Paint Out Site Saturday October 8, Chicago Portage Historic Site

If you click on the Title line above you will learn about where we will meet this Saturday. I am trying to import the map of the site into this post.

And HERE is the MAP of the SITE:

It is the head of the historic Illinois and Michigan (I&M) Canal.

As such, it is a designated site for the Art in the Parks National Competition -- (entry deadline June 2006). It is thus, a great place for US to EXPLORE and paint. It is also said that it is the only place in Chicago that is the original 'footprint' of where the explorers actually stood as they contemplated the significance of a canal that would connect Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River. Everything else seems to be under Wacker Drive, or other modern structures of the City, etc.

Here is where you can read about its Historic significance -- at both of these sites:

Museum
Statue

LOVE the statue! Great cheekbones!

Here are directions:

Directions to the historic site:
1)      Drive east on I-290 (the Eisenhower Expressway).
2)      Exit right at Harlem Avenue heading south.
3)      The entrance to the historic site is to the right (on the west side of Harlem Avenue) just after 46th Street and about 2 blocks north of I-55 (the Stevenson Expressway).
4)      I suggest we meet next to the statue of Marquette, Jolliet and their Native American guide (which appears to be adjacent to the Parking lot in the map attached) at 8:30 AM.  I will try to get there a little earlier to do some exploring and therefore, have more info when we meet.


My hope is that this location is less of a drain on the gas tanks of those of you who come out from the City.

I hope you find it interesting. There should be 'grist' for our 'mill'.

Look forward to seeing you all on Saturday.

Rita R