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Thursday, September 29, 2016

Urban Sketching The Art Institute Lions

The Art Institute of Chicago's famous western entrance on Michigan Avenue is guarded by two bronze lion statues created by Edward Kemeys. The lions were unveiled on May 10, 1894, each weighing more than two tons. 

The sculptor gave them unofficial names: the south lion is "stands in an attitude of defiance," and the north lion is "on the prowl." When a Chicago sports team plays in the championships of their respective league (i.e. the Super Bowl or Stanley Cup Finals, not the entire playoffs), the lions are frequently dressed in that team's uniform. 

Evergreen wreaths are placed around their necks during the Christmas season.


Funny thing about sketching Chicago architecture: you sketch it once and you feel pretty good about it until months or years later, when there's a voice inside your head that says "Let's try that again." And that is why you see two renditions of the same defiant lion.





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  2. The Inventing Lab helps kids learn how to invent and expand their knowledge they can also play on the grand Piano slide. Fun Things To Do Chicago also has Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. https://captainjohnmarysol.tumblr.com/

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