Since 2010, the Hyde Park Art Center (5020 S. Cornell) has hosted “Ground Floor,” a biennial exhibition featuring work by “Chicago’s most promising emerging talent.” The show is assembled by an esteemed panel of judges including curators, educators, and artists, and it features work from artists who’ve graduated from one of Chicago’s five MFA programs in the past two years. If nothing else, “Ground Floor” is an excellent barometer of how artists are being trained in the city—and how they have been impacted by Chicago’s culture. The work allows us to see trends in materials and ideas, and wonder when and where might we see these trends pop up again. Hyde Park Art Center is free to visit and open today until 7 PM, but if you can’t make it on short notice, don’t worry. The exhibit is on view through March 5, 2023. Check out the center’s website to plan a time that works for you. (MC)
The Rat Pack is a civic and social organization based on the south side that has been gathering its members to financially support causes that benefit their communities (like Operation Push, the Urban League, and others) since its inception in 1984. Tonight, you can get in on the fun by stopping by the Pack’s annual Food Drive and donating non-perishable goods (“a case of canned goods” is suggested) and/or bringing a check payable to the Chicago Family Partnership. Members will be accepting your donations from 5-10 PM at the Room 43 events space (1039-1043 E. 43rd St.). (SCJ)
From the cozy taproom at Midwest Coast Brewing Co. (2137 W. Walnut) or from the comfort of your own home, check out Cinema/Chicago’s Hoppy Holidays Movie Trivia fundraiser. The hybrid event starts at 6:30 PM and will feature holiday film trivia with prizes up for grabs from local cinephile orgs. Join virtually for $10 as an individual or $20 as a group, or stop by in person for $25 and receive a complimentary raffle ticket and beer. (TA)
The ongoing series Pour One Out features unique stories from both beginning and established storytellers, and books their lineups with a commitment to “equitable inclusion and representation.” Tonight’s in-person gathering (starting at 7 PM at Volumes Bookcafe, 1373 N. Milwaukee) explores the theme of “pivotal moments” and features host Shelley A. Davis moderating a lineup including Ulupi Bodiwala, Andrea Change, Amber Drea, Caren Evans, Stephanie Guaman, Elizabeth Marino, and Pidgeon Pagonis. Masks are requested for attendees. It’s the last Pour One Out for the year. (SCJ)