From Chicago Public Schools to International Ballet Collaborations, How the Joffrey Ballet Built a Culture of Global Partnership

The power of partnership is ingrained in every aspect of The Joffrey Ballet, a 2026 Make It Better Foundation Philanthropy Award Winner. As one of Chicago’s most beloved cultural institutions since 1995, the company has intentionally cultivated relationships locally, nationally, and internationally, elevating not only its own profile but also sharing visibility and success with […]

by Vicki Crain

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

Immigration Raids Disrupted a ‘House on Mango Street’ Event — and Sparked a New Way to Reach Students

In Chicago’s Little Village — often called the “Mexico of the Midwest” for its vibrant Mexican-American culture — a neighborhood school was preparing to host a community event connected to The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros’ iconic coming-of-age story about growing up between cultures on Chicago’s West Side. The event was meant to be […]

by Jeremy Slager