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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260913T110000
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SUMMARY:The Art of Wagashi: Capturing the Autumn Chrysanthemum
DESCRIPTION:Craft your own edible masterpiece. Enjoy a refined Japanese sweets-making experience. \nThe Art of Wagashi: Capturing the Autumn Chrysanthemum\nSunday\, September 13 |11:00am – 12:30pm\n“Nerikiri” is a traditional\, premium Japanese confection that originally blossomed as a special treat for the Japanese tea ceremony. Made by kneading sweet white bean paste with a touch of mochi\, it is a traditional art form that expresses the beauty of nature. \nIn this workshop\, you will learn to capture the elegance of autumn’s signature flower\, the chrysanthemum\, through the medium of Japanese confectionery. \n\nDesigns: “Hime-giku” (Dainty Chrysanthemum) & “Korin-giku” (Stylized Korin Chrysanthemum)\nWhy you’ll love it: In Japan\, the chrysanthemum has long been revered as a symbol of longevity and vitality—so much so that a special autumn festival is dedicated to wishing for health and long life through this flower. You will explore this cultural theme while creating two distinct artistic interpretations of the chrysanthemum\, focusing on the subtle beauty of shapes and colors.\n\nPerfect for absolute beginners. All tools and ingredients are provided\, so you can join us empty-handed and simply enjoy the experience. \nWorkshop Details \n\nSkill Level: Beginners welcome. We will guide you step-by-step.\nIngredients: Butter bean paste\, Mochi\, Red bean paste\nWhat to bring: Nothing (All tools and ingredients are fully provided)\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n \n 						\n													\n						\n													\n													\n						\n													\n								\nAbout Toshiko Sugii Steffes: \nWagashi Artist & Seasonal Experience Creator \nToshiko Sugii Steffes is a Japanese confection “WAGASHI” designer\, and making WAGASHI in Japan and USA. She is fascinated by the beauty of WAGASHI\, which is expressive of the four seasons and nature. Her creations are boundless as there is so much variety and sophistication in WAGASHI techniques. Her Kohakuto (Kohakutou) Crystal Jelly Candy recipe book was published in Japan\, Taiwan and Hong Kong! \n\nRegister on Eventbrite
URL:https://imss.org/program/the-art-of-wagashi-capturing-the-autumn-chrysanthemum/
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260917T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260917T193000
DTSTAMP:20260904T202559Z
CREATED:20260904T202555Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260904T202559Z
UID:73613-1789668000-1789673400@imss.org
SUMMARY:Japanese Whisky & Koji Fermentation
DESCRIPTION:Join us at the IMSS for an in-depth exploration of the science and cultural history behind Japanese whiskey. \nJapanese Whisky & Koji Fermentation: Science\, History\, and Taste\nSeptember 17\, 2026 | 6:00-7:30pm\nDoors at 5:45pm \nTickets: $60  \n \nJoin us at the International Museum of Surgical Science for an in-depth exploration of the science and cultural history behind Japanese whisky. \nWhisky expert Kevin Obis will introduce the traditional koji fermentation process\, examining how it differs from Western fermentation techniques that rely primarily on yeast. This distinctive process contributes to a cleaner\, smoother distillate and plays a key role in shaping the character of many exceptional Japanese whiskies. \nThe program will also highlight the legacy of Jokichi Takamine\, a pioneering chemist and biotechnologist who first isolated adrenaline and later introduced koji fermentation techniques to American distilleries\, bridging Japanese and Western scientific practices. \nAs part of this experience\, participants will enjoy a curated tasting of koji-fermented whiskies from Ohishi\, Fukano\, Ikikko\, and Hakata. \n\n \nKevin Obis started his career in the beverage industry as a craft cocktail bartender\, honing his skills for cocktails and conversation in some of Seattle’s best bars. During his time there he grew to love and appreciate the simplicity of a dram of scotch\, perhaps with just a splash of water. \nIn 2024\, Kevin returned to his hometown in IL and now serves the Midwest with the same passion and enthusiasm he brought to the Pacific Northwest. \n \n\n\nRegister on Eventbrite
URL:https://imss.org/program/japanese-whisky-koji-fermentation/
LOCATION:International Museum of Surgical Science\, 1524 North Lake Shore Drive\, Chicago\, IL\, 60610\, United States
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260926T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260926T140000
DTSTAMP:20260808T195743Z
CREATED:20260808T194116Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260808T195743Z
UID:73031-1790424000-1790431200@imss.org
SUMMARY:Lecture: Writing as Cultural Archaeology and the Poetics of Place
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a special lecture by Michael Workman a new Road Scholar. Presented in partnership with the Road Scholars Speakers Bureau.Michael Workman: Writing as Cultural Archaeology and the Poetics of PlaceSeptember 26\, 202612:00-2:00pmDoors at 11:30am  About:  In this program\, artist and writer Michael Workman invites audiences to explore how writing\, history\, and landscape intersect to shape cultural memory. Drawing from his interdisciplinary practice and from the work of artists such as Theresa Hak Kyung Cha\, Johanna Drucker\, and Charles Reznikoff\, Workman approaches writing as a form of cultural archaeology—an excavation of the layered relationships between language\, identity\, and place. Through this lens\, participants are encouraged to see the local environment not only as a backdrop but as a living archive of stories\, gestures\, and voices that continue to inform community life across Illinois. Blending storytelling\, performance\, and reflective discussion\, Workman leads participants through accessible exercises that connect observation\, movement\, and writing. Each session begins with a short reading or performance excerpt that frames the concept of “poetic fieldwork\,” followed by guided writing prompts and group dialogue. Participants may be asked to respond to local landmarks\, historical artifacts\, or personal memories of place\, using language to uncover how geography shapes emotion and thought. Whether held in a library\, museum\, or community center\, each presentation adapts to its surroundings\, creating a shared space for conversation and collective discovery. By the end of the program\, attendees will have produced short fragments of writing and new ways of perceiving their environment—connecting artistic practice to civic imagination. Michael Workman is a Chicago-based artist\, writer\, and sociocultural critic whose work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune\, Guardian US\, Newcity\, and WBEZ Chicago Public Radio\, among other publications. He is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Bridge (bridge-chicago.org)\, a nonprofit publishing and programming organization founded in 1999. Workman also serves as Development Officer for the Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America and Development Coordinator at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art (UIMA)\, where his grant writing has secured major awards\, including the Andy Warhol Foundation’s Wynn Kramarsky Freedom of Artistic Expression Award and the 2024 state recognition of Ukrainian Village as a cultural district. His writing and performance work explore the intersections of language\, movement\, and place. His publications include Propositional Attitudes (Golden Spike Press) and Perfect Worlds: Artistic Forms & Social Imaginaries (StepSister Press)\, launched with performances at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. Recent performances include Active Investigation (Neubauer Collegium\, 2023). He is a 2025 Illinois Arts Council Creative Projects Grant and Rabkin Foundation Travel Grant recipient\, the 2025 Joan and Peter Hood Artist-in-Residence at Allerton Park\, and a 2026–27 Illinois Humanities Road Scholar. This lecture is presented in partnership with the Road Scholars Speakers Bureau of the Illinois Humanities.
URL:https://imss.org/program/lecture-writing-as-cultural-archaeology-and-the-poetics-of-place/
LOCATION:International Museum of Surgical Science\, 1524 North Lake Shore Drive\, Chicago\, IL\, 60610\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261030T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261030T230000
DTSTAMP:20260904T200004Z
CREATED:20260418T022416Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260904T200004Z
UID:73024-1793386800-1793401200@imss.org
SUMMARY:MEMENTO MORI Halloween Gala
DESCRIPTION:Get ready for a spooky night of fun and frights at our MEMENTO MORI Halloween Gala on October 30th!🎃 MEMENTO MORI: Annual Halloween Gala at the International Museum of Surgical ScienceThursday\, October 30\, 2026 | 7:00 – 11:00 PM📍 The International Museum of Surgical Science – 1524 N. Lake Shore Drive\, Chicago\, IL Chicago’s most unforgettable Halloween party returns.Join us for the 5th Annual MEMENTO MORI Gala\, a hauntingly elegant fundraiser hosted by the International Museum of Surgical Science. Step inside our historic lakeside mansion for a night of eerie enchantment and surgical spectacle unlike anything else in the city. 🕯️ What Is “Memento Mori”? memento mori : “remember that you must die.” Once used to reflect on mortality\, today it inspires our most spirited celebration of life\, art\, and history. 💀 Your Ticket Includes: 🎟️ Admission to Chicago’s most unique Halloween gala🍸 4 free drink tickets for use at our bars (21+ with ID)💃 Dancing in the candlelit Hall of Immortals🧙‍♀️ Spooky stories🧁 Ghoulish hors d’oeuvres & desserts by local culinary partners🎴 Tarot & Palm Readings📸 Spooky photo booth moments🎁 Silent Auction featuring premium prizes from Chicago businesses🕰️ Event Info: Doors Open: 7:00 PMLast Call: 10:45 PMMuseum Closes: 11:00 PMAlcohol served to guests 21+ (ID Required)Costumes Encouraged – Dress to Distress! 🎟️ Don’t wait—this event sells out every year. About the Venue: The International Museum of Surgical Science is one of Chicago’s most unique and hauntingly beautiful event spaces. Wander through historic galleries\, antique surgical tools\, rare medical books\, and immersive exhibits while you celebrate. For questions about the gala or sponsorship opportunities\, please contact:📧 Michelle Rinard at info@imss.org 📞 312-642-6502 OUR PARTNERS
URL:https://imss.org/program/memento-mori-halloween-gala-2/
LOCATION:International Museum of Surgical Science\, 1524 North Lake Shore Drive\, Chicago\, IL\, 60610\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events
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