Anyone willing to give a thoughtful, honest, yet respectful, critique is welcome.  Many topics, genres and forms are welcome (Ex. chapter of a novel, short story, play, poem, article, essay, etc.).  While publishing is a worthy goal, the focus of this group is helping writers fine tune works, which either have literary value or are otherwise substantive (i.e. scholarly).  All such works are welcome. Those concerned with poverty, and / or human and animal rights and welfare, and similar issues (i …

Meet other local writers and let creativity bloom! Come to the Writers Circle to review work, trade literary tips, make friends and have fun! All writers -- and should-be writers -- are welcome! The best way to develop your skills as a writer is to practice, practice, and practice some more. Yet we all know that writing by yourself can be a lonely occupation, that misses out on the all-important motivation component. Therefore, it may help to join the writers circle--a band of peers who will rea …

Feeling stuck, in a rut? Has life become dull or purposeless? Need a boost to your creativity? Just want to unearth your creativity? Join me for The Artist's Way. Based on Julia Cameron's book of the same title, we will create a very safe, nurturing community in which to discover and/or rejuvenate your creative self.

" We are an urban melting pot of comedians, improvisers of color, musicians, diverse actors, poets, storytellers and professionals who love art, comedy, culture, storytelling, conversation and people. We use our art, conversation, point of view, to "REACH" and have an impact on our community and the world around us. We are a funny, serious, risky, ecelectic and prolific group . Meet up with us to network, improvise, share industry news, perform build business and play!"

This group is for published, established and working writers who seek fraternity, conversation and friendship. Join if you're a published/established/working writer looking for the company of your peers, and seeking like-minded companions for talk, dining, museums, films, concerts, travel and other activities.

This Artists Way Meetup was created to provide you with the opportunity to meet others artists who are working, and working ON working. We have occasional meetings, and many opportunities to jump-start your creative process by trying new media and modes of working.

A group of writers, whether published or not, who support all kinds of heroes including the brave members of our armed forces to those on the front lines in hospitals, fire stations, police departments, schools, and so much more. Our support ranges from donating books, supporting literacy efforts, and helping those who face danger and difficult challenges to explore their experiences through the power of telling their story.

Our Vision is to create a spiritual community of musicians, artists, singers, chanters, and dancers who come together on mother earth under our father sky. We will play the rhythms and sounds of ancient & modern tribes, aboriginal groups and devotional music. The musicians will play music, while the artists are welcome to paint or sculpt their visions. The chanters will immerse their vocals to the ethnic vibes while the dancers will move their bodies beautifully. Some of the various sounds will …

Are you a music fan?  Are you intrigued by your music idols, curious about how they got to where they are, and what inspires and makes them tick?  Are you a former groupie, feeling nostalgic? If so, meet up at our next Rock and Roll Book Gig, where we'll read the memoirs of our favorite musicians and rap about them at a local tavern.  Hell, if they're on tour, maybe we'll catch their next show! Become a fan, suggest some artists, and let’s get rockin’.

We are a group of artists and dreamers, who thrive in encouraging, empowering creative community. We gather on the First Saturday of the month to engage in a variety of artistic disciplines to hone our craft and relate to one another. We love new friends!

LIVE CHATROOM too!   Meet with other Blues fans in the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs once a month for blues, jazz, and other soulful music. This MeetUp is geared toward providing a touch point for Chicago area music lovers. If you are a musician trying to meet others to jam and/or gig with; or just want be informed about Performances & Events around town, you more than likely have a passion for the Blues, Jazz, and other soulful music. By creating events and supporting local artists' a …

We want people interested in any form of art, who want to get together with others and spend some time sharing and creating. Whether you are a painter, sculptor, writer, musician, etc. We just want a fun, free atmosphere to enhance your creativity!

(LIVE CHAT too!) Are you a FAN of LIVE MUSIC, and want to find a place to find out about new or established bands in the Chicago area? Are you in a BAND that needs some more exposure? (but really can't afford to promote it through normal chains of advertising?) Are you a PHOTOGRAPHER who likes to take pictures of bands? Well, seems you have all come to the right place! Here is the place where bands can list their upcoming gigs, and fans can peruse the different bands to see if they like their st …

A call to all artists… If you would love to get to know other area artists, talk about your ideas, projects, or dreams… come join us! On the first Friday of each month, Garden Gallery & Studio hosts First Friday at the Gallery. Join us for LIVE music, wine and amazing snacks sponsored by local eateries while you view the work of our featured artist(s) of the month. There will also be an instructor-led art activity at each event for those who want to participate in our Creative Community Series. …

Meeting to discuss our own poetry. Working out chinks in the armor, making improvements, listening for sounds, searching for themes and generally becoming more self-aware as a writer, as well as learning to become better self-critics. And of course a good place to chat with other poets and find community, and lay it on thick with pet peeves regarding the state of poetry. We would also go to occasional readings and maybe if everyone is up to it to an Open Mic as well. We will begin by meeting o …

Meet others who are interested in drawing or painting the figure. We'll try to host a variety of figure drawing sessions, including different venues, different times, and different types of modeling. We now seem to have 3 different groups that are working out. All are on Saturdays currently. We need to try some weekday evenings next, probably Wednesday or Thursday. I'm thinking of trying something new... "do it yourself" hosting. Basically anyone who has any space they can offer, even if it can …

We are about inspiring, empowering, and helping screenwriters and filmmakers reach their goals and be more successful. We're on a mission to bring more production, from start to finish, to Chicago. We're expanding to connect to funding opportunities in Chicago and around the world. We've opened this group up to screenwriters, writers, directors, producers, filmmakers, and funding resources. Please be part of it. Reach out and make this a community to help each other.

This is a group for anyone interested in learning and/or exchanging ideas directed to integrating technology into works of Art. All skills levels are welcome. The group was started in order to meet people interested in exploring issues common to integrating technology into works of Art. Looking forward to exploring strategies and best practices with anyone interested.

After searching Meetup I was too floored to find that there were no meetup groups for Real Hip Hop Lovers. Therefore, what other choice did I have but to start my own? This group is dedicated to the real Hip Hop Heads out there. If your idea of Real Hip Hop is Gucci Mane or Waka Flaka then you are definitely in the wrong group. When I say real Hip Hop I mean you love the 'Golden Era' of hip hop, when artists like Eric B. & Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Nas, De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest and KRS-One …

We decided to start this group to create an opportunity to meet new, creative people, plus help out a very deserving non-profit organization by volunteering to help- Chicago Urban Art Retreat Center.  CUARC is totally run by volunteers. Some come once, some once in awhile, and some help out once a week or more. This meet-up population will be focused on coming together and sharing our talents in a positive way--whether that be painting (artful, or home-improvement), gardening, organizing a fund …

LIVE CHAT too!  I am passionate about art and some friends and I are looking to learn more about it. We are going to check out all of the great art galleries at least once a month in River North, the West Loop, Wicker Park, and anywhere else. This Meetup Group is welcome and open to all who are residents of and visitors to Chicago. Our purpose is to meet with others who have an interest in and take enjoyment in appreciating art. The benefits are to enjoy and learn more about art, art galleries, …

"New Funky Funk Millennium". N.F.F.M. Welcome music lovers of all genres, If you are serious about your music career and like to meet-up to discuss some ways to enhance your singing or performance abilities with one another, let's meet-up and have a forum. I engineer digital music and I am looking to meet others who can contribute towards their own creativities because Music comes from everywhere and whether it is coming from the likes of Rap, Rock, Soul, Classical, Funk, Pop Instrumental, scori …

Songsalive! is a non profit organization supporting and promoting songwriters and composers worldwide. In Chicago IL, we have songwriting critique workshops with guest speakers the second Saturday of each month. We also have a songwriters showcase on the fourth Thursday of every other month.  www.songsalive.org/group/chicago for more details. Our official website is www.songsalive.org.

This is a group for people who are working on writing a novel, short story, and poem. We'll get together once a week at different locations in Chicago, depending on what's most convenient and give each other constructive criticism and ideas on our literary pieces. Looking forward to meeting all of you!

This page if for female veterans, their supporters of all genders, academics interested in female veterans issues and triumphs. This page is for artists, musicians, social workers and anyone else who believes that the voices of veterans can enrich our understanding of the world that we share. THIS IS A NO-HATE forum, devoid of judgement. Please honor this as you honor yourself.

Chicago Harmonica Meetup is a relaxed community of men and women who play the harmonica. We welcome harmonica players of all ages and abilities, from the first time novice to the advanced player. All members are treated with respect and encouraged to grow. Much of our focus is on new player development; this is the perfect starting point for the interested beginner. Come on out and get started! There are no dues or fees to join the Chicago Harmonica Meetup community. Membership is free. Our Meet …

We are an informal group of Shakespeare lovers and "aficionados" of the bard. We welcome interpretations and discussions of the Bard. However, we are Stratfordians. Please keep this in mind when you join. Join us to discuss the brilliant bawdy Bard.

Coffee with entrepreneurs, makers, developers, and creatives in the Chicago area. Meet other entrepreneurs and creatives, hear announcements on upcoming startup and creative events, and talk about startup and tech news. What better way could there be to start your day? Have a question? Get it answered at this meetup. Like to network? No problem here. Get caffeinated, start your day, and meet some interesting, creative, and smart people in the city.