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You might have noticed a new addition to the Children’s Playlot/Horse Park on Sedgwick! A new sculpture by the late John Kearney. This sculpture has graced Rush University Medical Center for many years. Due to renovations the hospital was seeking a new home. After contacting the Chicago Sculpture Exhibit, our former Alderman, Vi Daley suggested the space where two of John’s horses currently reside. And the planning began. An artist/installer was contacted and visited both Rush and the Triangle Park to determine how best to proceed. A quote was provided and a generous neighbor offered to donate funds to make it happen. On Monday, December 9th a small crane arrived with the new sculpture at the site on the 1800 block of Sedgwick. The plaza, formerly Ogden Avenue, now has three sculptural animals and a children’s playlot to offer respite to all who wish to visit. For the holiday season, this newest addition is sporting a lovely wreath in celebration of joining the others. The Neighborhood Improvements Committee (NIC) has again brought more beauty and joy to the Triangle. Our sincere thanks to everyone who stepped up to make this a reality. Not sure where this is? If the space had an address it would be 1824 N Sedgwick . Between the children’s playlot and two existing sculptures of horses by John Kearney. |
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We are thrilled to announce a special event celebrating 75 incredible years of our neighborhood’s OLD TOWN ART FAIR, and the community, past and present, that continues this accomplishment.
Join us for a joyous cocktail party fundraiser to honor this milestone and the vibrant spirit that makes our neighborhood so special. Here are some fun details.
Early Bird Pricing for OTTA Members!
The Flat Cats band will entertain us with music through the decades while you enjoy appetizers, wine, beer, and a signature cocktail or two.
Photo Booth for you and your friends to make a memory
Raffles, Silent Auctions and Special Guests
Cocktail Attire – you are encouraged to dress in a decade of your choosing
More details to follow.
Here are the Slated Candidates for the Old Town Triangle Board for 2025.
On October 31, 2024, the Nominating Committee Chair submitted to the OTTA Secretary the list of candidates the Committee slated for the 2025 Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee is an ad hoc group comprising 3-5 members, including at least one current Board Member, selected annually by the Board in September. The Committee’s primary task is to recommend a slate of candidates for open Officer and Director positions from among members who express interest in serving in a Board capacity.
Once the slate of candidates has been picked by the Committee, the slate is presented to and approved by the OTTA Membership in an open vote that takes place on January 23, 2025, at the OTTA’s Annual Dinner & Meeting. Members interested in opposing the slate and running for a Board position can do so by following the process set forth in the By-Laws. Details on that process are described below.
This year, the Committee had the pleasure of reviewing applications and conducting interviews with many candidates. After thorough and thoughtful deliberation, the Committee unanimously endorsed a slate that, alongside the continuing Board members, is best positioned to:
We extend our gratitude to all the applicants for their interest in serving in a Board role.
Brief bios for each candidate are included below. Here is the nominated slate:
President: Ray Clark*
Vice-President: Matt Langer
Secretary: Harrison (Sony) Oliff
Treasurer: Drew Roesch*
Director: Ben Wolfe
Director: Kim Thorstenson
*Indicates served on 2024 OTTA Board
Returning Directors:
Beth Burke
Elaine Frei
Lotika Pai
Aneta Tomaszkiewicz
Ray Clark, President 
Ray looks forward to continuing the work he began as OTTA President, leading the implementation of the new strategic priorities. Ray is an architect and structural engineer with extensive experience leading teams, organizations, and projects. Demonstrating a strong commitment to service and community building since moving to the area, he has volunteered for a wide variety of OTTA events and activities and has participated in or chaired various committees. Most recently, as chair of the Capital Improvements Committee, he is overseeing the Triangle building renovation project, aiming to enhance the building’s functionality and usability. As a member of the Neighborhood Improvement Committee, he is leading a study aimed at improving community accessibility. Ray is committed to guiding the Board in alignment with the new OTTA strategic priorities, valuing the volunteer base, and supporting OTTA’s mission.
Matt Langer, Vice President 
Matt brings a diverse range of experiences from his professional and volunteer roles to the role of vice president. He has contributed to various community organizations and has a background in public administration and urban public policy and holds a law degree. His career spans teaching, state government, and healthcare. His dedication to public service and passion for strategic development position him well to support OTTA’s mission. Since moving to Old Town with his family in 2021, Matt has enjoyed volunteering at the Old Town Art Fair. He is eager to use his expertise to collaborate and advance the organization’s priorities.
Harrison (Sony) Oliff, Secretary 
Sony brings rich experience to the role of Secretary. As a Human Capital Consultant, Sony drives projects focused on the adoption of transformational change, leveraging his expertise in organizational development, strategic planning, and community engagement. He recently contributed to OTTA strategic planning work and has volunteered at the Old Town Art Fair. Sony serves as a Volunteer Coordinator for Maot Chitim of Greater Chicago, organizing volunteers to deliver food to those in need for Jewish holidays. He is passionate about community building and increasing engagement by offering events that attract a wide range of community members. Sony aims to strengthen OTTA’s connections within the community, particularly with renters and early career residents, ensuring they feel integrated and invested.
Drew Roesch, Treasurer 
Drew is eager to continue his work as Treasurer for OTTA. Since he began this role in early 2024, he has focused on executing a detailed re-evaluation of all revenue and expense line items, working toward a balanced budget. He has collaborated with other Board members and committees to identify new and creative opportunities to strengthen the organization’s financial standing. Drew’s goal is to create a more sustainable financial future for OTTA and to better leverage the Triangle building for community engagement. He brings to the Treasurer role significant experience as a financial consultant specializing in revenue and expense management, with a focus in the government sector. Drew has previously volunteered as a member of a planning team supporting student service trips. Drew and his family enjoy the many events and activities offered by OTTA.
Kim Thorstenson, Director 
A long-time community member, Kim brings a wealth of skills and experiences to the director role. Most recently, as a member of the Events Committee, she helped execute numerous events, including leading two new initiatives in partnership with local organizations: a movie night and a concert in the park. She contributed to Earth Day as an artist supporting the Little Libraries project. Kim is driven by her passion for building community connections and expanding the organization’s reach to all residents, especially among Triangle renters. With a fine arts degree and expertise as a graphic illustrator, she values creativity and engagement as tools for fostering community spirit.
Ben looks forward to supporting the Board officers in implementing the organization’s strategic priorities in the role of director. He is dedicated to community safety and preserving the neighborhood’s charm and character. Ben’s volunteer contributions include serving as a long-term docent for the Chicago Architecture Center and advising its Board on digital transformation. He works in nonprofit healthcare, leading strategic technology and organizational change initiatives. He brings a focus on collaboration and expertise in leading change. Tim and his family enjoy participating in OTTA events and appreciate the organization’s role in enhancing neighborhood life.
Thanks to State of Illinois Grants from our local State Legislators, Senator Sara Feigenholtz and Representative Margaret Croke, renovations to the Old Town Triangle Center are finally able to take shape. The Old Town Triangle Association has budgeted reserve funds to add to the grants already approved. But it is an old building and everyone knows that there are always unexpected situations that arise.
This effort began by removing all of the flooring, due to a layer of mastic adhering a lower layer of tiles. The building is now sporting its concrete subfloor and all activities in the south room are halted for the foreseeable future. That was our first surprise and more are expected.
We hope that you will consider making a donation to the Capital Campaign if you are planning to make charitable donations before year end. There are many levels and options available. Please send an email to info@oldtowntriangle.com to schedule a time to discuss how we might work together. Any and all funding levels will be appreciated.
Click here to view drawings and get a better idea of where you might make the most impact.
NIGHT SHIFT
“Night Shift” is a series of imaginary paintings exploring psychological states, more than actual physical places. Although the paintings suggest actual places, the artist has freely altered the architecture and mixed scenes of various cities. The work suggests emotional places, and only vaguely references geographical ones. The title implies a shift from the visual world revealed in daylight to the more hidden interior world obscured in the darkness of night.
Ken Minami is a Chicago painter educated in the tradition of the 19th-Century Boston School. He continues to paint still life and figurative works from life with the intention of faithfully rendering the visual world as it presents itself. These nighttime urban paintings are a departure from that practice. It’s a shift into attempting to paint a scene that only exists in his imagination. His Instagram is @minami6275.
Opening Reception: Friday, October 25 | 6 to 8 PM
Lincoln Park Art Night: Thursday, November 14 | 5:30 to 8:30 PM
Exhibition: October 22 to December 14
Gallery Hours:
Tuesday – Friday 10 to 5 PM
Saturday 10 to 1 PM
Excited about Oktoberfest? Third Thursday events? The Art Fair and the 75th Anniversary? Interested in our neighborhood Parks? Safety in our area? Twin Neighborhoods with Montmartre, Paris? Join the OTTA Board of Directors and help navigate the Triangle Association as we move into a new period. Building renovations will allow for more activities and more community opportunities.
Join us to help move the organization forward and bring new energy to our great neighborhood. Board members chair one committee, which should meet once a month, attend monthly Board meetings, and participate in events.
The Nominating Committee is seeking applications from candidates for the offices of President, First Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer; and for two open positions as Directors.
Applications can be found here.
Please fill out the application and submit via email to nominations@oldtowntriangle.com. The Nominating Committee will be reviewing applications and will follow up with more information regarding deadlines and interview dates.
Do you know someone else who you think would be perfect? Send them this email or send an email to nominations@oldtowntriangle.com with their name and email and we can drop them a line.
Chair: Laura Becker
Members: Vi Daley, Dorothy DeCarlo, Leah Marshall, David Montgomery
It’s that time of year!
Join us for the best evening of the season! Neighbors and friends! Music by the world famous, Keith Stras & Polka Confetti! Brats, Pretzels, sauerkraut and more from neighborhood fave, Glunz Tavern. Kids games. Adult games. Dancing. Seasonal beer. And so much more!
Members – make sure you are logged in to receive your membership discount!
“I like to travel, and I take numerous photographs, almost always thinking they might become part of a painting. Favorite subjects: mountains and rushing water, waves, city life, panoramas, and vistas; sometimes people. Favorites are the American West and especially Colorado.”
John is an engineer by training and a college professor in business by trade. All of his paintings are pastels, and he devotes a lot of time to thinking about and planning each painting, though he frequently tweaks the painting and deviates from the plan. Working evenings and weekends, each painting takes 3-6 weeks to complete. John is largely self-taught and became interested in art before grammar school. He considers each painting to be a new learning experience and somewhat of an experiment.
Opening Reception: Sunday, September 8 | 2 to 4 PM
Exhibition: September 7 to October 3