On the agenda: “Building an Icon: Construction Photographs of Millennium Park” at Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St., 312-747-4300; chipublib.org
Check it out if you … are interested in how models and sketches become city landmarks, want to see what Millennium Park looked like before it was filled with tourists, are curious about what the Bean is made of.
The deets: You can visit a free, temporary exhibit about the development of Millennium Park through Jan. 17. A series of 40 images show how a space previously occupied by ugly railroad tracks and an underground parking lot was transformed into one of the city’s most popular public spaces. Chosen from a collection of more than 5,000 shots taken between 1999 and 2005, the pictures depict the construction of Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion and other iconic Millennium Park sites. The exhibit is open from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.
The payoff: A new appreciation of Millennium Park.
Saturday
River North Chicago Dance Fall Engagement
Millennium Park
The modern dance ensemble performs the world premieres of “Forbidden Boundaries,” by artistic director Frank Chaves and “Evolution of a Dream,” by co-artistic director emeritus Sherry Zunker; and repertory works. 8 p.m. Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park, 205 E. Randolph Drive. 312-334-7777. $30-$65.
Coffee and Art Gold Coast
A casual class and networking event addresses current museum exhibitions. 10 a.m. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. 312-280-2660. $12-$18.
REDEYE/MMX PICK
Green City Market
Lincoln Park
The market sets up inside a heated tent during the fall session (Saturdays and Wednesdays through Dec. 23). Shop for smaller amounts of fresh produce and also pantry items, such as artisanal cheeses, meats, fish and poultry, root vegetables, fresh pasta and more, from 25-35 vendors. Chef demonstrations take place at
10:30 a.m. during the fall market. RSVP to attend chef demos: admin@chicagogreencitymarket.org. 8 a.m. Saturdays. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive. 773-880-1266. Free.
Sunday
Sheffield’s Chili Cook-Off
Lakeview
Sample recipes from amateur cooks and vote for your favorite during the second annual culinary competition in the beer garden. Also includes a buffet and draft beer pairings. Want to compete? Submit a large crock pot of your entry by 2 p.m. The person with the most votes receives a $200 gift card. 1 p.m. Sheffield’s, 3258 N. Sheffield Ave.
773-281-4989. $15.
All weekend
Marwen Art Fair Near North Side
Browse works from 80 students, teachers, staff and alumni of the art-education facility, including holiday cards. Noon Saturday; 9 a.m. Sunday. 833 N. Orleans St. 312-944-2418, Ext. 206. Free.
REDEYE/MMX PICK
Muppets, Music & Magic: Jim Henson’s Legacy Loop
In the wake of a fantastically popular 2008 program devoted to all things Henson, the Gene Siskel Film Center hosts an encore roundup of flicks, clips, commercials and more through Dec. 2. On Saturday, Craig Shemin, the writer responsible for many of the loveable characters’ best lines, hosts a bill of rarely seen clips from the Muppet archives; on Sunday, he’s on hand for screenings of “The Muppets Take Manhattan” and a collection of musical numbers. Full schedule at siskelfilmcenter.org/muppets2009. Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St. $5-$10 per film; double-bill discounts on Sunday.
The Gamer
Who’s playing at home
Bulls vs. Charlotte
7 p.m. Saturday, United Center
Fire vs.New England
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Toyota Park, Bridgeview
Bears vs. Arizona
Noon Sunday, Soldier Field
