During the “Art of Play Summer Celebration,” Chicago hotels are partnering with the Chicago Office of Tourism  and have created “Games for Guests.”  The Chicago International Toy and Game Fair (Chi-Tag) is the only non-hobby toy and game show in the Western Hemisphere designed for and opened to the public.  This art form provides you the opportunity to look at, play with, and purchase toys and games from manufacturers and inventors all around the world.  If you are a fun-loving senior who enjoys games, tinkering with toys, and inventions – you’ll love this citywide celebration in Chicago for the summer of 2007. 

While keeping in the artsy frame of mind, this summer “Niki in the Garden” is coming to Chicago’s Garfield Park Conservatory and will feature more than 30 extraordinary outdoor sculptures by the internationally renowned artist, Niki de Saint Phalle.  Niki de Saint Phalle was born in 1930 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France and raised in New York City.  A passionate and self-taught artist, Saint Phalle was extremely prolific, creating a stunning array of sculptures, paintings, and illustrations and was considered for a Nobel prize.  She gained international fame in the early 1960’s as a “New Realist,” along with her contemporaries:  Christo, Yves Klein, Arman, and the Swiss kinetic sculptor, Jean Tinguely, who was her collaborator and eventually her husband.

Niki is best known for her work on the sensual and overtly womanly Nanas, which is French for “babes” or “chicks.”  Calling the large-scale sculptures and architectural installations as “matriarchal,” she boldly personified the idea of feminine empowerment.  These curvy, well-developed womanly shapes dance and exhibit colorful freedom.  Saint Phalle’s sculptors have danced their way in outdoor exhibits around the world.

This exhibit captures the whimsical and artsy spirit of Chicago.  Garfield Park is one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods.  Visitors will enjoy letting the spirit of the arts capture them and carry each along on their own adventure.   The Garfield Park Conservatory is located at 300 N. Central Park Avenue and is easily accessible by automobile or public transportation.  From 1-290, exit Independence Avenue (3800 west) and travel north.  Turn east on Washington Blvd.  Turn north onto Central Park Avenue (3600 west).  Free parking is available just south of the Conservatory’s main entrance.

“Niki in the Garden” will be the highlight of Art Play:  Summer Chicago 2007, a citywide celebration exploring games, toys and the spirit of play, from June 1 through September 30th.  

Did you know that the Ferris Wheel, Lincoln Logs, and Tinkertoys were Chicago inventions?  Or that Chicago is the birthplace of improvisational comedy?  Experience the toys and games of your past – right in the heart of Chicago.  Participating hotels will offer you the chance to experience some of these playful reminders of your days gone by.  Those seniors with a flair for fun, music, and art will enjoy visiting Chicago this summer for “Niki in the Garden.”  Happy  Fun Traveling! 

(Photos are courtesy of Chicago’s Office of Tourism)