Chicago Humanities Festival

At the last gathering of Leafing Through the Pages, the Sterling Morton Library’s book discussion group, the upcoming 18th Annual Chicago Humanities Festival (October 27-November 11, 2007) was mentioned. After our discussion break, I printed/passed around a schedule of the Festival’s activities. If you haven’t had an opportunity to review the upcoming event, complete details can be found at: http://www.chfestival.org/ This year’s theme of The Climate of Concern is presented through “16 unforgettable days of talks, panels, readings, performances, exhibits, screenings, and conversations about the clear and urgent challenge we face: how do we, as a community of fellow humans, come to envision – with lucidity, vigor, and hope – our responsibilities toward each other, our progeny, and the planet?” On perusing the schedule, I discovered that some of the authors we have read/might be planning to read in the book discussion group will be participating at the festival. Imagine -- authors like Elizabeth Kolbert, Curt Meine, Bill McKibben, Terry Tempest Williams, Diane Ackerman, May Berenbaum and David Orr will all be participating. Festival events and activities will be presented in a number of different venues throughout the city. What a terrific opportunity to immerse yourself in this challenging global dialogue.

While flipping by the stations on Sunday morning, I came across a local public service program that featured the Festival. One of the guests described the hyperbolic crochet coral reef ("a woolly celebration of the intersection of higher geometry and feminine handicraft, and a testimony to the disappearing wonders of the marine world") on exhibit at the Chicago Cultural Center. As an earnest student of science, community and yarn, I found this to be a fascinating idea and project! From challenging speakers to concerts to a community of crocheters, find a way to involve yourself in this remarkable festival of events!