Tracey Capone's Guide To Chicago
We heart Chicago. So many amazing restaurants, one-of-a-kind cultural destinations and streets rich in history. What better way to explore the Windy City than through the lens of a local creative? That's why we're asking the talented, independent artists that comprise our online art shop to take us through their perfect Chicago day.
Up next: photographer extraordinaire Tracey Capone. Tracey's dreamy Chicago-inspired shots are favorites in our art shop and we can't get enough of her Insta-inspirational quotes. We also love that she's completely self-taught too, leaving behind the corporate world to pursue her artistic passions six years ago. As one of her favorite quotations puts it: “Sometimes the only form of transportation is a leap of faith.” - Margaret Shepard
Below, explore Tracey's favorite Chicago haunts and then head over to @artistsframe or @traceycapone on Instagram on April 27 to learn more about how you can win her "Soundwave" print, framed of course. We're giving it away to celebrate our independent art shop, a handpicked collection of unique prints from talented Chicago artists. (We sell all these prints, Tracey's included, both online and in our Lincoln Park showroom.)
Tracey Capone's Perfect Chicago Day
MORNING
1. The day would start with breakfast at Pauline’s in Andersonville. The original owners had it for years but sadly both passed away. The beautiful part of the story is a long time member of the wait staff purchased it and is now running it. The food is awesome and plentiful. It’s a little, hidden gem of Andersonville.
2. Breakfast would be followed by a stop in the Andersonville Galleria. Even before I had my own space here, I loved its concept - allowing local artists the opportunity to get themselves out there and sell their work in small rented spaces. It’s like an indoor art festival and it’s a lot of fun just poking around their three floors and two mezzanines to see what’s new.
Image via @avillegalleria
AFTERNOON
3. In the afternoon, you can find me shooting… pretty much anywhere. If it’s a beautiful spring or summer day, I'm likely at the Chicago Botanic Garden. While it’s a bit of a hike outside the city, it’s totally worth it to immerse yourself in nature and take in the beautifully-designed gardens, from the English Walled Garden to the poppy field in April.
4. If it’s not garden season, you'll find me downtown with my camera, most likely on a CTA platform photographing my “obsession” - the CTA trains. I love finding high points, like parking garages, to get a more unique perspective. Some are directly next to the tracks and you can get very cool close range shots.
Beyond the CTA, I am in love with Chicago architecture as it's so unique. Every building is different, but somehow they all work together to create this amazing landscape. I love being able to walk around the city and capture as much as I can.
Center Light by Tracey Capone. For sale in our online shop, here.
EVENING
4. Admittedly, I am not into the bar scene so I would much prefer to be at home in our studio creating something, with my husband painting behind me. When we do venture out, I head towards Andersonville. Vincent or Lady Gregory's are two favorites. They are both comfortable and cozy with amazing food. Lady Gregory’s focuses on Irish fare with a kick and Vincent has amazing mussels in an American Bistro atmosphere.
Image via @ladygregorysandersonville
Want to follow along with our local picks? Follow us on Instagram or check out our full map of #weheartchicago favorites here.
And stay tuned, we'll be continuing to share perfect Chicago days with the artists from our online shop over the coming months.