The second annual Children’s Humanities Festival starts a week earlier than its parent fest, the Chicago Humanities Festival (see next week’s Reader for schedule). Events run October 29 through November 14. Unless otherwise noted, all programs are $5 in advance, $6 (cash only) at the door. Students and educators are admitted free, but reservations are required. Tickets are available by phone at 312-494-9509 or online at www.chfestival.org. Call 312-661-1028 for more information.
Following is the schedule through 11/4; a complete schedule is available at www.chicagoreader.com.
FRIDAY 29
Clive Barker signs Abarat: Days of Magic, Nights of War at a reception and gallery exhibit of his paintings. Free, but reservations required (call 312-661-1028, ext. 32). Museum of Contemporary Art. 6 to 8 PM
SATURDAY 30
Animation Station! Animators demonstrate pixellation, Claymation, and scratch-on-film techniques; with continual screenings of short films presented by the National Film Board of Canada. Museum of Contemporary Art. For ages 6 and up. 10 AM to 1 PM
Blue Balliett receives the Tribune Young Adult Book Prize for her mystery Chasing Vermeer. Harold Washington Library Center. For ages 9 and up. 10 AM
Clive Barker talks about Abarat: Days of Magic, Nights of War. Harold Washington Library Center. For ages 12 and up. noon
Michael Hoeye presents the latest in his Hermux Tantamoq adventure series, No Time Like Show Time. Harold Washington Library Center. For ages 9 and up. 2 PM
Art Workshop conducted by author-illustrator Clive Barker. Museum of Contemporary Art. For ages 10 to 12. 2:30 PM Sold-out.
SUNDAY 31
“Where the Wild Things Are and Other Bedtime Adventures” Musical-theater production based on three children’s tales by Maurice Sendak. A festival benefit presented by the Emerald City Theatre Company. Chicago Historical Society. $25. 10:30 AM See listing in Theater & Performance for more.
MONDAY 1
Candace Fleming (A Big Cheese for the White House: The True Tale of a Tremendous Cheddar) offers “the inside scoop on the presidents.” Ogden Elementary School. For grades 4 through 6. 10 AM
WEDNESDAY 3
Oba William King presents a program of poetry and storytelling called “Time 2 Play.” Ogden Elementary School. For grades 6 and up. 10 AM Sold-out.
THURSDAY 4
“Very Eric Carle” Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia performs black-light puppetry shows based on the works of children’s author Carle. Harold Washington Library Center. For pre-K through grade 3. 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM 10:30 show sold-out.
ONGOING
“Clive Barker’s ‘Abarat'” Exhibit of author-illustrator Barker’s paintings. Museum of Contemporary Art. Through 11/14. Hours are 10-5 Wed-Sun, 10-8 Tue.
“Day of the Dead” Exhibit on the Mexican holiday. Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum. Through 12/12. Hours are 10-5 Tue-Sun.
Art Institute Michigan & Adams
Chicago Historical Society 1601 N. Clark
DePaul University Student Center 2250 N. Sheffield
Duncan YMCA Chernin Center for the Arts 1001 W. Roosevelt
Field Museum 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Harold Washington Library Center 400 S. State
Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum 1852 W. 19th
Museum of Contemporary Art 220 E. Chicago
Ogden Elementary School 24 W. Walton
Art accompanying story in printed newspaper (not available in this archive): photo/Bill Klein.