Announcing Joy Machine,

a New Art Gallery in Chicago

Abi Castillo, “Blooming” and “Blue Caterpillar” (2025), ceramic

Joy Machine, opens on February 21.

Danym Kwon, “When Small Happiness Found Us” (2025), acrylic and acrylic gouache on canvas, 18 x 18 inches

Michael McGrath, “Night Ride, Spring Gods” (2025), colored pencil on wood panel, 10 x 8 inches

A year in the making, Joy Machine is built around the belief that amid deep uncertainty and upheaval, joy becomes an indispensable gateway to hope. As we navigate this incredibly difficult time, we’re interested in coming together to expand our power to feel and process experiences good and bad.

“Red Boots” (2025), acrylic on wood, framed in hemlock, 18 x 24 inches

Peter Frederiksen, “Sharing Secrets” (2022), freehand machine
embroidery on linen, 6 x 8 inches

If you’re in Chicago, please join us to celebrate Joy Machine’s opening on February 21. You can follow the gallery on Instagram, and sign up for the newsletter on the website.

I am still in Henderson, visiting Superheroes.

Day 4 as I write. Weather cold, 56' but pretty outside.

Saturday, Day 3, WonderWoman (MOG), neighbor, Heather and I went to the District to meet Tina, (MOB) and future bride, Raquel at a Bridesmaid store. I had never seen in an exclusively bridesmaid venue. It was amazing.We were actually there for the Mother of the Groom and Mother of the Bride, and mission accomplished.

MOG, referee, MOB-best friends

Then all five of us to King's Fish for lunch. I had a delicious roasted beet salad and more than my share of their yummy bread. The others had sushi, & or salad, clam chowder. Next we 5 went to the District Street Fair ...

After the Fair, everybody went home. Erin and Zoe went on a 3 mile hike. I didn't.

Sunday, today, we went to Eastside which is their church, always a meaningful message and welcoming friendship. We take up almost a full pew, our seating order is Superman, FOG, is in the first seat, aisle, as he work Security. WonderWoman, MOG is next, as she is a greeter and also comes in after the start. I had seat 3, Grandhunk#3, Zack had seat 4, Jason (GH's roommate) seat 5, Raquel (bride-to-be), seat 6. Tina, MOB seat 7, Larry (FOB) seat 8, Grandhunk #1, Jordan had to work. It's fun to be together, starting the day together with positivity.