House 10: The essential things to book in Chicago this week

1. The Power of Kinship, by Adrian Octavius Walker, on Monday
On show now at the House, this exhibition of works by House member Adrian Octavius Walker – curated by Curtis Taylor, Jr – is inspired by the artist’s investigations within his own body, the dynamics of the Black family, and archival work related to the African American experience. Walker’s intention was to create as series of intimate portraits based on his studies of human interactions in urban settings that share untold stories. As an ever-evolving piece, Walker has now extended his original collection of works, We Matter – which focused solely on photography – to feature sculpture as well, and this exhibition serves as an introduction to Walker’s sculptural practice, which seeks to preserve Black hair rituals through imaginative reinterpretation. 

Click here to see the exhibition. 

2. Cards and cocktails on Monday
Checkmate. Head to the Drawing Room and enjoy our weekly games night. Grab your favorite cocktail and take on fellow House members every Monday.

Book your spot in the games here.

3. Summer of Soul: Juneteenth live painting showcase on Tuesday 
Join ChiGivesBack and Paint the City for the second annual Juneteenth live art showcase. The event features local Chicago artists as they create a piece of Juneteenth-inspired art on a blank 16” x 16” canvas live, with members and their guests encouraged to walk through and interact with each artist as they work. Purchases of the specialty cocktail and art sale proceeds will benefit Paint the City and ChiGivesBack in support of select Chicagoland public schools. Art pieces created during the 2021 Juneteenth celebration will be on display in the Music Room and available to purchase leading up to the event. 

Click here to book the event.

4. Ex Libris: Toya Wolfe, author of Last Summer on State Street on Wednesday
Ex Libris is back. Join host Don De Grazia as he sits down with author Toya Wolfe. Perfectly timed for the summer season, her debut novel reveals what it’s like to grow up in Chicago and explores how to find strength in one’s past. Copies of Last Summer on State Street will be available for purchase and signing on the night.

Learn more here.

5. Soho Run Club on Wednesday
Run. Refuel. Recover. Kick off your Wednesday morning with the Soho Run Club. Join former professional athlete, wellness coach and member Kayla Jeter for a three-mile social run through the streets of Chicago. Walk, jog, run: all paces are welcome and shorter distances will be offered. Meet outside the main House doors for a mobility-focused pre-run warmup up at 7am before we hit the pavement at 7.15am – then join us after for a cool down post-run. 

Click here to add the run to your planner.

6. In Conversation: Polyamory with smallWORLD on Thursday 
How do you define commitment and intimacy? Join smallWORLD Collective for a casual discussion on non-monogamy and the ways in which we can tap into our freedom and greatest version of ourselves by releasing society’s expectations of our relationships.

Click here to join the conversation.

7. House Trip: Juneteenth Freedom Market at The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago on Friday
Refine Collective and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago host the second annual Juneteenth Freedom Market, a bold and joyous celebration of Black creativity and entrepreneurship in Chicago. The event features a diverse range of 50-plus local Black-owned businesses, live entertainment courtesy of the renowned 40-plus Double Dutch Cub, and sounds by DJ Slot-A and DJ Cut Cuz all night long.

Reserve your space here.

8. The Power of Kinship Opening Night on Saturday
Gather together for the official opening night and celebration of Adrian Octavius Walker’s mixed-media exhibition, which includes a first-look at the artist’s sculpture. Enjoy cocktails and bites at the Allis Bar and sounds by DJ NOSHIRT from 9pm. Inspired by Walker's investigations within his own body, the dynamics of the Black family, and archival work related to the African American experience, The Power of Kinship explores Black American beauty traditions among Black men and expands notions of Blackness by challenging the American perception of Black men. It erases ‘the threat’ often assigned to Black men through a series of intimate photographic portraits that push the viewer to see the spiritual value and kinship in brotherhood. 

Click here to reserve your space.

9. Night Swim Sound Session: Washed Out DJ set on Saturday
Switch to night vision and come up to the roof to take a deep dive into Washed Out's unmissable poolside set while swimming. Get ready to feel like you are on top of the world.

Join the waitlist here.

10. Teeny House: Father's Day love letters on Sunday
Join Jenny Jacobs as she hosts a Fathers’ Day card-making booth from 1pm to 3pm for our littlest members. Stop by the game nook with your kiddo for a sweet takeaway. Suitable for children of all ages. 

To join the event, click here.