Mathew Courtade
Mathew Courtade Pronouns: He/Him/His
Hometown: Grandville, Michigan
3rd year at SAIC
Focus: Designed Objects When you get here don’t be afraid to do touristy things. They can be really fun and if you wait too long you may turn into a true Chicagoan and then the weather won’t be the only thing too cold for tourists. The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture (3015 W Division St) is a great museum, not to mention it’s surrounded by Humboldt Park which has so much grass it almost makes you forget you’re still in the city
The Art Institute can be really overwhelming. Try to find a time every week to go and explore a different gallery. Make sure to take pictures of the pieces you find interesting (and their wall labels) so that you can find them again or reference them for projects. The Harold Washington Library is crazy big. You can sign up for a library card, but you can also just go and get some reading done for class, take a look at their art collection, or find a little peace and quiet.
My Chi Parks a free app that lists over 1,000 free cultural events and arts programs in the city’s parks
Maggie Daley Park (just east of Millenium park, look for the big grey climbing walls) has an ice skating ribbon which is open and free for rollerblading when the weather is warm Note: they don’t rent roller skates, my friends and I found cheap pairs at the Village Discount thrift store (2032 N Milwaukee Ave) Exchequer Restaurant for classic Chicago deep dish pizza at a decent price (226 S Wabash Ave)
The Tribune tower (435 N Michigan Ave) is a really pretty gothic-style building to begin with, but there is also a little plaza next to it that is great for people watching
Need a mental break from your stuffy dorm room? Don’t mind doing a little walking? If you go east on Monroe Street all the way to the lake there’s a nice bike/walking trail that goes along the harbor that is great for clearing your mind or getting inspiration without having to leave downtown. Vivi Bubble Tea for all your after class bubble tea needs (333 S State St)
Hometown: Grandville, Michigan
3rd year at SAIC
Focus: Designed Objects When you get here don’t be afraid to do touristy things. They can be really fun and if you wait too long you may turn into a true Chicagoan and then the weather won’t be the only thing too cold for tourists. The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture (3015 W Division St) is a great museum, not to mention it’s surrounded by Humboldt Park which has so much grass it almost makes you forget you’re still in the city
The Art Institute can be really overwhelming. Try to find a time every week to go and explore a different gallery. Make sure to take pictures of the pieces you find interesting (and their wall labels) so that you can find them again or reference them for projects. The Harold Washington Library is crazy big. You can sign up for a library card, but you can also just go and get some reading done for class, take a look at their art collection, or find a little peace and quiet.
My Chi Parks a free app that lists over 1,000 free cultural events and arts programs in the city’s parks
Maggie Daley Park (just east of Millenium park, look for the big grey climbing walls) has an ice skating ribbon which is open and free for rollerblading when the weather is warm Note: they don’t rent roller skates, my friends and I found cheap pairs at the Village Discount thrift store (2032 N Milwaukee Ave) Exchequer Restaurant for classic Chicago deep dish pizza at a decent price (226 S Wabash Ave)
The Tribune tower (435 N Michigan Ave) is a really pretty gothic-style building to begin with, but there is also a little plaza next to it that is great for people watching
Need a mental break from your stuffy dorm room? Don’t mind doing a little walking? If you go east on Monroe Street all the way to the lake there’s a nice bike/walking trail that goes along the harbor that is great for clearing your mind or getting inspiration without having to leave downtown. Vivi Bubble Tea for all your after class bubble tea needs (333 S State St)
