aurora, IL by Kelmscott Communications.

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A r t i s t P ro f i l e

By Frank Patterson

a night of art. free. lots of food, music and fun. visit downtown businesses. support local. meet artists and see their work. pop-up art galleries in downtown aurora. it’s an artwalk on the first friday of the month. a night of art. free. lots of food, music and fun. theatre and live performances. meet artists and see their work. eat at local restaurants. visit downtown businesses, museums and galleries. it’s an artwalk on the first friday of the month. a night of art. free. lots of food, music and fun. theatre and live performances. pop-up page 13 Historical Notes art galleries in downtown aurora. support local. art. music. food. fun. it’s an artwalk on the first friday of the month. pop-up art galleries in downtown aurora. visit downtown businesses, museums and galleries. it’s an artwalk on the first friday of the month. support local. meet artists and see their work. buy a piece of local art. it’s an artwalk on the first friday of the month. free. popup art galleries in downtown aurora. lots of food, music March  Aprilon 3 the May  June  July 3 popfree. it’s an 6artwalk first1friday of 5the month.

A Look Back at up art galleries in downtown aurora. eat. shop. support William A. Tanner local. aAug night art. 4lots of food, music 7 of Sept  Oct 2  Nov 6 and Decfun.

4 free. visit downtown businesses. support local. meets artists and see their work. pop-up art galleries in downtown Table of Contents 4 comic 10 recipe aurora. a night of art. free. lots of food, music and fun.

5 locust report 11 downtown voices meet artists and see their work. a night of art. free. lots 6 cover story 13 historical notes of food, music and fun. visit downtown businesses.

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artist profile 15 culture shock a night of art. lots of food, music and fun. free. visit downtown businesses. support local. meets artists and see their work. pop-up art galleries in downtown rental properties

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The L o c u st R ep o r t Reporting the News and Gossip in Downtown Aurora More artists moved into the second story of the Metropolitan Business College building at 14 W. Downer Pl. The recently dubbed New Hites Studios and Gallery is now a fullyfunctioning working artists’ studios. Some of the resident artists include Martin Soto, Juan Sepulveda, Kit Sunderland, Cristina Gutierrez, and photography studio Prairie Pro Photo.

The studios are open to the public during First Fridays.

Restaurant Row update: U Samba?, a new Brazilian restaurant, is open at 37 W. New York St. in the old Comfort Zone BBQ. U Samba? brings together Brazilian fast food with familiar favorites for “a little piece of Brazil in the USA.” They open daily at 11 a.m. usambacafe.com

business or property owners in downtown Aurora looking to improve their building, or make it move-in ready for retail or restaurant on the first floor with residential on upper floors.

For more information on the Finish Line Downtown Grant, contact Cadence Peterson at petersonc@investinaurora.org or (630) 256-3167.

A list to like on Facebook: Warehouse Escape Plan, Kit Sunderland Fine Artist, The Soto Art Project, New Hites Studios and Gallery

All Spoked Up is one of the new businesses that took advantage of Aurora Downtown’s rental assistance program last year.

The new bicycle shop is now open at 14 W. Downer Pl. in the Metropolitan Business College building. It’s the second location for owner Matt Knowles, who opened the bike shop in Batavia in 2011.

64 LaSalle St. will eventually be the Three Fires Council Youth Leadership Complex. The four-story complex is being developed by the Scout troop into a 30,000-square-foot youth center complete with indoor rock climbing, indoor high ropes, Lego Mindstorms robotics, archery, team building, and more.

Karademas Management is now the proud owner of the Elks Club building on Benton Street. The originally Wisconsin-based

management company began renovating the historic building earlier this year. The renovation will include a restaurant on the first floor with up to 29 residential apartments on the upper floors. In addition to the renovations of the Elks Building, Karademas Management is also renovating the Graham Building and Leland Tower. Seize the Future, the city’s partner in development, awarded the adaptive reuse to Karademas, and it passed city council earlier this year.

New Hites Studios and Gallery occupies most of the second floor at 14 W. Downer Pl. in downtown Aurora.

RiverEdge Park is growing thanks to a couple of negotiations

with building owners along Broadway. A signed purchase and sale agreement for the property at 310 N. Broadway was assigned by way of Seize the Future to the city of Aurora, which will allow for its demolition along with site cleanup. The property will then become part of RiverEdge Park.

Comfort Suites at 111 N. Broadway will now be Holiday Inn Express and Suites. The hotel worked with Seize the Future on securing a grant that will assist in rebranding efforts.

A request for proposal (RFP) for the old downtown library building seeks submittals for adaptive redevelopment. The RFP is due to Seize the Future by March 31. If the current library building at 1 E. Benton St. does not have a designated reuse by July 2016, it will be demolished at the library’s expense.

The Finish Line Downtown Grant is still available for business and property owners in downtown Aurora. This grant reimburses 20 percent of renovation costs up to $75,000 to Spring 2015

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Downtown Aurora is quickly becoming a hotbed for not only arts and entertainment, but also fashion. With a handful of trendy clothing stores, it could soon be the go-to place for a one-of-kind look. Two women are assisting in bringing these original styles to downtown.

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Claudia Urrutia and Jessica Fong

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Downtown Fash ionistas

PHOTOS BY GABRIELLE DAYLOR

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Spring 2015

Claudia Urrutia

Q: What got you into fashion?

My mother was a seamstress. She used to make my dresses. At an early age, I remember telling her how to design my dresses and she would make them for me. I enjoyed being different and unique.

Q: Did you go to fashion school?

Yes. I went to International Academy of Design and Technology in Chicago.

Q: Describe your style.

I always tell people that my designs are “classy with a touch of sexy.” I design for women that like to feel secure and unique.

Q: What inspired you to open Glanze Boutique in downtown Aurora?

I have lived in Aurora most of the time I’ve been in the United States. Knowing that Aurora is the second largest city with the highest population after Chicago, I saw a niche and an opportunity for my store since it is different from other retail stores in the area.

Q: What is your go-to fashion tip?

Show skin strategically. Look sexy, but don’t overdo it. For instance, if you show cleavage, then don’t show legs. If you show legs, then don’t show too much cleavage.

Jessica Fong

Q: What looks will we see this spring?

We are going to see a lot of flower prints and flowy dresses, some in bright colors. We are still going to see a lot of satin and laces; those came to stay, it is the classy look.

Claudia Urrutia was born in San Juan Del Rio, Durango, Mexico. She came to the U.S. when she was 18 years old. With her mother’s help, she quickly learned how to make clothes. In 2007, she won first place at a contest sponsored

by The Humane Society for a faux-fur coat. Since then she’s been working with faux-fur fabrics. She opened Glanze Boutique at 40 E. New York St. in August 2013. She recently partnered with designer Ronald Rodriguez, and they are collaborating on an upcoming collection.

Q: What got you into fashion?

Growing up, I would watch Victorian-era movies and I would be in awe of the clothing. The women’s dress was very elaborate, and the look was accomplished by what we now call “layering.”

Those films were definitely my first introduction into fashion.

the norm. While I was looking for available spaces to open the boutique, my husband rented an office space on the corner of Downer and River, and through the many visits to the office, I really fell in love with the area. I envisioned a block where people could shop with their families and really enjoy all that Aurora has to offer.

Q: You went to fashion school? Where?

Q: What is your go-to fashion tip?

I attended the Art Institute in Orange County California, and I majored in fashion marketing and management.

Q: What stuck with you the most from fashion school?

Before going to school, I just knew I loved fashion, but I really had no idea of all the different directions a career in fashion can take you. The enormous nature of the fashion world still amazes me to this day.

Q: Describe your style.

I am a big believer in the classic look. I love wearing pieces that last through the ages with classic colors like black, blue, and white. If I am feeling a little more adventurous, then I really enjoy wearing boho-chic clothing.

No matter what you wear, make sure you own your personal style because confidence makes any look.

Q: Any fashion advice for this spring?

Let’s learn to embrace color.

Jessica Fong, of Batavia, opened up YM Boutique at 5 W. Downer in June 2014. Fong is married to Andrey Fong and they have one daughter, Emma.

Fong began her career in fashion working with various retailers, and she quickly developed a keen eye for details. With the opening of YM Boutique, Fong hopes to bring the Aurora area a place where mothers and daughters can shop together and enjoy a day out.

Q: What inspired you to open YM Boutique in downtown Aurora?

In speaking with people who have been part of downtown Aurora throughout the years, they always spoke about the days when shopping and day outings in Aurora were Spring 2015

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Auroran Words 5 Ways to Enjoy Paris Fashion Week (Without an Invite)

By Victoria Guerrero Love fashion, but lack an invite?

From people watching to party crashing, your fashion week in the other “City of Lights” can still be magnifique!

1. Stalk the Smaller Shows.

Pick a show from a lesser known designer; preferably outside of the central Paris fashion scene (avoid Grand Palais, Garden de Tuileries).

The first shows on Saturday and Sunday mornings are also a good bet as many will still be too tired (read: hung over) from the night before to attend, leaving many seats empty. You’ll be far from the only outsider trying to get in, but you have a much better chance at Maxime Simoens than say, Valentino.

2. Security is Your Best Friend. Be sure to arrive at least one hour before a show in order get a feel for the show, and to get the opportunity to talk to security at the front door. Be understanding, and that security guard is now your best friend.

They’ll keep you posted on the chances of getting in and will potentially let you in first when it comes time to fill seats.

3. People Watching. You’re not getting into Chanel without an in, that’s a given. But you can have just as much fun people watching outside the big shows. Get there early and prop yourself right next to the main entrance for a photographer

circus, or by the side entrance for some celebrity sightings.

From street style bloggers to Kim Kardashian to magazine editors; just watching all the action outside the shows is a rush on its own.

4. Party Crashing. The Parisians are notorious for throwing the best fashion week parties around, meaning that many of these bashes are huge. I’m not saying I condone going somewhere without an invite, I’m just saying that a well-dressed bystander might have a decent shot walking in unnoticed. The parties can really happen anywhere - from Le Marais to Champ Elysees, so don’t assume they’ll all be in one certain area.

5. Enjoy the Freebies. If you’re a true fashion aficionado, you may appreciate the free fashion magazines being given away outside every show. It may seem small at the time, but coming home with $30 worth of free fashion magazines daily adds up.

And if you’re really lucky, you might even score yourself an official “look book” that an indifferent editor leaves behind from a show.

Victoria Guerrero is a social media marketing professional who hails from Aurora and currently resides in Chicago. She loves travel, fashion, and a good slice of pizza. And don’t even get her started on her favorite bands as she’s an avid music lover.

When working as a social media freelancer in 2014, Guerrero planned a month long trip to England and France during fashion month. “I never expected to be able to get as far as I ended up getting, let alone into a show. It was amazing.”

Fashion

By Leo Zarko

From heels to boots or no shoes at all All the models on the runway are glamorous and tall When on the red carpet you advertise your designer Later the reporters pick out who looked finer From long hair to now bald with a beard Fashion has even been considered bizarre and weird The well-dressed have logos attached to their attire Some kind of status symbol we’re all supposed to admire Fashion changes daily so don’t spend too much The look you have today, tomorrow will be out of touch Chic, grunge, mod, vogue, hip or high Fashion remains different to an individual’s eye Flannel shirts or tie and tails Women walking around with decorative fingernails I guess it’s best that we all don’t look the same That would make life kind of dull, boring and plain Leo Zarko is a 53-year-old Aurora native. Zarko is an artist, a writer, and patron of the arts. He has self-published a handful of children’s books, and a book of poetry.

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By Juan Montano

Juan Montano studies at Waubonsee Community College. He runs Juan Montano Photography. juanmontanophotography.com

Downtown Auroran

Spring 2015

A rt is t P r o file DTA Profile: Lita Lu Interview by Frank Patterson

Ever since a zebra made her cry, Lita Lu loves to make art.

The zebra was a first grade art project, assembled from construction paper. Halfway into the project, young Lita Lu became frustrated and tears began to flow. Thankfully, her teacher talked her through her angst, turning the negative experience into a positive one.

Since then, Lu has won many art awards, including a second place award in a statewide scholastic competition in her native Colorado.

Lu, 23, moved to Aurora from Longmont, Colo. about four years ago, and she quickly became part of the local art scene.

Lu said Jose Art was the first Aurora artist she met. Art introduced her to Javi Terrazas, a dynamo in Aurora’s art scene.

Terrazas invited Lu to take part in Hecho En Aurora, a show he was organizing along Water Street Mall in downtown Aurora to feature the work of Aurora’s Hispanic artists.

After Hecho En Aurora, Lu was asked to create a mural for the Roots Aurora festival at RiverEdge Park. That mural is currently on display in the former Waubonsee Community College building at the corner of Galena Boulevard and Stolp Avenue in downtown Aurora as part of the Vacant Window Project.

Lu’s artwork also has been seen in the gallery at the Paramount Theater, and she is a regular exhibitor at The ArtBar, a pop-up gallery curated by Terrazas at Two Brothers Roundhouse that is part of First Fridays every month.

Lu said her art is inspired by pin-ups, burlesque, and beauty.

“It’s very girly,” she said.

Some of those influences are reflected in Lu’s distinctive fashion, like her current ensemble: a black “Stray Cats” t-shirt, depicting a cartoon cat’s head with an enormous pompadour, paired with black leggings, a leopard-print jacket, and Converse high-tops.

Lu said she keeps very busy, dividing her time between making art and a full-time job, which often requires overtime work.

Lu plans to return to school at some future time, but said she will still find time to make art.

Her latest piece utilizes a likeness of iconic bondage queen Bettie Page, and was up during First Fridays in February at The ArtBar’s “Sin Show.”

Spring 2015

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DTA Recipe: West African Peanut Butter Stew Contributed by Stephanie Motenko

So delicious and satisfying, your family won’t even realize that it’s vegan.

Ingredients: • 2 tbsp. coconut oil • 6 cups low sodium vegetable broth • 1 medium red onion, diced • 2 tbsp. minced fresh ginger • 4 cloves minced garlic • 1 cup brown rice • 1 bunch collard greens, chopped • 2 sweet potatoes, cubed • 15 oz. can of garbanzo beans • 3/4 cup natural peanut butter • 1/2 cup tomato paste • Sriracha hot chili sauce Directions:

Michelle

By Chris Evans

Chris Evans is the artistic hand behind Warehouse Escape Plan. Evans had his first solo shows at The Yetee last year; he’ll be filling up the Rockford Art Deli with his popular Wes Anderson pieces on April 10 and 11.

"Be prepared to enjoy the most memorable dining experience ever."

In a large pot, heat coconut oil. Add onion and cook over medium high heat until translucent, stirring often to prevent browning. Add garlic and ginger, and continue to cook two minutes, stirring often. Add vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Add brown rice, sweet potatoes, and collard greens.

Return to boiling, then reduce heat to simmer and cook, covered, 20 minutes. Add peanut butter, tomato paste, and garbanzo beans, stir well, and continue to simmer, covered, 20 minutes or until rice is tender, stirring occasionally.

Serve with Sriracha sauce on the side. Serves six.

Stephanie Motenko is a funny, West Side mom of two. Motenko turned her backyard into a micro-nano farm, and started Black Market Pickle, a small business that she will revive after her infant son, Henry, is done latching on to her.

-- Chef Amaury Rosado

Wed - Thurs: 5pm to 11pm Fri - Sat: 5pm to 2am 630.375.0426 Make reservations online at www.chefamaury.com Contemporary American Cuisine

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Chef Amaury’s Epicurean Affair

Downtown Auroran

Spring 2015

D ow n t ow n V o ic es Extended Play With Chris Evans As long as there is someone performing music, there likely is a strategic element of fashion involved. Music is performed, meaning there is a performance, a performer; many artists take this idea seriously. It was always easy to tell who the performers were in the room especially in past decades. They were dressed to the nines. Do yourself a favor and check out some YouTube clips of The Jackson 5, The O’Jays, and The Temptations and you will see what I’m talking about.

Professionalism, showmanship, and of course, FASHION. The gold standards of fashion in music would probably have to be Madonna, David Bowie, and Michael Jackson. Each of these artists is most often remembered for the outfits they chose to wear as much as for their important songs and albums. I mean, come on, who didn’t want to get a red jacket and a single sparkly glove when they saw Michael Jackson perform on television? I did. These artists are lucky to have come into dominance during the MTV age. Video was a new medium for music, and these three really embraced the idea and used all of their influences, especially fashion, to cement their iconic status.

Fashion is a powerful ally in selling an artist now. Let’s use Marilyn Manson as an example. “The Beautiful People” is not that great of a song. It has a catchy riff and that is about it. Alice Cooper is probably way better. What Marilyn Manson has going for him, and helped him sell too many albums, is a creepy fashion sense. The strange, and brilliant, way he presented himself in the media and in videos made him a huge star for a brief time. All of your favorite ‘80s hair metal bands created their own fashion trend. Their big hair, leather pants, and androgynous make-up were a calling card for that era. If you played that kind of music and did not have that “look,” we probably haven’t heard of you.

Spring 2015

The music industry caught on early to how easy it was to use fashion as a tool to sell product. Many forgettable bands had small successful careers because of the way their managers made sure they had the appropriate “look.” In time the pendulum swung back the other way. Some bands rebelled against fashion and fashionable choices. It seemed for a time that any average Joe could pick up a guitar and make some songs. They would look just like you and me. Though, as a friend told me recently, “Why would I want to work all day long in a factory, pay a bunch of money to see a show, and see a guy who looks like he works in the factory next to me playing the show?” There is something to a show and the fashion or lack thereof.

One of my favorite bands, Rocket from the Crypt, uses fashion to their advantage. They are a smaller punk band out of San Diego, Calif. They do not play arenas, but instead make their living sweating it out in the bars and small clubs across this country. What makes them memorable? They all dress alike.

They have matching sequined bowling shirts and black pants.

The band looks the part. When you see them come on stage, you know you are going to get a show. They are a tight knit crew and they play the hell out of their songs, and all the while they look really good doing it.

A few favorite acts that use fashion to their advantage include: Devo, Prince, Interpol, Run D.M.C., Lady Gaga, Ghost B.C., and to an extreme extent bands like Kiss and GWAR. All of these acts are readily recognizable from what they wear. They have used fashion in a way that makes them more popular. A meat dress is probably taking it a bit too far, Lady Gaga.

Chris Evans is the music critic for Downtown Auroran Magazine.

Follow him on Twitter @WhseEscapePlan.

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Desireé Franklin is a self-taught artist who loves to create bright, unique pieces. Her inspiration comes from animals and the cosmos. dezeflow.weebly.com.

Gabrielle Daylor is a 19-year-old native of Aurora.

She runs Gabrielle Daylor Photography, and is obsessed with Starbucks and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”

By Desireé Franklin

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By Gabrielle Daylor

Downtown Auroran

Spring 2015

Hi s t o r ic a l N o t e s An Aurora Legacy: William A. Tanner at 200 Courtesy of Karen Blee Nickels and Mary Clark Ormond William Augustus Tanner, the eventual owner of Tanner Hardware and namesake of the Aurora Historical Society’s Tanner House, first came to Aurora as a 20-yearold surveyor.

engaged in surveying, but he also embarked on a new occupation, that of businessman. He invested in real estate and built several commercial buildings. For a short time, he was a grocery merchant.

At an auction in the spring of 1855, Tanner purchased a thriving hardware store for $12,000 from the estate of the previous owner, George Waterman. Located in a stone building on the west side of South Broadway between Downer and Galena, it became Tanner and Rice Hardware.

This year, Aurora celebrates the historic figure’s 200th birthday with an exhibit at the David L. Pierce Art and History Center. So who was Mr. Tanner, and why does he have such a lasting legacy in Aurora?

By 1863, after a damaging flood in 1857, Tanner moved the hardware store into a three-story brick and limestone building on South River Street that he built. It was renamed Tanner and Son Hardware in 1866, and continued for 125 years until 1979, when the wrecking ball arrived to clear the way for a parking lot at the Old Second Bank.

Tanner was born to William and Betsy (Paddock) Tanner on February 17, 1815, in Watertown, New York. He was the second of eight children. The elder William was a merchant in Watertown before moving his family to a farm north of town. The young Tanner was given a better than average education for that period and was trained as a surveyor.

In the summer of 1835, Tanner started out for the West, and arrived in Chicago on September 2. Six weeks later, Tanner traveled out to the Aurora area. The next day he claimed some farmland for himself.

He started out splitting rails while living in a simple shanty.

A year later, Tanner helped raise the frame of Aurora founder Joseph McCarty’s grist mill. He then went into Chicago and engaged in surveying some of the first additions to the city.

When he was in Chicago and not surveying, he worked as a clerk in a hardware store.

In the fall, he returned to his land claim and built a 20-by-30-foot log house with a shingled roof near the present day intersection of Deerpath and Tanner Roads. Tanner’s parents and siblings came from New York and moved in with him to help him farm. Shortly afterwards, a prairie fire burned up to the house, but the family was able to save their dwelling.

Tanner continued to farm the land, eventually adding cattle, with crops of wheat, corn, and oats. Tanner’s father then purchased another farm for himself and moved there.

In 1840, Tanner wrote to Anna Makepeace, a 29-year-old schoolteacher. Soon after, Tanner traveled to New York, and they were married on July 9, 1840.

Immediately, the newlyweds set out for Illinois and settled on the farm. Seven of their 10 children were born there, and their first daughter, Lucy, died while they lived there.

In January 1853, the Tanners left the farm and moved into a house on Walnut Street, now W. New York Street. Tanner was still Spring 2015

In December 1857, the Tanner family moved into their new 16room home on three and a half lots, today still known as the “Tanner House” at 304 Oak Avenue in the Tanner Historic District.

Besides running the store, Tanner continued to invest in real estate in Aurora and beyond, eventually owning about 1,700 acres of land in Kansas.

Tanner’s granddaughters Marion Simpson Hammerlund and Mary Johnson Ames described the Tanners as being “stable people, home people, frugal and industrious.” They were members of the Galena Street Methodist Episcopal Church (now Wesley United Methodist) and were supportive of the temperance movement.

Tanner remained active and hearty well into his seventies. He died on December 29, 1892, at the age of 77. He was laid to rest in the family plot in West Aurora Cemetery.

The house was donated to the Aurora Historical Society in 1936 by the twin Tanner daughters, Martha and Mary.

Nine of Tanner’s ten children survived into adulthood and scattered across the Midwest.

“The Life and Times of William A. Tanner, 1815-1892” is currently on exhibit at the Aurora Historical Society gallery on the first floor at the David L. Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Pl., through May 9.

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Wesley Nursery School

A Preschool Where Learning is FUN!

383 W. Galena Blvd. inside Sculpted Image Day Spa

Registering now for Fall 2015 Tours available every weekday

630-605-9244 Wesley Nursery School 14 N May Street (Corner of Galena & May) Aurora, IL 60506

Phone: 630-631-5474 E-mail: wesleypreschool@ymail.com Web: wesleyumcaurora.org Serving the Aurora community for over 60 years

14 W. Downer Place in Downtown Aurora (630) 326-9625

www.allspokedup.com

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Th e Downtown Buy

First Fridays in Downtown Aurora brings art, music, and lots of excitement to several businesses on, well, the first Friday of the month.

Since penning the logo over a year ago, Mike Mancuso of The Yetee t-shirt fame has hosted many First Fridays events in the ground floor of his ultra cool warehouse on River and Cross Streets. The logo now makes the front of a handy tote bag that was screen printed in house. Pick up the exclusive bag and fill it with some one-of-a-kind art.

What: First Fridays tote bag Inspiration: First Fridays logo by Mike Mancuso Price tag: $10 The hook up: The Yetee, 110 Cross St.

Divide. Expand.

By Jason DeLancey

Unfolding

By Michelle LeBlanc I am happy and when I am discontent, change happens. Sometimes the change is slow and subtle like water carving into the rock over time. Patience, my dear, a quiet meditation drinking in the moments until the destination reveals itself. And still this is just one destination in a string of destinations until we leave this mortal coil. No need to get attached to any one destination too soon.

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Downtown Auroran

Spring 2015

C u l tu r e S h o c k MARCH

SUMMER PREVIEW

HUMP DAY Wed March 11 from 5 to 8 Aurora Downtown hosts a friendly, neighborhood networking mixer. Chef Amaury, 33 W. New York St. auroradowntown.com

AURORA FARMERS MARKET Sat June 6 to Oct 17 from 8 to noon Fresh produce, food demonstrations, crafts, music, and more. Aurora Transportation Center, 233 N. Broadway. aurora-il.org

STORYTIME AT THE CAFE Mon March 16 at 11 The Aurora Public Library hosts an off-site storytime for children with books, dancing, and fun, plus a free cookie. Free. River’s Edge Cafe, 18 W. Downer. No registration needed. aurorapubliclibrary.org

MID-AMERICAN CANOE & KAYAK RACE Sun June 7 from 9 to 3 Paddle down the Fox River from St. Charles or Batavia to Aurora.

Ends at McCullough Park at Illinois Ave. and Lake St. (630) 966-4527. foxvalleyparkdistrict.org

ARTS-A-PALOOZA Sat March 21 Local artisans, crafters, artists, and others teach a trade to the community.

A Culture Stock event. Free. Various locations throughout downtown Aurora. auroradowntown.com

APRIL RECORD STORE DAY Sat April 18 from 8 to 8 A great day to support musicians and a local record store.

Kiss the Sky, 180 First St., Batavia. kissthesky.net STORYTIME AT THE CAFE Mon April 20 at 11 The Aurora Public Library hosts an off-site storytime for children with books, dancing, and fun, plus a free cookie. Free. River’s Edge Cafe, 18 W. Downer Pl. EL DIA DE LOS NINOS Sat April 25 from 1 to 5 Celebrate children at this day-long festival. Free. Spring Street Parking Lot at Lincoln Ave. 2ND 2 NONE 5K and 10K RUN/WALK Sun April 26 at 8 Race through the historic streets of downtown Aurora. Sponsored by the Aurora Food Pantry and Communities in Schools and benefiting the Food for Thought initiative. RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway.

2nd2none5k.com

MAY DOWNTOWN AURORA TASTE Tue May 12 from 5 to 9 Several tasty downtown eateries participate in the annual Taste hosted by the Exchange Club of Aurora. To purchase tickets call (630) 415-1263. auroraexchange.org FOX VALLEY GARDEN CLUB PLANT SALE Sat May 16 from 8 to noon Amazing prices on all types of plants and garden decor.

Aurora Transportation Center, 233 N. Broadway. foxvalleygardenclub.com STORYTIME AT THE CAFE Mon May 18 at 11 The Aurora Public Library hosts an off-site storytime for children with books, dancing, and fun, plus a free cookie.

Free. River’s Edge Cafe, 18 W. Downer.

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE Mon May 25 at noon Step off at Benton and River streets. Pre-parade ceremony starts at 11:15. aurora-il.org

Spring 2015

AURORA GREEN FEST Sat June 13 from 10 to 4 Aurora’s largest environmental celebration brings music, education, activities, and more to the people.

Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave. auroragreenfest.org BLUES ON THE FOX Fri June 19 from 6 to 10 and Sat June 20 from 2 to 10 Enjoy two days of the Blues at Aurora’s new outdoor amphitheater and park.

RiverEdge Park, Aurora. riveredgeaurora.com TWO BROTHERS SUMMER FESTIVAL Fri June 26 thru Sun June 28 Three days of live music and great beer. Two Brothers Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway. twobrothersbrewing.com

LIMITED RUNS & SHOWINGS MATERIALITY Thru April 25 The Aurora Public Art Commission exhibit curated by Rena Church and Jen Evans features works by seven artists on the 3rd floor of The DLP. Open Wed-Sat, noon to 4. Free. David L. Pierce Art & History Center, 20 E.Downer Pl. (630) 906-0650. aurora-il.org THE LIFE AND TIMES OF WILLIAM A. TANNER New exhibit The Aurora Historical Society exhibit on the 1st floor of The DLP celebrates the 200th birthday of Mr. Tanner. Open Wed-Sat, noon to 4.

Free. David L. Pierce Art & History Center, 20 E.Downer Pl. (630) 906-0650. aurorahistory.net

RIVERFRONT PLAYHOUSE Call for current schedule. Riverfront Playhouse, 11-13 Water Street Mall, is a 90-seat, not-for-profit theatre located next to City Hall on the Water Street Mall in downtown Aurora. $12$15. (630) 897-9496. Reservations recommended. riverfrontplayhouse.com

ONGOING EVENTS M.U.S.I.C. MONDAYS Mondays from 6 to 7 Local musicians perform in the bookstore. Free. Culture Stock, 43 E. Galena Blvd. M.U.S.I.C. on Facebook.

CLASSIC MOVIE MONDAYS Mondays at 7 Great, classic movies every Monday. $1. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. paramountaurora.com DAAM! First Thursday of the month at 8 Join artists of all kinds at the informal Downtown Aurora Arts Mixers. Chef Amaury at 33 West, 33 W. New York St. Sponsored by Downtown Auroran Magazine. downtownauroran.com FIRST FRIDAYS IN DOWNTOWN AURORA: MARCH 6, APRIL 3, MAY 1, JUNE 5 First Friday of the month Art is alive in downtown Aurora. Enjoy several art openings in one glorious night. Various venues in downtown, including If These Walls Could Talk, Paramount’s Grand Gallery, New Hites Studios, The Yetee Gallery, Allen and Pepa Architects, The DLP, and The ArtBar at Two Brothers Roundhouse. auroradowntown.com

art& culture?

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Visit downtownauroran.com and click on Marissa’s Calendar for all the best local events.

THE AURORA STORY Continuing The Aurora Historical Society exhibit on the 2nd floor of The DLP tells the history of Aurora with vintage treasures and more.

Open Wed-Sat, noon to 4. Free.

David L. Pierce Art & History Center, 20 E.Downer Pl. (630) 906-0650. aurorahistory.net ART AT CITY HALL: JAZZ OCCURRENCE CARAVAN Thru Aug 14 Aurora’s City Hall features works of art on every floor.

Open Mon-Fri, 8-5. City Hall, 44 E. Downer Pl. aurora-il.org

Downtown Auroran

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From volunteering at area events to supporting the local arts, community involvement has been an integral part of Old Second since 1871. We wouldn't know how to do business any other way.

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2015 Summer Adventure Camps June - July Ages 3-13 Certified Teachers and small class sizes!

A truly educational summer experience!

Register Online by June 1st at www.scitechmuseum.org

Week long courses at the museum in Robotics • Chemistry Biology • Engineering Survival • Flight • Physics Insects • CSI • S.T.E.A.M 18 W. Benton St. Aurora, IL, 60506

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