Friday, April 30, 2010

826 happenings in the Windy City

If you’ve been spying around Wicker Park recently, you’ve certainly noticed exciting things going on at 826CHI. Last month, students took part in a two-day program called the Chicago Zine Fest. Aided by local independent publishers and artists, Chicago students were shown the skills and secrets to sharing their work with the masses. Also, as April is National Poetry Month, students in 826CHI’s afterschool tutoring program have been practicing their prose. You can find examples of their hard work on A Wig If You Want It, the 826CHI student blog. Last but not least, eighth grader Sheila McIntosh, a long-standing figure in 826CHI’s workshop scene, recently won the National Golden Key award for her incredible story, “Wind and Rain.”

So that’s what the kids have been doing, but what about the grown-ups? They've been dancing their corsages off at 826CHI’s annual prom, of course! This year’s theme was Prom Hanks, inspired by the two-time Oscar winner himself. Attending Prom Hanks entailed dressing as any person, place, or thing found in a Tom Hanks movie. And if that wasn’t exciting enough, Mr. Hanks found out about the big night and sent 826CHI a treasure trove of goods, including a signed Wilson volleyball for the evening! Check out the pictures at www.826chi.org and stay tuned for next year’s sure-to-be awesome 826CHI Prom.