Summer 2018 Volume 18 Number 2

- Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID As you As you Permit No. 9119 Chicago, IL ,” a colorful ,”

Jeff Hanson, 1850 W. Roosevelt Road • Chicago, IL 60608-1288

. I want to extend special extend . I want to UPCOMING EVENTS ®

Lighthouses on The Mag Mile June 19 - August 11 | Chicago’s Magnificent Mile® Sailing Chicago Harbor

FLAIR. Fun. Fashion. Philanthropy.TM We ask that you become beacons too! ask that you We Tuesday, October 2 | Loews Chicago Hotel

Style for Sight

We all have a role to play. All of us at The ChicagoThe at us of All play. to role a have all We Thursday, November 8 | ENAZ | Highland Park, IL

According to national statistics, 70% of Ameri cans with severe disabilities are unemployed. cans with severe But for change to happen, each of us must do our part. what you ask yourselves, our lighthouses this summer, enjoy can do to create access and inclusion for our fellow citizens disabilities. with Lighthouse are beacons. as many other visionary individuals and organizations, especially especially organizations, and individuals visionary other many as The Magnificent Mile Association Lighthouse sponsors, including many appreciation to all the of course, all the artists who have Board Members, and participated. Among them is a dear friend of The Lighthouse, work, which adorns who has gained international fame for his Buffet and Sir Elton John. In of Warren the homes of the likes a Huber, Mr. chosen by impaired, was is visually who Jeff, fact, long time admirer, to personally design his Heavy firm’s lighthouse. texture and bright colors, which definedepicted in his lighthouse. “ Jeff’s art, are Michigan lighthouse. summer garden surrounding a scenic Lake 24, is embarking on an ambitious goal to raise Jeff, the time he hits 30. charities by $10 million for children’s see samples of his work, visit: jeffhansonart.com. To Similar messages of hope and optimism will be reflected in all the other lighthouses as well. barriers and open is to break down Our intent with this exhibit more doors for people with disabilities. Despite the progress that has been made, much more still needs to be done to ensure full equality.

Summer 2018

, a free public art

Volume 18Number2 From the the From and Chief President Officer: Executive Szlyk, PhD Janet P. . At first glance, you might ® Dear Friends, and Avenue North Michigan famed Chicago’s visit you When are in for a special treat! you surrounding areas this summer, You will find more than sculptures all along this world famous thoroughfare, better 50 six-foot tall amazing lighthouse known as the Magnificent Mile status as a nautical city associate the lighthouses with Chicago’s will you however, port. Upon closer look, and major Great Lakes note that these sculptures carry a powerful message of hope and a mind altering experience. unity that will provide to Lighthouses on The Mag Mile Welcome display celebrating access and inclusion for people with access and inclusion celebrating display will be wowed by now through August 11, you disabilities. From talented local these stunning works of art, which are designed by people who are disabled. and national artists, including many proud to present this world class The Chicago Lighthouse is very in partnership with our outstanding Board Member exhibition well as LLC, Advisors, Financial Huber firm, his and Huber David Dr. Szlyk addresses the crowd at the Lighthouses on the Mag Mile press on the Mag Mile press Szlyk addresses the crowd at the Lighthouses Dr. of the campaign. conference along with Jeff Hanson, a featured artist Lighthouse, which serves asabeaconoflightand beacons!” Theanalogy carriesover toTheChicago a nautical city andthe role they play in servingas why notlighthousestobuild onChicago’s statusas cows andcanineswere,” sherecalled.“SoIthought, Mile with theideaasshewalked alongTheMagnificent President andCEODr. JanetSzlykwhofirstcameup Spearheading thisboldinitiative isLighthouse who arecommittedtoaccessandinclusion. many other visionaryorganizationsandindividuals partnership withHuberFinancialAdvisors,LLC, and art display conductedby TheChicagoLighthousein encompass LighthousesonTheMagMile,afreepublic and nationalartists,many withdisabilities. They and patterns,aredesignedby accomplishedlocal The sculptures,featuringawidevarietyofdesigns this summer. North Michigan Avenue and surrounding areas which are beautifying the landscape of Chicago’s foot lighthousesculptures behind themorethan50six- This isthepowerfulmessage for peoplewithdisabilities. barriers andopenmoredoors as anindividualtobreakdown and considerwhatyou cando will askyou tobecomeengaged possible. Intheprocessthey and openyour eyes towhatis They willstealyour hearts ONCE INALIFETIMEART DISPLAY SEEKSTO OPENDOORS ® . “I remember how popular exhibits featuring For more information, visit lighthousesonmagmile.com ON THEMAG MILE LIGHTHOUSES June 19-August11 THE LIGHTHOUSESSERVE ABOUT WHAT PEOPLE AS AVIVIDREMINDER CAN DOIFGIVENTHE —Dr. JanetSzlyk, President &CEO WITH DISABILITIES CHANCE.

for thecausesofaccessandinclusion!” “We areeagerto grow ourcommunityoffriends become engagedinLighthouseson TheMagMile. She invites everyone toexplore, celebrate and long beenuntapped.” are atalentedpartofourworkforcethathasfartoo call toemployers thatindividualswhoaredisabled community aswellVeterans, ating hundredsofjobsformembersthedisabled “Citing the success of The Chicago Lighthouse in cre aware ofdisabilityissues. the publicwhoviewlighthousesmay become more available. Inaddition,shepointsoutthatmembers of D

B Y really the highlight ofmy trip.—Bravo!” for sharing such awesome artwork with the public. this time.Theywere sobeautiful!Thankyou andtheartists the lighthouses!We hadnoideatheywere beingdisplayed at shopping. Iwassopleased andamazedwhenwebeganseeing The lastdayIwasthere, my daughterandIdecidedtodosome “ I amfrom week. St.Joseph,MissouriandvisitedChicagolast ticularly inemployment, willbe ken andmoreopportunities,par to ensurethatbarriersarebro as asocietystillneedtodomore do if given the chance and that we what peoplewithdisabilitiescan serve as a vivid reminder about For Dr. Szlyk,thelighthouses and Veterans. blind, visuallyimpaired,disabled opportunity forpeoplewhoare we wanttoissuea

It was - - -

- Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID As you As you Permit No. 9119 Chicago, IL ,” a colorful ,”

Jeff Hanson, 1850 W. Roosevelt Road • Chicago, IL 60608-1288

. I want to extend special extend . I want to UPCOMING EVENTS ®

Lighthouses on The Mag Mile June 19 - August 11 | Chicago’s Magnificent Mile® Sailing Chicago Harbor

FLAIR. Fun. Fashion. Philanthropy.TM We ask that you become beacons too! ask that you We Tuesday, October 2 | Loews Chicago Hotel

Style for Sight

We all have a role to play. All of us at The ChicagoThe at us of All play. to role a have all We Thursday, November 8 | ENAZ | Highland Park, IL

Summer 2018

, a free public art

It was - - -

- Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID As you As you Permit No. 9119 Chicago, IL ,” a colorful ,”

Jeff Hanson, 1850 W. Roosevelt Road • Chicago, IL 60608-1288

. I want to extend special extend . I want to UPCOMING EVENTS ®

Lighthouses on The Mag Mile June 19 - August 11 | Chicago’s Magnificent Mile® Sailing Chicago Harbor

FLAIR. Fun. Fashion. Philanthropy.TM We ask that you become beacons too! ask that you We Tuesday, October 2 | Loews Chicago Hotel

Style for Sight

We all have a role to play. All of us at The ChicagoThe at us of All play. to role a have all We Thursday, November 8 | ENAZ | Highland Park, IL

According to national statistics, 70% of Ameri as many other visionary individuals and organizations, especially especially organizations, and individuals visionary other many as The Magnificent Mile Association Lighthouse sponsors, including many appreciation to all the of course, all the artists who have Board Members, and participated. Among them is a dear friend of The Lighthouse, work, which adorns who has gained international fame for his Buffet and Sir Elton John. In of Warren the homes of the likes a Huber, Mr. chosen by impaired, was is visually who Jeff, fact, long time admirer, to personally design his Heavy firm’s lighthouse. texture and bright colors, which definedepicted in his lighthouse. “ Jeff’s art, are Michigan lighthouse. summer garden surrounding a scenic Lake 24, is embarking on an ambitious goal to raise Jeff, the time he hits 30. charities by $10 million for children’s see samples of his work, visit: jeffhansonart.com. To Similar messages of hope and optimism will be reflected in all the other lighthouses as well. barriers and open is to break down Our intent with this exhibit more doors for people with disabilities. Despite the progress that has been made, much more still needs to be done to ensure full equality. disabilities are unemployed. cans with severe But for change to happen, each of us must do our part. what you ask yourselves, our lighthouses this summer, enjoy can do to create access and inclusion for our fellow citizens disabilities. with Lighthouse are beacons.

Summer 2018

, a free public art

It was - - - He admits that being involved as a sponsor for Lighthouses on WELCOMING ART YOUTH TRANSITION PROGRAM The Mag Mile this summer was a no brainer. LOVERS WITH CONTINUES TO OFFER “When Dr. Szlyk first mentioned this idea, I knew it was a win- DISABILITIES OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH ner and that I had to participate,” says David Huber, a Light- Thanks to the AWARE New partnerships are enabling our Youth Transition house Board member and CEO of his own wealth management Audible Wayfinding app Program’s adolescents who are blind or visually firm, Huber Financial Advisors, LLC. He noted that 2018 rep- and Sensible Innovations impaired to have an especially memorable summer. resents his 10-year anniversary of working with The Chicago ( ) Lighthouse Board of Directors as well as Huber Financial’s 30- sensible-innovations.com The Program’s First Jobs component in particular our Lighthouses on The year anniversary. Mr. Huber said: “Partnering with The Light- has benefited from new support. Thanks to our new Mag Mile public art dis- house to give voice to what’s possible for people living with partnership with Walgreens, eight young adults have play is accessible to ALL. disabilities is a great way to celebrate this banner year!” just begun paid externships in Walgreens stores in Using ‘iBeacons’ that are downtown Chicago and nearby suburbs, where they STEPPING “I think it is one of the most exciting projects we have under- are learning job skills that will help them build careers attached to each sculpture taken and can go a long way in advancing the causes of access along with the Aware app, individuals who are blind and bright futures. To maximize this learning experi- and inclusion for people with disabilities,” he adds. In fact, Mr. UP TO THE or visually impaired are able to obtain information ence, each extern is paired with a coach and receives about the sculpture. Details include how the sculp- one-on-one orientation and mobility support. HUBER FINANCIAL AN ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORTER OF ture looks and information about the artist/theme. The Youth Transitions Program’s Summer in the City PLATE LIGHTHOUSES ON THE MAG MILE The ‘iBeacons’ trigger the app, which identifies the component is also prospering from fantastic com- location and downloads the information. munity support. This Program allows our students Huber was so impacted by the effort that he offered to be the Ultimately, the AWARE app provides those who to learn life skills while ex- presenting sponsor. He is also a fan of acclaimed artist Jeff are visually impaired independence and freedom periencing adventures like Hanson, who is among those participating in the event, and to explore at their own pace and without limits. a Wrigley Field Tour, Lake asked him to design the Huber lighthouse. Michigan boat cruise, and a Above: David Huber. The general public can take a self-guided tour of (fully accessible) night at the Right: David Huber (far Having a visual impairment himself, Mr. Huber is a supporter the lighthouses by downloading OTOCAST. Both theater. Thanks to increased right) poses with his of a core mission of the public art display, to break down barri- apps are FREE. support, including incred- family/friends and Jeff ers and extend more opportunities for members of the dis- Hear from the Artist ible funding from Reader’s Hanson (in colorful abled community. Digest Partners for Sight shirt,) artist of the Huber Foundation, we were able Financial, LLC sponsored “From my own experience, I know first-hand what we can Aware Summer in the City participants bring to the table and what we can achieve if given the Audible Wayfinder to expand this Program to lighthouse. for People Who are Blind visit Lighthouses on The Mag Mile. chance to do so!” two weeks for the first time.

LIGHTHOUSE HOSTS THE FIRST ARTIST WITH DISABILITY INTRACORTICAL VISUAL PROSTHESIS INFORMATIONAL SESSION CREATES DESIGN TO SHOWCASE The Chicago Lighthouse became part of an interdisciplinary research team that MOTION SHE HAS LOST will test the feasibility of an intracortical visual prosthesis (ICVP) implant to As she loses mobility due to an incurable form of pro- restore visual perception to people who are blind. The device is intended for people gressive muscular dystrophy, she uses her art to regain who are blind with no light perception but were sighted at least until age twelve. the sense of movement that she has lost. The multicenter team includes researchers from Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), University of Chicago, University of Texas, Dallas, Sigenics, Microprobes, Meet Pooja Pittie, a Chicagoan who shifted careers Johns Hopkins University, and The Chicago Lighthouse. The project is supported from finance and entrepreneurship to pursue her - life by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a division of the long passion for art. Previously, Ms. Pittie’s work has National Institutes of Health (NIH); with funding from the BRAIN Initiative under been exhibited at such prestigious venues as Expo Chi- award number UG3NS095557. cago and Art Miami. Currently, she is represented by the McCormick Gallery in Chicago. Since 2008, The Chicago Lighthouse has been assisting researchers Drs. Frank Lane and Margaret Huyck from Her considerable talents along with her passion and Ms. Pittie adds that as a society, it is important Illustration of an Intracortical Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) with learning about optimism earned her a spot as one of the artists par- Visual Prosthetic device. to provide thoughtful access and inclusion to perspectives of the ICVP device by people who are blind ticipating in The Lighthouses on The Mag Mile Public people of all abilities in order for them to reach by hosting focus groups. On March 1, 2018, the first Art Display taking place through August 11. their full potential. informational session to educate our community was held at The Lighthouse. Dr. Staying optimistic even when confronting a serious Philip Troyk, the lead researcher for the ICVP team, presented information on how “An inclusive community is an abundant one, challenge like a disability is important to Ms. Pittie complex the vision system is, previous research conducted in the area of vision where there are no limits to what is possible. and can be seen in her art, including her lighthouse prostheses, and the ICVP device. Attendees asked a variety of questions including An inclusive world is welcoming, colorful and sculpture. how visual memory would impact what a person might see with the ICVP device. A bright, just like this lighthouse,” she smiles. video recording from the March 1st session along with general information about Dr. Philip Troyk explains the “As an artist living with a muscular disability, I the project can be found on the ICVP webpage: www.chicagolighthouse.org/icvp. mechanics and science of the ICVP wanted to create art that reflected my positive during the first informational attitude, despite my struggles,” she says. “In this Above: Pooja Pittie paints the undercoat for her The Lighthouse will hold a second informational session about the ICVP project on session. spirit, my lighthouse is titled “Boundless” and I lighthouse sculpture. Left: The finished piece, titled Saturday, July 28. The July session is open to anyone who wants to learn or continue to hope it gives the visitor a little glimpse into my “Boundless” can be viewed at 520 N. Michigan Ave., learn about the ICVP project. To reserve your spot, please contact Patricia Rodriguez at endless optimism and the joy with which I paint.” Chicago. (312)997-3672 or [email protected]. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

To receive our most up-to-date Lighthouse happenings, sign up for our electronic newsletter and events at: WAIT! There’s more. The lighthouses will be available for auction after the public art display. If you would like to be notified of when the lighthouses will be available, please visit: www.chicagolighthouse.org/newsletter-signup www.lighthousesonmagmile.com Follow us on social media

He admits that being involved as a sponsor for Lighthouses on WELCOMING ART YOUTH TRANSITION PROGRAM The Mag Mile this summer was a no brainer. LOVERS WITH CONTINUES TO OFFER “When Dr. Szlyk first mentioned this idea, I knew it was a win- DISABILITIES OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH ner and that I had to participate,” says David Huber, a Light- Thanks to the AWARE New partnerships are enabling our Youth Transition house Board member and CEO of his own wealth management Audible Wayfinding app Program’s adolescents who are blind or visually firm, Huber Financial Advisors, LLC. He noted that 2018 rep- and Sensible Innovations impaired to have an especially memorable summer. resents his 10-year anniversary of working with The Chicago ( ) Lighthouse Board of Directors as well as Huber Financial’s 30- sensible-innovations.com The Program’s First Jobs component in particular our Lighthouses on The year anniversary. Mr. Huber said: “Partnering with The Light- has benefited from new support. Thanks to our new Mag Mile public art dis- house to give voice to what’s possible for people living with partnership with Walgreens, eight young adults have play is accessible to ALL. disabilities is a great way to celebrate this banner year!” just begun paid externships in Walgreens stores in Using ‘iBeacons’ that are downtown Chicago and nearby suburbs, where they STEPPING “I think it is one of the most exciting projects we have under- are learning job skills that will help them build careers attached to each sculpture taken and can go a long way in advancing the causes of access along with the Aware app, individuals who are blind and bright futures. To maximize this learning experi- and inclusion for people with disabilities,” he adds. In fact, Mr. UP TO THE or visually impaired are able to obtain information ence, each extern is paired with a coach and receives about the sculpture. Details include how the sculp- one-on-one orientation and mobility support. HUBER FINANCIAL AN ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORTER OF ture looks and information about the artist/theme. The Youth Transitions Program’s Summer in the City PLATE LIGHTHOUSES ON THE MAG MILE The ‘iBeacons’ trigger the app, which identifies the component is also prospering from fantastic com- location and downloads the information. munity support. This Program allows our students Huber was so impacted by the effort that he offered to be the Ultimately, the AWARE app provides those who to learn life skills while ex- presenting sponsor. He is also a fan of acclaimed artist Jeff are visually impaired independence and freedom periencing adventures like Hanson, who is among those participating in the event, and to explore at their own pace and without limits. a Wrigley Field Tour, Lake asked him to design the Huber lighthouse. Michigan boat cruise, and a Above: David Huber. The general public can take a self-guided tour of (fully accessible) night at the Right: David Huber (far Having a visual impairment himself, Mr. Huber is a supporter the lighthouses by downloading OTOCAST. Both theater. Thanks to increased right) poses with his of a core mission of the public art display, to break down barri- apps are FREE. support, including incred- family/friends and Jeff ers and extend more opportunities for members of the dis- Hear from the Artist ible funding from Reader’s Hanson (in colorful abled community. Digest Partners for Sight shirt,) artist of the Huber Foundation, we were able Financial, LLC sponsored “From my own experience, I know first-hand what we can Aware Summer in the City participants bring to the table and what we can achieve if given the Audible Wayfinder to expand this Program to lighthouse. for People Who are Blind visit Lighthouses on The Mag Mile. chance to do so!” two weeks for the first time.

- Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID As you As you Permit No. 9119 Chicago, IL ,” a colorful ,”

Jeff Hanson, 1850 W. Roosevelt Road • Chicago, IL 60608-1288

. I want to extend special extend . I want to UPCOMING EVENTS ®

Lighthouses on The Mag Mile June 19 - August 11 | Chicago’s Magnificent Mile® Sailing Chicago Harbor

FLAIR. Fun. Fashion. Philanthropy.TM We ask that you become beacons too! ask that you We Tuesday, October 2 | Loews Chicago Hotel

Style for Sight

We all have a role to play. All of us at The ChicagoThe at us of All play. to role a have all We Thursday, November 8 | ENAZ | Highland Park, IL

According to national statistics, 70% of Ameri

cans with severe disabilities are unemployed. cans with severe But for change to happen, each of us must do our part. what you ask yourselves, our lighthouses this summer, enjoy can do to create access and inclusion for our fellow citizens disabilities. with Lighthouse are beacons.

as many other visionary individuals and organizations, especially especially organizations, and individuals visionary other many as The Magnificent Mile Association Lighthouse sponsors, including many appreciation to all the of course, all the artists who have Board Members, and participated. Among them is a dear friend of The Lighthouse, work, which adorns who has gained international fame for his Buffet and Sir Elton John. In of Warren the homes of the likes a Huber, Mr. chosen by impaired, was is visually who Jeff, fact, long time admirer, to personally design his Heavy firm’s lighthouse. texture and bright colors, which definedepicted in his lighthouse. “ Jeff’s art, are Michigan lighthouse. summer garden surrounding a scenic Lake 24, is embarking on an ambitious goal to raise Jeff, the time he hits 30. charities by $10 million for children’s see samples of his work, visit: jeffhansonart.com. To Similar messages of hope and optimism will be reflected in all the other lighthouses as well. barriers and open is to break down Our intent with this exhibit more doors for people with disabilities. Despite the progress that has been made, much more still needs to be done to ensure full equality.

Summer 2018

, a free public art

It was - - -