Monday 10/22/2012
The White Room Challange
Creation:
Chicago Lost and Found President and founder, Mitch Pennell is at it again! The creative chap is being featured on HGTV’s The White Room Challenge this Friday.
Known for his uncanny ability to turn junk into jewel, Mitch is sure to wow audiences with his transformation. This is also a great opportunity to highlight Chicago Lost and Found, a not-for-profit organization committed to art education and inspiring creativity throughout the city of Chicago. They re-purpose materials with no value or which would otherwise become landfill and transforms it into unusual art and functional furnishings.
Sales from the creations assist in generating funds to provide hands-on art education anywhere there is a need. Simply put, they take trash and turn it into treasure; all the while teaching folks the importance of art, creativity, and making a difference in their community.
Some of you might recall back in August, I told you about Mitch’s great help to me with the placement of my art collection. With everything I’ve acquired over the years, he’s this art collector’s dream.
Cheers to creativitiy!
Bill Pritchard
MaD|ChicagoPride.com|PrideLA.com|PrideDC.com|Facebook|Twitter|Email Bill
Chicago Lost and Found President and founder, Mitch Pennell is at it again! The creative chap is being featured on HGTV’s The White Room Challenge this Friday.
Known for his uncanny ability to turn junk into jewel, Mitch is sure to wow audiences with his transformation. This is also a great opportunity to highlight Chicago Lost and Found, a not-for-profit organization committed to art education and inspiring creativity throughout the city of Chicago. They re-purpose materials with no value or which would otherwise become landfill and transforms it into unusual art and functional furnishings.
Sales from the creations assist in generating funds to provide hands-on art education anywhere there is a need. Simply put, they take trash and turn it into treasure; all the while teaching folks the importance of art, creativity, and making a difference in their community.
Some of you might recall back in August, I told you about Mitch’s great help to me with the placement of my art collection. With everything I’ve acquired over the years, he’s this art collector’s dream.
Cheers to creativitiy!
Bill Pritchard
MaD|ChicagoPride.com|PrideLA.com|PrideDC.com|Facebook|Twitter|Email Bill
More about Chicago Lost and Found
Monday 10/15/2012
Make Equality Count
HRC Gala:
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Chicago Gala is this Saturday, October 20th. The annual event consists of a large silent auction, followed by a black-tie dinner, to celebrate the achievements made and to look toward a more just future.
Tickets are on sale for the, General Reception + Gala Dinner: $225.00 and the VIP Reception + Gala Dinner: $350.00
For more information, please contact Kyle Klatt at 202-436-4433 or email kylek1980@gmail.com or visit www.hrc.org/chicagodinner
Make a difference in your world!
Bill Pritchard
MaD|ChicagoPride.com|PrideLA.com|PrideDC.com|Facebook|Twitter|Email Bill
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Chicago Gala is this Saturday, October 20th. The annual event consists of a large silent auction, followed by a black-tie dinner, to celebrate the achievements made and to look toward a more just future.
Tickets are on sale for the, General Reception + Gala Dinner: $225.00 and the VIP Reception + Gala Dinner: $350.00
For more information, please contact Kyle Klatt at 202-436-4433 or email kylek1980@gmail.com or visit www.hrc.org/chicagodinner
Make a difference in your world!
Bill Pritchard
MaD|ChicagoPride.com|PrideLA.com|PrideDC.com|Facebook|Twitter|Email Bill
Michael Urie, Sophie Bush help raise $2.9 million at AIDS Walk Los Angeles
Friday 10/5/2012
2012 Homecoming
Super fun was had with Trannika Rex on Friday night, October 5th, for Scarlet's Homecoming! The tunes provided by by rock star DJ Dolo were off the hook.
Joining me was my friend Ronnie Kroell. At almost thirty, I think he thought we were kids again. Clearly Scarlet knows how to throw one heck of a welcome-back-to-booze party! (For those of you who don't know, I had taken a month off from the libations.)
Joining me was my friend Ronnie Kroell. At almost thirty, I think he thought we were kids again. Clearly Scarlet knows how to throw one heck of a welcome-back-to-booze party! (For those of you who don't know, I had taken a month off from the libations.)
Wednesday 9/12/2012
Chicago's LGBT Community Loses a Friend
Farewell:
Shortly after I moved to Chicago in 2001, I met a guy named Michael Jasinski. He seemed to always be out and about; appearing at every community event.
I made it a point to get to know him and quickly learned his passion for the LGBT community. He and his former partner Milan started a website called BoystownChicago.com on the beginnings of the LGBT internet revolution.
In short order, we began to work together on a campaign to bring the make a difference mission to the minds of Chicago’s LGBT and ally communities. From day one Michael and Milan saw the importance of giving back to the community and changing lives. I worked with them for a few years before moving into partnership with our team here at ChicagoPride.com.
The early years with those of us in new media, changed the way events and organizations were run. Michael was a large part of that; helping to create innovative ways for groups to raise funds, disseminate important information, and create community. In fact, it was Michael who maintained Equality Illinois’ first website.
He made a difference!
Sadly, Michael Jasinski passed away last week in Chicago. The Chicago LGBT community lost a kind advocate, devoted pal and unending spirit! Many of us owe a great deal to Michael and his efforts.
In one of his final Facebook posts, Michael talked of his love of life: "I am so grateful for everything in my life, that I actually can't be happier. I'm human, I can and always want more .... but really, I (sic) thankful to be so blessed in all I experience both in good and bad, up and down, ands (sic) all around .... It's a Beautiful Life! Thank you for being apart of it~!"
Rest in peace MJ, you truly deserve that!
Bill Pritchard
MaD|ChicagoPride.com|PrideLA.com|PrideDC.com|Facebook|Twitter|Email Bill
Shortly after I moved to Chicago in 2001, I met a guy named Michael Jasinski. He seemed to always be out and about; appearing at every community event.
I made it a point to get to know him and quickly learned his passion for the LGBT community. He and his former partner Milan started a website called BoystownChicago.com on the beginnings of the LGBT internet revolution.
In short order, we began to work together on a campaign to bring the make a difference mission to the minds of Chicago’s LGBT and ally communities. From day one Michael and Milan saw the importance of giving back to the community and changing lives. I worked with them for a few years before moving into partnership with our team here at ChicagoPride.com.
The early years with those of us in new media, changed the way events and organizations were run. Michael was a large part of that; helping to create innovative ways for groups to raise funds, disseminate important information, and create community. In fact, it was Michael who maintained Equality Illinois’ first website.
He made a difference!
Sadly, Michael Jasinski passed away last week in Chicago. The Chicago LGBT community lost a kind advocate, devoted pal and unending spirit! Many of us owe a great deal to Michael and his efforts.
In one of his final Facebook posts, Michael talked of his love of life: "I am so grateful for everything in my life, that I actually can't be happier. I'm human, I can and always want more .... but really, I (sic) thankful to be so blessed in all I experience both in good and bad, up and down, ands (sic) all around .... It's a Beautiful Life! Thank you for being apart of it~!"
Rest in peace MJ, you truly deserve that!
Bill Pritchard
MaD|ChicagoPride.com|PrideLA.com|PrideDC.com|Facebook|Twitter|Email Bill
Very nice sentiments. I went to High School with Mike and he was always a great guy with a really big heart. He will be missed by many. RIP Michael Jasinski!! Kathy Sellers
Monday 8/20/2012
Art Outlives Politics
Better than crack:
Growing up, all us kids were exposed to great experiences, cultures, and art. No matter what was happening, art was there. Hot, or cold, active or lazy, republican, or democrat; the art outlived it all. I didn’t know it then, but the presence of artwork in my family home, would shape me into the collector I am today.
My siblings and I would always joke that there wasn’t an inch of wall space left for my Sainted Father to place a piece on. My Mom, herself a fan of art in its many forms; has never been as possessed as my Father; when it comes to its procurement. That may sound harsh of my Father, but it’s not meant to be. I think that possession to surround one self with artistic impression is a healthy one. In fact, he would always say “It’s either art, or cocaine.”. I’d say he made the better choice!
Acquisition:
Over the last few years, I’ve added works to my growing collection. Many of my pieces have been generous gifts from my parents. Some I’ve picked up along my travels and others; at charity auctions and such. There’s nothing like the feeling of seeing a form of art, and getting to buy it. Sometimes it’s expensive; other times, it can cost a few bucks. You’d be surprised at the places you can find creative works.
Just a few weeks ago, I found my friend, and New York artist, Ian Sklarsky doing his Blind Contour Portraits (Drawing with one line, without looking at the paper) at Chicago’s famed Angelina’s. I'm truly overwhelmed by the amazing talent and passion that Ian shows in his art. To be truthful, his work is beyond bizarre. But, that is what I love about it. You’ll not see anything like it.
I wanted Ian to draw me; as a gift for my Father’s 75th Birthday. With dirty martini in hand, Ian looked into my eyes and began his process. I hadn’t realized what an intimate exchange it would be to sit for Ian. I honestly didn’t want it to end. The drawing he produced was superb and my Father adored it! I loved it so much, I asked to sit for another one, for my collection. (See Photo Above) You can see more of Ian’s work here.
Inspiration:
You never know when you might be moved to add, relocate, or hang your artwork in a new fashion. Just last week I was flipping through my Instagram, and happened upon my friend and designer, Kiel Wuellner’s photo of his flat in New York. (See photo above) Its funny how a simple photo can change your world. Instantly, motivation and ideas filled my head. It was time to make a creative change to my own place. Thank God for Mitch Pennell!
Creative Couture:
I’ve known Chicago Lost and Found’s, Mitch Pennell for a long time. Get around him for longer than five minutes and you’ll quickly see his creative ability and talent. Mitch is also a gifted person, when it comes to the placement of art. He’s every art collectors dream pal. To set the stage, I make a few hors ‘devours, chill a few bottles of white and turn on the jazz. From there we get to the Feng shui.
Well, I don’t need to tell you how marvelous it all looks. Scope out the photos above! I’m like a kid in a candy store, in my own home. I want to encourage you to think about developing a collection of your own. I think you’ll find its impact will last beyond your years!
Adoring art!
Bill Pritchard
MaD|ChicagoPride.com|PrideLA.com|PrideDC.com|Facebook|Twitter|Email Bill
Growing up, all us kids were exposed to great experiences, cultures, and art. No matter what was happening, art was there. Hot, or cold, active or lazy, republican, or democrat; the art outlived it all. I didn’t know it then, but the presence of artwork in my family home, would shape me into the collector I am today.
My siblings and I would always joke that there wasn’t an inch of wall space left for my Sainted Father to place a piece on. My Mom, herself a fan of art in its many forms; has never been as possessed as my Father; when it comes to its procurement. That may sound harsh of my Father, but it’s not meant to be. I think that possession to surround one self with artistic impression is a healthy one. In fact, he would always say “It’s either art, or cocaine.”. I’d say he made the better choice!
Acquisition:
Over the last few years, I’ve added works to my growing collection. Many of my pieces have been generous gifts from my parents. Some I’ve picked up along my travels and others; at charity auctions and such. There’s nothing like the feeling of seeing a form of art, and getting to buy it. Sometimes it’s expensive; other times, it can cost a few bucks. You’d be surprised at the places you can find creative works.
Just a few weeks ago, I found my friend, and New York artist, Ian Sklarsky doing his Blind Contour Portraits (Drawing with one line, without looking at the paper) at Chicago’s famed Angelina’s. I'm truly overwhelmed by the amazing talent and passion that Ian shows in his art. To be truthful, his work is beyond bizarre. But, that is what I love about it. You’ll not see anything like it.
I wanted Ian to draw me; as a gift for my Father’s 75th Birthday. With dirty martini in hand, Ian looked into my eyes and began his process. I hadn’t realized what an intimate exchange it would be to sit for Ian. I honestly didn’t want it to end. The drawing he produced was superb and my Father adored it! I loved it so much, I asked to sit for another one, for my collection. (See Photo Above) You can see more of Ian’s work here.
Inspiration:
You never know when you might be moved to add, relocate, or hang your artwork in a new fashion. Just last week I was flipping through my Instagram, and happened upon my friend and designer, Kiel Wuellner’s photo of his flat in New York. (See photo above) Its funny how a simple photo can change your world. Instantly, motivation and ideas filled my head. It was time to make a creative change to my own place. Thank God for Mitch Pennell!
Creative Couture:
I’ve known Chicago Lost and Found’s, Mitch Pennell for a long time. Get around him for longer than five minutes and you’ll quickly see his creative ability and talent. Mitch is also a gifted person, when it comes to the placement of art. He’s every art collectors dream pal. To set the stage, I make a few hors ‘devours, chill a few bottles of white and turn on the jazz. From there we get to the Feng shui.
Well, I don’t need to tell you how marvelous it all looks. Scope out the photos above! I’m like a kid in a candy store, in my own home. I want to encourage you to think about developing a collection of your own. I think you’ll find its impact will last beyond your years!
Adoring art!
Bill Pritchard
MaD|ChicagoPride.com|PrideLA.com|PrideDC.com|Facebook|Twitter|Email Bill
Gay Day OUT in the Park at Six Flags Chicago
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