Newcity recently released their “Best of Chicago 2021” issue featuring articles by 14 different writers who were invited to share their “personal best of Chicago.” Many School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) community members earned mentions across the entirety of this issue. According to Newcity editor Brian Hieggelke, these articles represent “a collection of voices expressing their city in their own very personal ways that together offer universal insights into what we all cherish about our life in this place.”  

Art critic and culture journalist Vasia Rigou (MA 2015) names SAIC as one of her personal bests, calling the School “a historic art school that still roars.” Rigou also gives kudos to co-creator of the vintage shop Lost Girls Sarah Azzouzi (BFA 2011) and author of Cats and Plants Stephen Eichhorn (BFA 2006) as well as SAIC’s annual summer fashion show, organized by SAIC’s Fashion Design department.

Multidisciplinary artist and designer Kekeli Sumah (BA 2014, BFA 2014, MA 2020) tells the story of his life in Chicago through a curated playlist. The first entry on his personal soundtrack is the song “I’m New Here” by Gil Scott-Heron and Makaya McCraven, which he uses to reflect on his time as a new student at SAIC. Sumah recounts the highlights of his experience, which include starting a radio show with his friend, exploring his music tastes, and meeting his life partner. 

Many other SAIC community members’ contributions to Chicago make an appearance. The Stockyard Institute, a show and art project curated by Julie Rodrigues Widholm (MA 1999), earns a mention on Michael Workman’s list. In Kerry Cardoza’s article, she names Richard Hunt’s (BA 1957, HON 1979) sculpture tribute to Ida B. Wells as the best new monument. Cardoza also names Lecturer JeeYeun Lee’s project Whose Lakefront as her favorite public art project.

Tanner Woodford names Douglass 18, inspired by migratory birds, as his favorite mini-golf course, which was co-created by Assistant Professor, Adj. Eric Hotchkiss (MDes 2010). Woodford also mentions his favorite gallery in the Pedway, Space p11, where Associate Professor Jonathan Solomon serves as one of the directors. The Best Mobile Maker spot on Woodford’s personal bests goes to Chicago Mobile Makers, a nonprofit founded by Lecturer Maya Bird-Murphy.

Congratulations to all SAIC community members who were recognized for their contributions in Newcity’s “Best of Chicago 2021” issue!

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