At KOVAL, we’re no strangers to incorporating technology with design. Nowadays, it’s almost impossible to have one without the other. Kit and Ace, a clothing brand synonymous with simplicity and innovation, creates smart apparel with functionality in mind.  We spoke with Kimberly Stablein from the Fulton Market location about what it means to be a part of Kit and Ace and how the brand connected to Chicago.

All photo credits to Tomoiki Sekine and his team.    

Art and alcohol meet at nokishita711, a popular gin bar located in Kyoto, Japan. Drink Director Tomoiki Sekine expresses his love for gin with artisanal cocktail making and photography that takes his drinks to a new level. If you’re in the area, stop by Hotel Anteroom Kyoto, 幾星  (Ikusei), and C&D 先斗 (ponto) to try a unique KOVAL cocktail somewhere new.

Photo Credit: New York Times

Today we celebrate determination, innovation, and humanitarianism. Sixty-two years ago, Doctor Jonas Salk released the polio vaccine to the public. From 1947 and until its release, Salk worked relentlessly to create an easy to distribute solution to an epidemic plaguing the world’s youth.

In 1952 in the United States alone there were more than 57,000 cases of polio (also known as infantile paralysis). Salk’s vaccine eliminated Polio in the United States and in many places around the world. This would have not been possible if it weren’t for Salk’s explicit wish to make the vaccine available for public use. He never sought out a patent nor sold a patent for the vaccine, stating, “There is no patent. Could you patent the sun?”

It’s today that we celebrate the birth of a cure and the selflessness of an individual eager to better the world around him.

Theater has always played a pivotal role in using art as a medium for social justice. The Black Ensemble Theater exemplifies this use of the stage as a channel for social change. Established in 1976, the Black Ensemble Theater is known for providing exceptional musical theater, while never abandoning its mission to eradicate racism and celebrate African American history and culture. With 55,000 visitors a year, the Black Ensemble Theater has earned its place as one of the most nationally acclaimed theaters with an influence that reaches well beyond the stage.

Founder Jackie Taylor is a Chicago theater maven, having written and produced over 100 plays and musical biographies. She has also acted in films alongside greats like Sidney Poitier, Vanessa Williams, and received numerous accolades, including a spot on the “Top 10 in the Arts in the Chicago Sun-Times’ 100 Most Powerful Women”.

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, Jackie, our neighborhood icon, spoke to us about to the advice she would give to young women today. Her advice centered around not letting anything get in the way of one's goals, least of all fear. As she says: “Accept the fear, don’t act on it. Feel the fear and it will dissipate.”

Jackie is certainly an example for moving forward unafraid and we are proud to have her and the Black Ensemble Theater as part of our neighborhood.

If you’re looking to visit the Black Ensemble Theater, we highly recommend grabbing tickets for My Brother’s Keeper: The Story of the Nicholas Brothers. Look forward to the 12th Annual Black Playwrights Festival next month, too. The festival will celebrate Reginald Williams and Ervin Gardner, both recipients of the title Black Playwright of the Year.

Tucked away underneath the foliage of the famous Garfield Park Conservatory, artist Keara McGraw finds inspiration and centers herself. It's hard to find a quiet space in Chicago, a city that rarely slams down on the brakes. Hidden pockets take little time to evolve into everyone's favorite gathering place and to tune out all the noise can be hard, even when the noise is sometimes a source of comfort (We choose to live in a big city for a reason, right?). In a space as serene as the Conservatory, it's no wonder Keara visits often. This week we took the trip with Keara and sat down with her to ask a little more about her work, her inspiration, and why she loves Chicago.

Or Gotham, a New York-based illustrator, cites his inspirations as Robert Rauschenberg and Batman—and it shows. We first noticed Or's illustrations through his work with Warby Parker, and were immediately drawn to the witty and simplistic styles represented in his portfolio. Because illustration is a classic medium that's constantly adapting, we were curious to talk to Or and have him explore the idea of rethinking traditional spirit-making and cocktail practices through photographs and illustrations. 

Even classics have to start from somewhere.