Are Kids Losing Creativity? How America’s Arts Education Crisis Could Affect Innovation, Mental Health, and the Future Workforce

In a world where the most respected careers are doctors, lawyers, engineers, and scientists, why should kids be encouraged to pursue art?  Despite drastic underfunding of the arts in U.S. schools — especially in communities with more non-white, low-income, and non-English speaking students — art education remains vital. Creative experiences help children thrive, benefiting their […]

by Lily Adams

Before Colbert and Kimmel, 18th-Century Satire Took Aim at the Powerful — Curator Silvia Beltrametti Explores Its Enduring Relevance in New Driehaus Museum Exhibition

As an IP attorney and art law professor, Silvia Beltrametti is drawn to questions of ownership, influence, and creative interpretation. The Italian mother of three divides her time between homes, extended family, business opportunities, and philanthropic commitments across Ireland, Italy, and the U.S. with her husband, Jay Krehbiel, alongside her work at the School of […]

by Susan B. Noyes

Every Spring, Chicago’s Tulips Return — For the People Who Plant Them, It’s More Than a Job

Barry Butler has been photographing Chicago for decades — but more specifically, he’s been capturing its tulips. A native of Ireland, Butler has always loved shooting natural scenery. But while building his photography practice, he also began photographing Chicago’s industrial landscape, a striking contrast to Ireland’s terrain.   “I was psychologically saying to myself, ‘Well, I […]

by Alison Bowen

31 Best Things to Do in Chicago and the Suburbs in May 2026

Chicago’s landscape isn’t the only thing hitting its stride this May. The city is alive with can’t-miss theater, ambitious exhibitions, street festivals, art fairs, and spring markets that stretch from downtown to the suburbs. Whether you’re planning a Mother’s Day outing, Memorial Day weekend, or just looking for a reason to stay out a little […]

by Margaret Smith

What Happens When Nonprofits Collaborate Instead of Compete? A Giving Day Model That’s Growing the Philanthropic Pie

The tension in the room was palpable. Board members dug in on opposing positions. A staff leader threatened to resign. The group’s leader called for a timeout before a vote to buy time. The scene was the 2022 board meeting of the India Philanthropy Alliance. The board members were debating a collective fundraising effort called […]

by Alex Counts and Meenakshi Mahajan