This week…

… Don’t miss this Friday! 7-9pm

Is It Written in the Stars?
Global Finance, Precarious Destinies

A lecture by Brian Holmes

This lecture and slideshow explores a strangely beautiful artwork – Black Shoals Stock Market Planetarium, by Lise Autogena and Joshua Portway – as a visual allegory of contemporary life beneath the glittering lights of the financial sphere. What uncharted constellations have come to guide our creaturely destinies? The experience of networked derivatives trading, the nature of the meta-commodity that is bought and sold and the aesthetic of the “creative cities” that have grown up around the electronic exchanges all slowly coalesce into the larger figure of a predatory society, where each individual’s most intimate fate seems to involve gnawing away at the collective fabric that spawned our increasingly precarious existence. Chicago, it turns out, is something like the global capital of derivatives. The lecture tries to offer a clearer understanding of what the traders in the pits really do and how their obscure mathematic formulas have reshaped the material world that we live in. But it also attempts to conjure up other horizons.

AND! 

Saturday, November 7, 6:30-9:00pm

Three Poets & a Country: Kishwar Naheed, Fehmeeda Riaz, Azra Abbas

“While the war front shifts to AFPAK, the terrorist bombs and the drones kill hundreds, and the war finds endorsement yet again from western feminists; join us as we tell you the other story: the story of decades of repression, the story of brave resistance, and the story of continuous betrayal.

We shall recite feminist expressions of self, sexuality, freedom and dissent through the lives and works of three ground-breaking women poets. We shall contextualize these expressions in broader historical and political backdrop and voice the representations of wars as instruments of destruction of humanity.

Brainstorm with us as we find common threads for building solidarity across the divide. Let’s ask questions!!!”

Also,

YOGA CLASS, Saturday November 7, OOPS — That’s supposed to be:

Sunday, November 8, 2:00 – 3:15. All ages welcome.

Late October Goings On…

Tuesday, October 27, 7-8pm (& every other Tuesday through December): Next Objectivists Poetry Meeting

The next objectivists are the world’s only autonomous workshop dedicated to the study & reproduction of the principles and practices of the outsidereal. This week were’ reading the poetry of Lorine Niedecker. All meetings are free & open to the public. Beginners welcome! For more information and copies of the reading material, send an e-mail to:  nextobjectivists@gmail.com.

Thursday, October 29, 8pm – 10pm: Film, Cities and War – A film screening and discussion series by Enos Williams

This project examines the subtle effects of war, effects that scar a nation, cause a sort of “karmic fall – out” even on generations that did not participate in the war or non combatants during a war. We will screen The 2nd Heimat which is about a group of film and music students in Munich between 1960 and 1970. It is a German, made for television, series written and directed by Edgar Reitz. We will use this film as a model with which to examine the after shocks of war in a broader sense deeper than usually presented on screen in films from any country.

 

Sunday, November 1, Noon to 5pm: Day of the Dead Performance & Celebration

The multi-talented team of Leah Bult, Amanda Lilleston, James Rost, Colin McRae, John Kannenburg, Jessica Guidry, Yuan Ma, Emilia Javanica-White, Reed Esslinger, and Megan Reynard, travel from Ann Arbor to host a special Day of the Dead Celebration with music, mask making, performance, art making.    Come and raise the dead!

Insurgent Theater blogs about their ULYSSES’ CREWMEN performance at Mess Hall

This was an awesome performance on September 1 that was well attended.

http://ulyssescrewmen.blogspot.com/2009/09/show-4-mess-hall-chicago.html

A quote from someone who responded to the above blog post:

I found it very interesting to see the reactions of passers-by outside the window to Mess Hall during your performance.
People would double-take, and then do a silly sort of dance outside the window to peer through the posters hanging on the glass in an attempt to see what exactly was going on.
Mostly curiosity, some had slight concern.
The concerned people made me wonder if there was a possibility of a police officer joining your cast.
Great show, I like the few changes you made, and I can’t wait to see it again. and again. and again.
Love,
Your Groupie

Everybody’s got (More) Money Issues

During the months of August and September, AREA Chicago and Mess Hall are organizing an exhibition and event series to expand the content of AREA#8 and continue the conversations about money and its relationship to our work and lives. As the recession deepens, we are continuing the discussions started by the contributors in Issue #8 and offering new points of entry in the topics covered. In addition, this marks the launch of a year of programming at Mess Hall on the crisis of capitalism and the building of a neighborhood solidarity network in Rogers Park. Everybody’s got (more) money issues will culminate at the end of September with a city-wide event titled “Who is going to save us? We are.”    For more information contact Jerome Grand grandj@gmail.com or see areachicago.org

 

EXHIBITION – August 9-30, 2009

Exhibition with contributions by/about: Humanizing a timeline of the financial crisis, Bert Stabler, Isolationism, Larry Shure, Rogers Park Money, Chicago Political Workshop, Reading Table, Cindy Waldeck, Anti-Redlining, Journal of Ordinary Thought, Exploring Chicago’s Economies, Ashley Weger, Neil Brideau, Neily Jennings, InCUBATE, The Artist Run Credit League, Samuel Barnett, Food Not Bombs, and more. 

 

EVENT SERIES [Events are held at Mess Hall (6932 N Glenwood) except where otherwise noted.] Details also here

 

Sunday, August 9 3-6pm 

Opening of Exhibition with readings and discussion. Join contributors of AREA#8: Daniel Tucker, Chicago Political Workshop, Ashley Weger, Bert Stabler, and others. 

 

August 10-13, 4-7pm

Open/Reading Hours. 

Mess Hall will be open for people to stop by and spend time reading and viewing the exhibition. Check the Mess Hall Calendar for additional Open/Reading hours.  

 

Saturday, August 15, 12-4pm 

Open gathering to envision a year of programming at Mess Hall around the crisis of capitalism. Join Mess Hall keyholders to think and discuss ideas for teach-ins, lectures, workshops, reading groups, film screenings, exhibitions, and more.   

 

Sunday, August 16, 1-5pm 

Finding the surplus, turning the surplus into resource, and using the resource.

With readings, discussions and food with contributors Raechel Tiffe, Food Not Bombs, Temporary Services, Rebuilding Exchange, InCUBATE, Wade Tillett, Neighborhood Writing Alliance and more.

 

Saturday and Sunday, August 22-23, 12-6pm

During the Glenwood Ave Arts Fest

In conjunction with the Glenwood Ave Arts Fest in Rogers Park: Experiments in barter and exchange & Humanizing a timeline of the financial crisis. 

 

Tuesday, August 25, 6-8pm  

at the Hideout, 1354 W Wabansia

Bars, (da) Business & Benefits: A Conversation about Social Consciousness, Community, and Giving Back

In conversation with leaders from Mucca Pazza, The Hideout, Backstory Cafe, Epiphany Church, Kuma’s Corner, Quennect 4, and Danny’s Tavern, among others.  

 

Here in Chicago, these small business owners have integrated fundraising for local social justice organizations into their business practices. Join a group of committed entrepreneurs, promoters, cultural workers and musicians for a conversation about the important role that independent business can play in raising consistent resources for activist and non-profit communities.  Conversation organized and facilitated by Kristen Cox, guest advisor for Issue #8, in collaboration with The Public Square. Snacks will be provided. 

 

Thursday, August 27, 7-10pm 

at Insight Arts, 1545 W Morse 

Teach-in and discussion on Solidarity Economies at Insight Arts with Mess Hall. 

 

Friday, August 28, 6-9pm

No Games Community forum: Olympics 2016 – Who Benefits and Who Will Pay? Economic effects of the 2016 Olympic bid.

 

Sunday, August 30, 6-9pm

Visualizing a Vision: Exhibition closing and collective critique. 

How do our representations of capitalism help us understand where we’ve been, where we are, and where we want to be? How do we visually represent the dynamics of capitalism and imagine a future beyond it?  With presentations by Rozalinda Borcila and Eric Triantafillou on the relationship between visual language and political imagination, followed by a collective critique of the exhibition and its visual work.

 

Thursday, September 17, Location and time TBD 

Revolt on Goose Island, Kari Lydersen book release and discussion. Event co-sponsored by Melville House Publishing. 

 

September Memorial for Franklin Rosemont.

Mess Hall will hold a memorial to commemorate the work and life of Franklin Rosemont. 

 

Late September, Location and time TBD

Who is going to save us? We are.

A culmination of conversations and inquiries on the future of structuring our work and lives.  

This weekend @ Mess Hall!

Friday, July 24, 7:00p-10:00p: NEXTOBJECTIVISTS Readings / Lectures
Guest Objectivist Eric Elshtain on the mechanics & dynamics of voice
It’s common to think of the ‘voice of the poet’ but beginning, as we do, with a consideration of effect, our guest objectivist will lead a discussion & workshop on the production of poetic voice, featuring readings by Ezra Pound, Dashielle Hammet, Arthur Sze & others. Throughout the Summer, the Next Objectivists will feature lectures and readings by local poet on specific passages and techniques of poetry from the outside.

July 25, 12:00p-4:00p: COMMUNITY SCREEN PRINTING WORKSHOPS
Every Saturday throughout the month of July from 12-4 we will be holding a screen-printing workshop. Everyone is welcomed! No experience needed! Together, we will build a light box for our use at the Mess Hall, build our own screens & printing boards, create original designs, & experiment with several printing techniques. & get this: some of our favorite ace printers be joining us as “guest instructors”!

Upcoming Workshops:

Workshop #4 (July 25)
Guest Printer: Aay Preston-Mynt
Projects:
–photo emulsion & burning screens
–printing on t-shirts (total DIY set-up!)
–1-color photo prints on t-shirts

Workshop #5 (August 1)
Guest Printer: tba
Projects:
–cleaning & reclaming screens
–photo emulsion & burning screens #2
–printing on t-shirts #2
–2-color prints on t-shirts

Workshop #6 (August
Guest Printer: tba
Projects:
–Building your own light box
–Setting up your own print stations (even if you live in a cramped little studio apartment)

Upcoming at Mess Hall

This Weekend!
July 18, 12:00p-4:00p: Community Screen Printing Workshop
Every Saturday throughout the month of July from 12-4 we will be holding a screen-printing workshop. Everyone is welcomed! No experience needed! Together, we will build a light box for our use at the Mess Hall, build our own screens & printing boards, create original designs, & experiment with several printing techniques. & get this: some of our favorite ace printers be joining us as “guest instructors”!

Workshop #3 Guest Printer: Mary Patten
Projects:

–build your own print board
–hand-drawing techniques & design
–poster printing media & techniques
–3-color posters

Sunday, July 19,12:00p-4:00p: Sewing Rebellion

Brunchluck & skill sharing DIY gathering. Take up arms (and fingers) against consumerist imperialism and fashionista culture! Remake something from your closet or from our FREE BOX. Learn or share sewing, knitting & fiber crafting skills.

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JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=47908048387

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Mess Hall accepts donations of clothing, books, small housewares or electronics,  for its FREE bin at any time. Our green free bin is often on the sidewalk in front of Mess Hall offering these surplus items for FREE! Please contact us via info@messhall to schedule a drop off or stop by during one of our events.

Photos from Summer Party

A few photos from the summer party. More here

THIS SATURDAY…

MESS HALL SUMMER PARTY

What happens when you launch acts of generosity into the world? How can they form the basis for growing circles of reciprocity and trust? Almost 6 years ago, the founders of Mess Hall, receiving the offer of a $1-a-month storefront, committed the space to this and subsequently many other experiments in culture, conviviality and exchange. The originary gift arose from property owner Al Goldberg’s desire to further incubate the arts community of Rogers Park. Given this opportunity, we make space and time available to projects not likely to pass the test of marketability or even authorized fundability.

Come celebrate generosity with us at the best summer party ever!

SATURDAY JUNE 27, 4:00 pm – ?

6932 North Glenwood Avenue
Chicago, Illinois (www.messhall.org)ReFab Happening Noon to 5:00

So… we just got word that The Library of Radiant Optimism for Let’s Remake the World (Bonnie Fortune + Brett Bloom) will be heading our way, bringing along a couple boxes of their recently published book Let’s Re-Make TheWorld to hand out copies. The book “is a collection of documentation and writing around exhibitions and seminars that took place over several years and one ocean.” http://letsremake.info/blog/2009/04/a-new-book-project/

Our BBQ inspiration….

RETRATOS LIBRES DE LA FAMILIA무료초상화들

libérer les portraits de famille

FREE FAMILY PORTRAITS

freien Family Porträts

RETRATOS DE FAMILIA GRATUITOS

WOLNY RODZINA PORTRETY

. . . teach us how to write “free family portraits” in other languages

–> Toss into and grab from The Swap

–>KIDS: recycle and make a LAVA BOTTLE (bring a clear plastic bottle with cap and we’ll have bottles too!)

–> Featuring culinary & political recipes of Bobby Seale, as found in Barbeque’n with Bobby (check it out here: http://www.bobbyqueseale.com/)

DECLARATION:
BARBEQUE BILL OF RIGHTS

WHEN IN THE COURSE OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT it becomes necessary for us, the citizens of the earth, to creatively
improve the culinary art of barbe-que’n in our opposition to the overly commercialized bondage of “cue-be-rab” (barbecuing
backwards); and to assume, within the realm of palatable biological reactions to which the laws of nature and nature’s God entitle us, a decent respect for all the billions of human taste buds and savory barbeque desires; we the people declare a basic barbeque bill of rights which impels us to help halt, eradicate, and ultimately stamp out “cue-be-rab!” As the commercialized backwards “bottle-back” recipe methods pursue and invariably evince a design to reduce our backyard-picnics into burnt, half done, bland, badly seasoned, improperly pit-qued entrees, then it is the right of we the barbeque lovers of the world, to alter the cue-be-rab
phenomenon and creatively change our recipe process for a more righteous saucy, down-home, wood-smoking, delectable,
baste-marinating, barbeque’n methodology.

THE BASIC “RIGHTS” OF HICKORY SMOKE PIT
BOBBY-QUE’N

CERTAIN “RIGHTS” ARE ABSOLUTELY BASIC to pit-smoking. You’ll see them repeatedly in the recipes that follow, but
here they are in summary form. If you follow these basic steps, your barbequed meats will always come out tasting qued
down to the bone.
1. Preparing Baste-Marinades: Always use recipe
amounts of hickory liquid smoke.
2. Marinating Meat Entrees: 30-minute hot marinade, or
4 hours at room temperature or overnight in refrigerator.
3. Baste-Soaking Hickory Wood Chips: Spread out over
white-ash-hot charcoals for smoke-flavor barbequing.
4. Sear Seasoning: Browning and sealing in any coated
meat seasonings before pit-basting.
5. Constant Basting: Baste meat entrees with blended
hickory flavored marinade (do not use sugar content sauces).
6. Cover Top Pit: Keep down after each basting method
and adding more baste-soaked hickory wood chips as needed.
7. Glaze on Barbeque Sauces: Only after meat entree is
mostly cooked and/or done

5th Anniversary feedback postcards scans

These are scans of the written responses we received when we handed out postcards asking for “Your ideas here” for our 5th anniversary party.

Economic and Financial Literacy Course aka Consumer self-defense by Derek Monroe

Getting Ripped-Off and don’t know what to do about. Consumer self-defense as told by someone in the legal trenches: Yes you as citizen can fight back against rich and powerful and ……..win!

Saturday, May 2nd, 2009 and
Saturday, May 9th, 2009 from 7pm-9pm
Buffalo Wings at the party on the 9th!

Mr Monroe was featured in a recent episode of The Story from American Public Media. Here’s the excerpt:

Derek Monroe was a business consultant brokering deals between U.S. and foreign companies. He enjoyed the work, but things changed when a U.S. client used Derek as a pawn to dupe a Japanese businessman who Derek respected. Derek protested, lost the account, and started thinking long and hard about the injustices he believes are perpetrated by corporate America.

Derek now spends much of his time taking large companies, including the big banks, to court when they don’t honor their word. He talks with Dick about finding strength in fighting the small fight.

http://thestory.org/archive/the_story_722_Felons_Second_Chance.mp3/view