All I can say is: WOW!!! In a city of superlatives, the Chicago Architecture Center enters those ranks. Almost 250 docents and volunteers attended the opening event on September 5th to stroll the exhibits, browse in the new shop, socialize, and collect new red swag. If you missed it, you can collect your loot from Erin.
Lynn and CAC marketing/public relations have kept us all well informed about attendance during the grand opening ceremonies and first days of general attendance. There is also a lot of information available about the various media that covered the opening—see Dan O’Connell’s report. All in all, everyone is well satisfied with critical and popular reactions.
Of course, as with any vibrant organization, our work is never done. Welcome, Open House Chicago — coming up in just a month. By the time I check back with you next month, we will be just days away. This is my encouragement to sign up to help any way you can — interpreter at the sites or covering full days of scheduled tours. Take time out, too, to enjoy yourselves, and check out sites you have always wanted to see.
Docent Council shifted over from supporting the Move Task Force to business as usual. I would like to use this opportunity to thank two people whose efforts, in two very different undertakings, have done so much to affect and enrich docent life:
First, Ellen Shubart, who chaired the Move Task Force. As the incumbent DC president, Ellen earned every right to rest on her laurels, give tours, and enjoy life. But the indefatigable Ellen stepped up to chair this 16-month undertaking and bring it all home. The tours are as authoritative and compelling as ever, people retrained and recertified, and no one went mad in the process. Here we are, better than ever. Thanks, Ellen!
Second is Liz Walls, too often unsung for her continuous efforts to put together the annual docent trip. We really needed it this year, and Liz came through with a thorough and thoroughly enjoyable visit to the Big Apple –not exactly the easiest city to handle. Miami, here we come in May 2019.
Finally, whether you were at the September 5th gathering or not, I would like to echo/paraphrase something Gordon Gill said to us. Pull this out any time you are standing in the wind, rain, or snow — overheated or hypothermic — high on adrenaline or barely conscious:
You are the voice for every architect who has ever trodden the streets of Chicago.
Constance