In 2005, I retired from teaching in west suburban Lisle and moved to Chicago, where I proceeded to get a stiff neck and sore feet from walking, walking, and more walking, all the while looking up. As I was walking around, some of my thoughts were: “What is the name of that building?” and “Why do some buildings look similar and others different?” One day while strolling on south Michigan Avenue, I came to a gift shop – I love to shop. The gift shop was in the Railway Exchange Building (AKA Santa Fe Building), and it was all about architecture. There were lots of books about architecture, souvenirs, and a desk to sign up for tours, boat rides, and lectures—all sponsored by the Chicago Architecture Foundation.
I was hooked! Starting in 2009, I began serving as a greeter at our Wednesday luncheon lectures. During one of these lectures, it was mentioned that the CAF was looking for volunteers to take on additional roles. So one morning in 2013, at a meeting for volunteers, a staff member talked about the history of the CAF and discussed the different volunteer possibilities. Since I enjoyed the Chicago model in the lobby, it was an easy decision, and I became an Exhibit Host. A few other volunteers and I were given general maps of and background on the model as well as informed about the tours, boat rides, and lectures the CAF offered to help visitors to better enjoy Chicago.
The people stopping by the model were neighbors, visitors from around the world, architects, and school children. It was so enjoyable listening to their questions, looking for answers, and even helping tourists find their hotel. What a great way to learn about design and architecture!
In 2018, the Chicago Architecture Foundation moved – Bigger, Better, More. This time in order to be an exhibit host, I attended a couple of sessions led by the Education Department to learn about the new Chicago Architecture Center. These were jam-packed sessions introducing the many new exhibits that the Center would have. We learned about Chicago history, all the changes to the new and improved Chicago Model, the other exhibits in the Chicago and Skyscrapers Galleries as well as the architects behind so many buildings on display and their impact on architecture around the world … Oh my!
When the Center opened, I was overwhelmed. I took my tablet with me to help find the information needed to answer visitors’ questions. It was very exciting to have visitors talk about their travels to many of the skyscrapers we have on display.
Like other volunteers I receive the Weekly Update, which helps keep me informed and it has many interesting articles about architecture. It’s not hard to tell visitors about tours, sign-up is by the front door and for a ride on The First Lady, she is out the door and downstairs. One of my favorite things about the Center, beside the Chicago Model, is the frequency with which the many fabulous docents and CAC staff are available to help answer questions.
I’m so glad I walked into the gift shop on south Michigan Avenue and have been very lucky to learn a lot about Chicago, architecture, design and the great CAC!
Win, you light up the galleries with your passion! It’s been a pleasure working with you and picking your brains for such insightful views. CAC and its visitors are so fortunate to have you!
We’re glad you walked into the gift shop, too, Win!
Pris
Win is a presence at so many events, guiding, helping others to learn and learning herself. She is more than a ray of sunshine, but a whole sun, lighting the way at CAC. We are so lucky to have volunteers like her. Congrats and Thanks, Win.