Filmmakers at GEEE

Most events at the Archive House are held on the first floor.  The Exchange Book is full of neighbors, especially curious youth who find their way up to the second floor.  We're aware of Greater Chicagolanders, visitors from other states, and international guests to Dorchester Projects, but few document their visit.

I believe part of it is they don't know to bring something to trade, others might be wary of interacting with the art and some people don't believe that if they left a note as we request it would be a meaningful.

That's why I'm so pleased Ife left a sweet note and a business card.  We wish them well on THEIR documentation of the world through their mission!

Autumn Yet Again Arrives at GEEE

The basil, pepper plants, help-yourself parsley and Mexican daisies are just about all that is left at the exterior GEEE site behind the Archive House.  It's still gorgeous in the yard, be it nippy at times, leaves dusting the ground. People still venture out during Open House hours, more reading the notes and poems than trading.

Succulents

Succulents Are the Theme for Indoor Gardening at GEEE

As the light begins to dim this Autumn, the herbs, coleus and scented geranium are having a harder time in the Archive House.

Succulents seem to be doing much better, so we've restocked the shelves with terrarium-like displays of succulents.

We've also restocked the jams with the summer's bounty: Red Haven Peach Spiced Jam, Apple Preserves
Concord Grape Jam, Honey Crisp Apple Butter and Roasted Red Onion Jam.

Amira and Ahmad

It must have been July because I was tending to the 5 tomato plants we were growing in modified 5-gallon buckets behind the Archive House. A voice called from maybe 30 feet away, "What are you doing?" I could see half a head, nose on up, peering over a fence a yard away. She introduced herself as Amira and her brother Ahmad. We chatted for a bit. I explained GEEE ever so basically, until Marlease stepped out the back door, "Hello, Ameera. How are you? Now please don't bother Mr. Patrick while he's working." I was taken back to Mississippi where I grew up for a moment.

"Oh, she's not bothering me. I'm about done, anyway," I said.

"Can I come over?" Amira chimed in quickly.

"No, we're not open, but you can come over Sunday for the Open House."

I packed up and left with good-byes.

I saw Amira regularly over the summer and into the Fall in the backyards and at Open Houses with Ahmad and the other neighbor girl, Indigo. Indigo informed me which tomato plants was hers, and later that summer I noticed it tagged with sparkly stickers. I even helped Ahmad's friend put his chain back on his bike once.