While everyone’s distracted by that big downtown music festival, sneak in a leisurely stroll at the Art Institute of Chicago (111. S Michigan). Today is one of the final days to catch Igshaan Adams’s exhibition “Desire Lines.” In this show, Adams takes over a room with fiber art installations ranging from sculptures to wall hangings that occupy the space like veins and scars of a body. Weaving in materials such as beads, glass, wire, and found objects, Adams draws on his time living through Apartheid in South Africa to explore the disconnect between perceived and lived experience, and find creative solutions for painful truths to coexist. The result is earth tone artworks that emotionally vibrate–sometimes warmly, other times uncomfortably. Hours today are 11 AM-5 PM, and advance ticket purchase is required for admission. Plan your visit through the AIC website. (MC)
Looking for some new kicks? Head to SnkrPalooza, an outdoor pop-up fair featuring sneaker vendors, vintage clothing sellers, food, and new Chicago apparel brands, all hosted at Carl Schurz High School’s Frank Preo Athletic Field (entrance near 3701 N. Kostner). The shoes and more will be on deck from noon to 7 PM; but advance ticket buyers can opt for early admission at 10 AM to get a leg on the competition. Check out more information about the event at the organizer’s Facebook page; advance admission for this all-ages fair is available at Cashdrop. (SCJ)
Feeling like it’s time for you to get to know your car better and finally be able to fix something on your own? Your wallet will thank you and your friends will be impressed when you Learn to Change Your Disc Brakes courtesy of the instructors at Gearhead Workspace (840 W. 35th), a fully equipped DIY garage for car and motorcycle enthusiasts, as well as people who want to learn more about working on their own vehicles. In today’s $40 class, students will see a live demonstration followed by hands-on experience changing brake components. Pre-registration is required and the instruction starts at 3 PM. Sign up and find more information about future classes and how to work on your own projects at the workspace at their website. (SCJ)
The Ghana National Council of Chicago is an association of 13 organizations invested in Chicago’s Ghanaian community, which boasts over 20,000 residents. This weekend’s Ghana Fest (at Washington Park, near 56th and Russell) started Saturday with outdoor music performances (including Kofi Kinaata, Akwaboah, Fameye, D-Black, and S3fa), food, and fashion. Today’s Ghana Fest Official Soccer Match is a closing event for the weekend, and the public is invited to come watch players representing Ghana and Liberia play high-energy soccer on the field at Hyde Park Academy High School (6220 S. Stony Island). Gates open at 4 PM and the game starts at 5 PM. Admission to the game is free with reservations required; admission to Saturday’s festivities is $15. (SCJ)