Midwest travel: American masters on display in new Art Institute exhibit
Chicago
Free falling
“America After the Fall: Painting in the 1930s,” a new exhibit opening at the Art Institute of Chicago, features 50 seminal works by Edward Hopper (“Gas”), Georgia O'Keeffe (“Cow's Skull: Red, White, and Blue”) and Grant Wood (“American Gothic”), among others. The works were created between the Wall Street Crash of 1929 and the U.S. entry into World War II, a dynamic period for American artists in the 20th century. The exhibit invites visitors to discover how artists re-imagined modernism and forged a new national artistic identity. 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Friday through Sunday and 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday from June 5 to Sept. 18 at the Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave. Admission is $25 adults; $19 kids 14 and older, students and seniors; free for kids younger than 14. (312) 443-3600 or artic.edu.
BATSU crazy
If you're looking for something completely different to do in Chicago this summer, consider “BATSU!” (which means “punishment” in Japanese). A huge hit in New York, “BATSU!” is an interactive game show featuring four warriors competing in comedic challenges to avoid electric shocks, paintballs and other obstacles. The cast of “BATSU!” are members of the local comedy group Face Off Unlimited. It's dinner theater, so a full menu and bar is available for sushi and sake. 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, beginning June 16 in an open-ended engagement, at Kamehachi, 1531 N. Wells St. Ticket prices start at $25.50 for general admission. (347) 985-0368 or faceoffunlimited.com/tickets-chicago.html.
Girls' getaway
The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile offers a central location for a weekend getaway in Chicago. Its new Girl's Getaway Package includes on-site amenities like: an Executive Tower guest room with two double beds (upgrade to a suite upon arrival based on availability); champagne and strawberries upon arrival; a bottle of wine and a cheese plate at ENO Wine Bar; $25 Starbucks gift card; and exclusive offers with some of the city's best retailers. Valid through 2016 at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, 505 N. Michigan Ave. The Girl's Getaway Package starts at $369 (price may vary based on date). (312) 944-4100 or icchicagohotel.com/.
Midwest
Rhubarb lovers unite
If you love rhubarb or just small-town fun, consider a visit to the free 25th annual Rhubarb Festival in Aledo, Illinois. Sample and buy your own rhubarb pie or other delectable desserts at the bake sales in Central Park and the downtown businesses. Take a photo by the massive rhubarb leaf sculpture and don't miss a free concert by Aledo native and country music superstar Suzy Boggus. Concessions, trolley tours of the town, kids' activities, live music, entertainment, shopping in the historic downtown, a flea market and a craft show are part of the fun. Aledo is located about 25 minutes south of the metro Quad Cities. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, June 3, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 4, in downtown Aledo, Illinois. (309) 582-2751 or aledomainstreet.com.
Seeing red
Redheads of all ages will flock to Highwood for a two-day jamboree that includes the country's largest gathering of redheads to be photographed from above. The family-friendly Redhead Days includes live music sponsored by Chicago's The Redhead Piano Bar and School of Rock, local food vendors, beer, wine and other red-themed cocktails and soft drinks, as well as a petting zoo, pony rides, bounce houses, inflatable plastic bubble suit games and red pet contests. Admission is free and redheaded attendees are asked to register at the main tent in order to be part of the count for most redheads gathered in one place. Don't forget to vote for your favorite carrot cake, too. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 4-5, in Everts Park, 130 Highwood Ave., Highwood. facebook.com/RHDchicago.
Gee 'Wiz'
The Figge Art Museum in downtown Davenport, Iowa, is launching a new exhibit drawn from the largest collection of materials relating to the “Wizard of Oz” story and characters. Set your eyes upon more than 100 items, from the first edition of Baum's 1900 book to original sketches, costumes and props from the beloved 1939 movie. Entry to “The Wonderful World of Oz: Selections From the Willard Carroll/Tom Wilhite Collection” is free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 12 through Sept. 25 at The Figge Art Museum, 225 W. 2nd St., Davenport, Iowa. Free admission. (563) 326-7804 or figgeartmuseum.org/.