Murals, clothing swap, Ochin Pahki, and more

Today’s the final day to throw down on a community mural going up in Belmont Cragin. Hades Underworld Tattoo Studio and AnySquared Projects invite volunteers to join them for a cookout and live mural painting at 5034 W. Armitage. Meet neighbors and learn more about the area’s history. Hours have varied daily, but painting should be happening today from 11 AM-3 PM. Check Anysquared’s Instagram for the latest information.

Han Training (743 W. Irving Park), one of the most body-positive and queer-friendly gyms in the city, is hosting a free clothing swap. From 11 AM-4 PM, they’re opening their doors to anyone looking to clean out their closets and/or get new threads. Bringing clothes is not necessary. If you do bring clothes, please limit yourself to two bags; the Han Training facility is small! Extra hangers and clothing racks (to be loaned for the duration of the event) are also welcome. Regarding accessibility Han Training explains on their Instagram: “All of our space except for the restroom is accessible to mobility devices, our overhead lights are diffused, and ear plugs are always available at the front desk. If you have any additional questions please reach out to our events coordinator Andie at andie@hantrainingchicago.com.” Masks and proof of vaccination are required.

From 1-4 PM, folk music troop Ochin Pahki is performing at SpaceShift (2709 W. Devon) to raise money for Pakistan flood relief. In Bengali, “Ochin Pakhi” means “the unknown bird,” and the phrase was coined by spiritual philosophers as a metaphor for the heart. With a focus on connection and social reform, Ochin Pakhi perform folk songs from West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh. This set is intended to call attention to how climate change, which is largely influenced by the western world, is impacting parts of the eastern hemisphere as part of a larger system of environmental systemic racism. Donations of your choosing will be collected at the door, but if you can’t make it out, you can also send something digitally.

Ochin Pakhi performing in 2021

What can translation do? What can’t it do? Chicago-based translators Izidora Angel and Alta Price explore these questions through discussing the translated work of two journalists-turned-novelists (Nataliya Deleva’s Four Minutes and Mithu Sanyal’s Identitti) in today’s free program New Takes on Exile Literature: Transcending Bodies and Borders. How does translation blur boundaries between fact and fiction and inform (or misinform) audiences removed from the texts’ culture? Join the discussion at 3 PM at Exile in Bookville (410 S. Michigan, Suite 210).

Nobody’s Darling (1766 W. Balmoral) is hosting “Outcast Showcase,” a staff art show. Ever wanted to know more about the minds who make this queer bar possible? Check out their work from 3-7 PM.

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