2. “A community is the mental and
spiritual condition of knowing
that the place is shared, and that
the people who share the place
define and limit the possibilities of
each other's lives.”
WENDELL BERRY
?!
3. Possibility Potlucks are neighborly
meals in empty storefronts that set
the table for connections between
people, places, & possibilities.
These dinners were started in 2012 by the
League of Awesome Possibilities as a more
human way to explore urban vacancy. Guests
include neighbors, friends, local business
owners, property owners, community leaders,
activists, and designers.
We believe that activating spaces with the of
creative conversation, new connections, and
community centered ideas can jumpstart a
transformation from vacancy to vibrancy.
?!
4. This summer’s main potluck was
co-hosted by the Ravenswood
Community Council and The
League of Awesome Possibilities.
It took place along the Lawrence Corridor in
the Ravenswood neighborhood of Chicago.
Slated for exciting investment over the next
three years, we explored what it meant to
start activating Lawrence today. We asked:
What do we love about & hope for this
neighborhood?
What are our neighbors needs & wants?
How can we promote the conditions for
small businesses and local character to
thrive?
5. We worked with
to capture
neighborhood ideas
and translate into
usable data.
Special thanks to Dan and
Tom from Neighborland for
their awesome ongoing
support.
online
www.neighborland.com/ravenswood
mobile
773-828-4004
Neighborland
6. During the first weekend of August
2013, we spent the weekend
transforming three storefonts on
Lawrence Avenue at Hermitage.
This exercise in placemaking transformed
people’s perceptions of the persistently
vacant corner.
We did a graphic facelift of the facade –
inviting people to pause & interact. We
created a parklet for people to gather,
captured interactions with 200+
pedestrians and we hosted a possibility
potluck with 100+ neighbors & friends.
?!
7. A volunteer board
captured the
placemaking &
potluck
projects & needs
Neighbors pitched in with
core Ravenswood
Community Council and
Awesome League of
Possibilities volunteers to
transform the space.
Special thanks to Adam, Danielle, Cecilia,
Charles, Jared, Emily, Marco, Jenny, Ray,
Lizzie, Cindy, Susan, Alex, Nishi, Max, Jess,
& many others.
8. Texture & color
helped fill once empty
storefronts, giving a
hint at what they
could be.
Special thanks for Haiser
Design for the cut vinyl
installation, Jenny Beorkrem
for the neighborhood map &
design assistance, SSA #31
for signage funding, and
Melanie Kahl for design.
9. A forgotten lawn was
replaced with bright
colors and light,
creating a place for
people to gather.
Special thanks to
Patch Landscaping for the
parklet, flower lending, and
chalkboard installation. And
to the neighborhood children
who helped decorate the
space with pictures of their
community.
11. The Potluck on Sunday
August 4th, had over 100+
guests stop by for
conversation, connection,
and the exchange of ideas.
Upon entering, you could grab a
passport that acted as a guide for the
evening, circulating folks from the
gallery to neighborland installation,
community cork board to madlib
station.
?!
MEET A SMALL BUSINESS
Learn more about what fuels our shops,
studios, and local economy. #localfaves
WANDER AROUND
There’s so much to love around here. Where
do you love to wander? #walkyourcity
SHARE YOUR STORY
We’re collecting faces and stories of
our neighborhood. #madlib
GIVE A FRESH IDEA
What do you want to see in the neighborhood?
Share your needs, dreams, ideas! #neighborland
GREET YOUR NEIGHBORS
From block clubs to block parties, learn
how people build stronger blocks. #hineighbor
APPRECIATE LOCAL DESIGN
Art and design fills Ravenswood. Learn
more about our creative culture & see art!
#printlocal #neighborly #chidesign
Your Passport
12. Civic Designs
Delicious Design League
Draplin Design Co
Dylan Allread
GIGART
Heads of State
Joe Mills
Kelly Pratt
Kevin Lucius
Little Canoe
Matte Stephens
Ork Posters
Orange Beautiful
Ryan Kapp
Starshaped Press
Steve Shanabruch
Studio Chris
A gallery of place
Chicago in print
?!
Jenny Beorkrem Steve Shanabruch
Curator Collaborator
14. A gallery of place
Children’s drawings of Chicago
15. Begyle Brewing Company
Brew Camp!
Cafe Selmarie
Casa Dolce
Jo Snow
Spacca Napoli
Troquet
&
Neighbors & Friends
Pottery from
Lillstreet Art Center
Succulents from
Alapash Home
Potluck Partners
Food & Drinks
16. INTERIORS
Design Within Reach
Friends at Cannon Design
The Griffin Company
Interface
Morlen Sinoway Atelier
The Rüder Group
Shaw Contract Group
SUPPLIES & PLACE
C. Bachmann & Associates
Crafty Beaver
Ravenswood Event Center
Patch Landscaping
SSA #31
Haiser Design
LillBug Design
Potluck Partners
Design & Place
17.
18.
19.
20.
21. A Possibility Potluck is a start to a
larger conversation.
How do we measure success?
We capture the numbers, ideas,
& insights, but also measure in
creative collaborations, new
connections, & continued
activation.
We will continue share insights
www.awesomeleague.org
www.ravenswoodcommunity.org
Share your ideas
neighborland.com/ravenswood
Keep in touch:
Melanie:
leagueofawesomepossibilities@gmail.com
Charlie:
charles@ravenswoodcommmunity.org
What next?
Open to possibilities
