Category Archives: Arts

Visualizing Earth’s Water

Posted on December 9, 2012 by Michael Bryson

Here is an image posted by one of my students to the last discussion forum of this semester in my Sustainability Studies 220 Water course, along with her comment about it. It can sometimes be challenging to wrap our minds … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts, Classes, Literature, Photography, Students, Sustainability, Water | Comments Off

Cosmic Outlaws: Coming of Age after the End of Nature (a call for papers)

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Michael Bryson

I recently received this intriguing call for papers through email. If you’re a young and aspiring writer and have an interest in the natural environment, sustainability issues, and related subjects, check this out! In the prescient 1988 book, The End … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts, Books, Literature, Sustainability | Comments Off

City Creatures Writer’s/Artist’s Retreat at the Indiana Dunes (Midstream Reflections)

Posted on May 26, 2012 by Michael Bryson

There are many times when I give thanks for having the wonderful job of being a professor — and today is one such day. I’m writing this update from a motel room in Chesterton, Indiana, where I’m attending a writer’s/artist’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts, Chicago, Conferences, Events, Literature, Urban ecology, Urban nature, Wildlife | Comments Off

Ryan Hodgson-Rigsbee Publishes Urban Nature #10

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Michael Bryson

My friend and fellow urban nature admirer, Ryan Hodgson-Rigsbee, recently left his home turf of Chicago to live in and explore New Orleans. But Ryan’s still creating amazing work about the City of Big Shoulders. Check out his newest edition … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts, Chicago, Photography, Urban nature | 1 Comment

Russell Hoban (1925-2011), renowned author for young and old

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Michael Bryson

One of my favorite children’s authors, Russell Hoban, died this past Tuesday at the age of 86. Hoban was a skilled and highly-praised novelist, as well; but as a father of young girls, I came to know his work through … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts, Criticism, Family, Literature | Comments Off

Who’s Funnier — Jerry Seinfeld or the Joliet City Council?

Posted on November 10, 2011 by Michael Bryson

Two weeks ago my wife and I took a rare break from our humdrum lives as sleep-deprived and chore-obsessed parents of small children, and indulged ourselves in a night’s entertainment at Joliet’s historic Rialto Theatre, which for one glorious and … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts, Community, Economics, Joliet, Politics | Comments Off

Can Joliet Afford To Neglect the Arts?

Posted on October 6, 2011 by Michael Bryson

After a summer of disconcerting inaction on Joliet’s $23 million shortfall for 2012, budget deliberations in Joliet’s City Hall have really heated up. Mayor Tom Giarrante’s proposed plan combines tax hikes, service cuts, pension payment restructuring, and planned negotiations with … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts, Economics, Joliet, Politics | Comments Off