News & Events

An update

May 16th—

Earlier this year, 826CHI said farewell to executive director Mara Fuller O'Brien after six years of service to the organization.

Barry A. Benson joined 826CHI following nearly a decade in the not-for-profit world primarily as a fundraiser and champion of literacy causes. Prior to that, Barry had incarnations in publishing, the visual arts, and higher education--and he remains tethered to those areas through a variety of affiliations. Barry's undergraduate education happened at the University of Michigan, and he received his M.A. in psychology and men's studies from Norwich University/Vermont College. He has spent much of his life in New Orleans but has lived in an ample handful of states and overseas in France and Denmark. He lives for adventure travel and stays relatively sane through regular doses of swimming and making ceramics.

Act Like I Was There The Whole Time

April 24th—

Ever wonder where 826CHI students like to Hide? The tactics they use when they Seek?  Ever encountered Falafel Wafflebrains? The latest chapbook from students in the after-school program explores these questions and more. Pick up your copy of Act Like I Was There The Whole Time at the Boring Store today! 

Promdotcom.biz

March 15th—

In the grand tradition of proms past, 826CHI presents "Promdotcom.biz" a prom with that most romantic theme, the internet. For all the details and to purchase tickets, please, oh please, use the power of internet to send your computer screen to this site: promdotcom.biz. We look forward to seeing you Friday, April 20th!

Clandestine Questers Raise $17,000!

March 13th—

If you were in Wicker Park or Bucktown this past weekend, and you  happened to bump into 140 people asking to do a handstand in your apartment, pose in a photo with you (with jazz hands extended, eyes closed, and tongues out), requesting your 4 year old draw a teammate's portrait,  or some such greatness, you experienced the wonderment that was the  the Clandestine Quest. Congratulations to team Freegan Massacre, who crossed the finish line first. The Ill-literates who came in a close 2nd and the Bereau of IF, who came in 3rd. Loud clapping, as well, to the Die Detektives who were the number one fundraisers.

The 37 teams of madcap scavenger hunters helped raise over $17,000 for 826CHI's free writing programs for students. Astounding. Some of the photos can be found over at our Flickr page. Huge thanks to our sponsors: Cat & Mouse Game Store, Armand's Pizza, the Bedford, Quimby's, Reckless Records, Lemmings, Anthem, the Chicagoan, Finders Keepers, D/vision, the Pipeline, Corepower Yoga, the Wicker Park/Bucktown Chamber of Commerce, the Den Theatre, Jackson Junge Gallery and Elegant Mr. Gallery. 

Get Sappi

March 8th—

Our friends at Sappi Fine Paper have teamed with 826 for the 2012 edition of their annual design journal, The Standard. This year's edition, titled "Special Effects," is packed with graphic wonderment, all inspired by the creative themes of the 826 storefronts. And crazy awesome printing techniques that dare to stupefy.

To celebrate this collaboration, Sappi, AIGA Chicago and 826National are holding a release party here in Chicago on April 5 at the MCA. Join us for a conversation between cartoonist and Boring Store awning creator Chris Ware, designer Kit Hinrichs, and 826 National CEO Gerald Richards. Drinks and snacks are at 6pm, presentations follow at 7pm, and best of all, everyone who attends gets an advance copy of The Standard. Tickets available here.

Can't make it that night? No problem! You can grab a copy of the beautiful, limited-edition issue of The Standard or Sappi & 826's "Imagination" poster, designed by illustrator Jack Unruh, from ye olde Boring Store.  

National Read Aloud Day

March 7th—

How does one best celebrate National Read Aloud Day? 826CHI students wrote books (that they can wear as necklaces) and then read them aloud to their fellow students and volunteers. Celebrate Read Aloud Day everyday!