After 5:00 summer series Wednesday wine down:I recently visited this Little Black Pearl, and I have…read moreto say the energy when I walked in was great. I was surrounded by such positive, welcoming people of all ages. Throughout the night, we sang karaoke, played cards, shot pool and listened to good music. What really stood out to me was how safe, inclusive, and comfortable the environment felt. Everyone was so kind and genuine. But what truly touched my heart was how the community embraced my brother, who is special needs. There was no judgment only acceptance, laughter, and open arms. For the first time in a long time, I didn't feel like I had to be on guard, watching to make sure he was being treated with respect because everyone just welcomed. It was a relaxing night filled with connection and joy. I would absolutely come back and recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, warm, and safe space. Thank you for such an unforgettable expeience.

The organization for which I work recently held an event at Little Black Pearl (LBP). The support…read moreand service we received was beyond stellar! LBP provided the space, catered the food (via their onsite cafe, Carver 47), connected us to amazing balloon and floral vendors, and provided other accoutrements (e.g., tables and chairs, table coverings, a stage, sound and tech support, package management). LBP's one-stop shop especially helpful given that our planning team resided outside of Chicago. There is so much to applaud from the experience: the warm and inviting space exuded elegance; the feast was as beautiful as it was delicious; and the LBP team's interactions with us (from planning to completion) was the epitome of grace and hospitality. They accommodated every request and did so with an exceptional level of excellence. When we asked that the menu include a vegetarian and Halal dish, they ensured guests had multiple options. When we requested assistance erecting our banner, they took on the task of assembling the entire structure, even machine washing and drying it when they noticed a stain. Compared to other spaces we considered (and have used in the past) across the city, LBP's offerings and support stood head and shoulders above and their love was palpable in their attention to details.That they have a heart-centered mission and work in support of youth and community was tasty icing on an already amazing cake. Thank you, Little Black Pearl team, for making our event a world-class experience!

This is a hidden gem in Hyde Park and I'm so glad that I did and I think you would as well…read more They are open 7 days a week and it is free, but they need a small donation or big lol to help keep the doors open. They have a big event starting Saturday September 24th 2022 from 1pm to 4pm. Don't worry if you can't make it this weekend because they have this event every 3 months with different art. Many of the Artist are teen and their work is totally awesome and powerful. They also have another fund raising event coming up now hold your britches the tickets are $750 but remember it's a fund raising event. Now if that is too much for you because I know it is for me. The good news Is they have some $75 doll ar tickets for the after party. Any whoooo I can't wait to go back because they have something for everyone. As always folks.. Be Safe and Enjoy!!! I have no rights to any of the Art work...just sharing the joy!

I live less than a mile from here but so rarely visit. We went to a Friday night opening and…read moreclosing exhibition. Every room had something going on, from crafts, poetry reading, a movie screening, snacks. I love the video projector room, a mixture of hand-made art and larger than life video projections. I envy places that can do free wine, but since the younger-than-21 demographic visits and contributes the art sometimes, it appears alcohol is purchase only. Really great art, coolly presented, check it out!

I took a Dabble class here to learn sewing machine basics. It was exactly what I had wanted and now…read moreI'm able to use my sewing machine to do basic tasks. they have a more in-depth class that takes place one a week for a few weeks that I'm looking into taking. Fortunately, the Bridgeport Art Center has easy parking, since I'm coming from the Northside after work. They have sewing machines and materials along with great, knowledgeable staff. And the location is super cool to boot. Give yourself a few extra minutes to find their studio and follow the instructions they provide, the place is huge!

I took a beginners sewing class and Michelle was an amazing teacher. She was patient with everyone…read moreand at the end of the 4 weeks we all left with useful sewing skills. I cannot wait to take my next level sewing class

Took the denim distressing class and loved it! Megan the owner taught the class and made learning…read morethe techniques super easy and fun. I never knew there were so many creative ways to spice up a pair of jeans! The studio itself is beautiful and classy. You can tell she put a lot of thought into the setup - the colors, the workspace, the handcrafted shelving. Definitely more than a class but a total experience (my complimentary glass of wine was a nice touch too ;). I would love to come back for a girls night event, and even have my kids try one of her beginners' sewing classes.

Love love love this place…read more It was intimate, chic and perfect for our girls night out!!! The service was prompt. The events were engaging. And I am always getting compliments on the two items I made!! Looking forward to the March alteration girls night out.

I would like to start with, JAMIE! She is Ah-mazhing!!!! The most patient person you will ever…read moremeet! I was late... (im so sorry) but! She showed me the way! You get to choose from coasters to pots to trays to vases! I chose the coasters,maybe ill use them this time this activity is an absolute must! My friends and i enjoyed breaking tiles and mirrors, if its not perfectly cut, its "organic" i love it! Jamie will show you how to cut and nip the tiles and mirrors into shapes or she can do them for you as well. Tip: time flies when you are having fun!

A really enjoyable evening hanging out and creating with my sister and a friend, and about seven…read moreother nice people. The teacher, Humberto, was excellent, patient and full of good cheer. He explained and demonstrated very clearly everything from breaking the tiles to grouting. We took advantage of the Spring 50% sale for the class. I highly recommend it and would take the class again.

Love love loved this experience! Came here for a date night, and this was both of our first time…read moretaking a candle-making class. We enjoyed every moment of it. The steps were easy to follow and the scent choices were pleasant. The staff was welcoming, the ambiance was beautiful, and the service made everything feel intentional and elevated. The music was a whole vibe and really brought the experience together. We'll definitely be back and highly recommend!

This place offered great customer service and the instructions were very clear. I will say for the…read morevalue we paid their right amount. The selection of art could have been expanded and better but overall it was a great experience and I enjoy supporting this black business.

These writing groups are friendly and welcoming for all levels of writers. Writing is published…read morequarterly in the award-winning Journal of Ordinary Thought. The organization brings people together to talk and write about their thoughts, experiences, and opinions on what is going on in their lives, neighborhoods, city, state, and country. Supportive and nurturing--every one of the neighborhood groups.

From the owner: The Neighborhood Writing Alliance (NWA) provokes dialogue, builds community, and promotes change by…read morecreating opportunities for adults living in Chicago's underserved neighborhoods to write, publish, and perform works about their lives. NWA runs weekly writing workshops in branch locations of the Chicago Public Library, and at community centers and social service agencies throughout Chicago. Writing from those workshops is published in the quarterly Journal of Ordinary Thought (JOT). NWA writers perform their work in 30-35 events each year. To join a workshop, volunteer, or subscribe to JOT, call (773.684.2742), email (editors@jot.org), or visit our website (www.jot.org)!

I threw my daughter's 6th birthday party this past weekend and everyone had an amazing time! The…read moreinstructor was fantastic with the kids as she taught them how to make slime and was so patient in explaining the ingredients and techniques. The studio has great natural sunlight and the parking in the back is so convenient. We received a lot of great feedback from kids' parents on the party/class. I highly recommend everyone to consider this venue/classes as a party option for kids of any age.

Absolutely wonderful slime class for kids. Presented in such an engaging and fun way. We loved it!read more

I worked with Stefan on test prep; he was outstanding. The 1.5hr sessions FLEW BY!…read more Stefan is so fun and passionate about test taking strategies. He is so knowledgeable and is someone I wish I would have found earlier in my application journey. I am so grateful for his support! I loved having the whiteboard and he always sends the PDF of the notes that you cover in class. Stefan makes everything super easy to understand and very accessible. If you don't understand it, he will try to flip the concept on its head and reteach it to you. He is super patient! This has been my favorite test prep experience. I have tried it all - Manhattan Prep and other test prep companies. I only wish I found him sooner.

I highly recommend Stefan Maisnier for MBA admissions guidance. When our son decided to pursue his…read moreMBA on a tight timeline, Stefan quickly created a clear, strategic plan. He objectively evaluated our son's strengths and weaknesses, identified gaps--especially in quantitative skills--and worked closely with him to address those areas. Stefan's deep knowledge of admissions and test prep ensured our son targeted schools that fit his profile and goals, and he provided invaluable support throughout the process. Stefan's professionalism and expertise made a real difference for our family. My wife and I would recommend him to anyone seeking high-level, personalized admissions guidance and GMAT prep.