Artists Inspire Creative Process. Artistic talent doesn’t always show up early, so it’s especially delightful to discover a new kind of talent later in life. A good example is the talent that Jack Simmerling inspired in students taking his art classes at Smith Village, 2320 W. 113th Pl. The students’ watercolors are now on exhibit in the Smith Village community hall.
Construction at the Garden. The Edna White Community Garden, 111th and Esmond, will be going through a construction phase during July and August. On Saturday mornings, volunteers may be able pick up vegetable plants from the beds for fall planting
Parking Lot Party. The Bookie's Paperbacks & More and 7-11 will be holding a parking lot party Sat., July 7, 5 to 8 p.m., 103rd and Artesian. The event features multiple local authors, book signings, live music, appearances by Corduroy the Bear and Honest Abe Lincoln, $2 hot dogs and free Slurpees. bookiespaperbacks.com.
Movies & Jazz in the Grazz. Chicago State University, 9501 S. King Dr., invites neighbors to enjoy free events this summer. Movies in the Grazz are scheduled Tuesdays through Sept. 11 at sunset, showcasing classic and contemporary American cinema. Jazz in the Grazz offers live artists performing outdoors on Wednesdays through Sept. 12.
EBA Meeting. East Beverly Association (EBA) will hold its monthly meeting Mon., July 2, 7 p.m., Starbucks, 1933. W. 103rd St. Information: www.eastbeverly.org or Facebook under "East Beverly Association."
Garden Club Meeing. The Southwest Community Garden Club will meet Wed., July 11, 6 p.m., Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, 3837 W. 111th St. The topic is Saving the Monarch with speaker Bob Erich, a member of the national Monarch Watch. Erich raises and releases hundreds of Monarch butterflies every year. nancyblock09@att.net
Volunteers Needed. Little Company of Mary Hospital Comprehensive Breast Health Center is looking for breast cancer survivors to participate in the new Patient Advocate Volunteer Program, helping new breast cancer patients navigate through this difficult time. Volunteers will be matched with a patient based on aspects such as age, stage of cancer, and treatment history. Information: 708-229-4050.
Memory Support Group. Area families and caregivers of seniors living with Alzheimers disease or dementia are invited to a screening of the film “He's Doing this to Spite Me,” which looks at three caregivers, their challenges and how they deal with their situations., Tues., July 10, 6:30 p.m., Smith Village, 2320 W. 113th Pl. Discussion follows screening. Free. Reservations: 773-474-7300.
Members Only Art Exhibit. Works by fourteen artists who are also members of the Beverly Arts Center will be on exhibit Tues., June 26 through Thurs., July 26 at the Center, 2407 W. 111th St. The opening reception is Sun., July 8, 2 to 4 p.m.
Exhibiting artists are Jo Beaudreau, Judith Carr, Daryl Hudson, April Voytas, Thomas R. Cronin, Takiyah C. Harris, Lindsay Sandbothe, Robert P. Workman, Mary Schiller, Theresa Murphy, John L. Boykin, Ashley Kimbro, Lorna Filippini-Mulliken and Dave Barrista. Media include oil, watercolor and acrylic painting, photography, pencil and prismacolors. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Mon. through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat., and 1 to 6 p.m. Sun. Free. 773-445-3838, www.beverlyartcenter.org.
Only the Best! Only the Best Bridal Couture recently opened at 2142 W. 95th St. The shop provides custom dressmaking to your specifications and measurements, creating wedding gowns that are unique to the bride. According to shop owner Alisa Tyler, each dress is created individually, using expert construction and finishing techniques, and the finest fabrics. Hours are by appointment, Tues. through Fri., 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sat., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call 773-233-5000 or visit onlythebestbridalcouture.com.
Candy Store Opens on 95th Street. Aah Yummi, 2134 W 95th St., is now open, offering a large selection of candy, sugarless candy, chocolates and trail mixes. A brand new store with an old fashioned appeal, Aah Yummi also offers candy baskets and bouquets, as well as the candy buffets that have become so popular at for special events. Hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Mon. through Sat.; Sun. by appointment. Find them on Facebook and Yelp. 773-881-2260.
‘100 Years: The Fine Art of Collage.’ The Midwest Collage Society’s show 100 Years: The Fine Art of Collage, a two-part exhibit, opens at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., through Sun., July 29. An artists' reception will be held Sun., July 8, 2 to 4 pm. Admission is free.
Focusing on emulation and originality, Midwest Collage Society members pay homage to the early masters of collage through the works on exhibit in the Bridge Gallery. The second part of the exhibit can be viewed in the East Gallery, where a mosaic of diverse canvases, the artists express their vision of collage through a rich variety of materials including altered papers, image transfers, photographs, maps , fibers, metals and text. Beverly Arts Center gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Mon. through Fri.; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat.; and noon to 6 p.m. Sun. 773-445-3838. www.beverlyartcenter.org.