The Legacy Project

Opening simultaneously with Lost German Chicago, is The Legacy Project. This exhibit in DANK-Haus's Scharbengerg Gallery will be part of Chicago Artists Month, a citywide event coordinated by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. The project features photographic portraits, as well as filmed and transcribed oral histories of German-born senior DANK members in the community. In preserving the stories of these individuals, the exhibition will allow a connection between their lives and those of younger DANK members and the public.

We have gotten a great response by our German-born senior DANK members, expressing interest in being part of this exhibition. The interviews have begun, and are being filmed by Paul.

This exhibition is an emotional and extremely valuable one, and we hope that you will attend the opening of The Legacy Project and Lost German Chicago on October 2, 2009 at 6pm!

Lost German Chicago

An evening out at Zum Deutschen Eck. A cold beer on a muggy Chicago summer day at The Bismark or later, Marigold Gardens. Picking up kuchen at Hopfner's bakery for your sister's birthday. Dinner dances at Germania Club. Your cousin's wedding at Math Iglers or Golden Ox. Pictures of your neighborhood block clubs during World War II.

The Archive Committee is developing our first in house exhibit "Lost German Chicago". Opening October 2, 2009, the exhibit will feature art, artifacts and memorabilia on what has been lost in the Chicago German community and display attempts of archiving and preserving that which has been entrusted to D.A.N.K. Highlights already include: installation of 30 feet of pristine wood carvings depicting Wagner's operas formerly installed in the Germania Club commissioned by the Oscar Mayer family, tables of Turner trophies, Hessen Verein standards, items from dozens of restaurants including the original Red Star Inn.

Do you have photos or other memorabilia from Chicago German establishments or restaurants that are now defunct? Postcards, ashtrays, matchbooks, coasters, napkins, invitations, menus. Do you have letters and family photographs of German life on the north and southside of Chicago? - do a little Frühling cleaning like a proper German and let the world see these treasures. Please donate or loan items to be part of our exhibit. We will gladly handle reproductions for you.

Come to DANK-Haus to celebrate the Grand opening reception of Lost German Chicago and our 50th Anniversary!!
Friday 2. October 2009, 6:00pm
4740 N. Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60625
773.561.9181

Midsummer Art Exhibition

The Bach & Beyond Midsummer event on Sunday, July 12 was a success! We heard the orchestra perform selections from Mendelssohn's famous incidental music, accompanied by narration from Dan Rodden and Barbara Zahora. In conjunction with this event is the ongoing related exhibition Midsummer.

The Scharpenberg Gallery at the DANK-Haus presents Midsummer. The exhibition features art from various European and American artists. These pieces are inspired by the works of Shakespeare, focusing on A Midsummer Night's Dream. Exhibitors include artists Cyd Smillie, Sally Swingewood, Laura Keeble, Michelle Izzard, Elaine Jones, Jill Arena, Amanda C. Cox, Ed Ott, Susan Barton and more. The exhibition will run July 12-September 19, 2009.

Art will available for purchase with 30% of the proceeds going to arts funding at the DANK-Haus.

Scharpenberg Gallery hours:
Wednesdays and Fridays, 2-5pm
Saturdays, 11-3 or by appt
Free and open to the public