I was among the many fortunate people whose life was graciously touched by freelance arts writer/critic Ted Shen (a regular contributor to the Chicago Reader, Chicago Tribune, and Chicago magazine). He passed away from apparent heart failure on October 9. And as I still recover from the shock, I want to let others know that behind Ted’s witty, candid, and insightful bylines existed a sincere and generous individual. He was a respected colleague and dear friend who was always willing to share honest advice, knowledge, and wonderfully quirky perceptions with his fellow arts writers like myself. Most admirably, he never allowed the competitive nature of the business to override his compassionate spirit.
Lucia Mauro
Chicago