SIGNS OF LIFE a JASON WATTS ART SHOW Jason Watts’ work could only have evolved out of an intimate love and understanding of Americana. With a stylized realism, his work celebrates color and pattern with an emphasis on graphic compositions. Residing and working in the Chicago area as a studio painter and designer, he has recently turned his attention to larger exterior mural commissions and art installations. His recent successes include a mural commission for Lincoln Square in Chicago, a new mural for the Des Plaines History Center, a community mural for a West Loop development, and a large 2 sided mural for the city of Suwanee, Georgia. His studio paintings are part of many private and corporate collections. “I like to think of my paintings as a a celebration of artists that I learned from, especially the American Realists of early 20th century, the Ashcan school, and with a heavy debt to the works of Edward Hopper. These painters chose to portray the american city, and celebrated its everyday inhabitants. Documenting what makes our towns and cities work, I like to portray our rich, diverse society in an idealistic way- and hope to create uplifting works that are familiar and make us smile. ” Jason Watts

FEATURING MUSIC by The Peter Joly Group and Jason Watt's band, The Magikists

6pm doors/ 8pm music $10

Spend an afternoon with prog rock band McLUHAN. McLuhan was a concept and a mixed-media group where no particular musical venue or style would necessarily prevail. The creator of the idea was David Wright who composed most of the music and wrote the lyrics on their only album Anomaly which they did in 1972. The members have changed, but the muis continues and still includes core members.They continue to play throughout Chicago.

1pm-4pm $10

Are you an Artist, Dabbler, Creator, Crafter or just someone who wants to chill 'n' chat and explore art? CREATIVE OPEN GYM is for YOU!!! Bring your own, art/craft supplies, projects or just walk in and fool around with our supplies provided. Bar is open---delicious cocktails, local tap beers and spirits will be flowing! Featuring Guest DJs and Live music as well on Tuesdays! Come on by---don't be shy! 7pm-12am $5 suggested donation

JAZZ FANS!!! Join us every first Wednesday at The inspiring and intimate OUTTA SPACE in Berwyn, IL! The Mulligan Mosaics Big Band was formed in 2006 and since then has performed at clubs and concert halls including; FitzGerald's (Berwyn, IL), Chicago's Millennium Park, 2007 Chicago Jazz Festival, 2007 Fox Jazz Fest (Menasha, WI), 2008 Jazz Fest Glenn Ellyn, 2008 Evanston Jazz Festival, McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage with guest vocalist Judi Silvano, and at Joe and Wayne Segal’s Jazz Showcase, where they recorded a live concert, Live at the Jazz Showcase. Founded and led by baritone saxophonist, composer, and arranger Ted Hogarth, and co-led by bassist Joe Policastro, The Mulligan Mosaics Big Band is comprised of some of Chicago’s top musicians and educators. All members of The Mulligan Mosaics Big Band are nationally or internationally recognized. Part of our mission is to preserve and perform music written by Gerry Mulligan, Johnny Mandel, Bob Brookmeyer, and other great composers and arrangers, as well as to commission new compositions and arrangements for this unique 13-piece big band. Educational outreach is also an important part of the mission and introduce young people to this great American art form. 6pm doors/ 8pm music $10