The Dwell Guide to Events in Your City

Wednesday, February 20

Authors Franz Schulze and Arthur Miller discuss Lake Forest College: A Guide to the Campus discuss, a collection of essays by students and faculty. 12:15-1 p.m.; The Chicago Architecture Foundation, John Buck Company Lecture Hall Gallery at the ArchiCenter, 224 S. Michigan Avenue; (312) 922-3432; www.architecture.org

After Chicago enacted a smoking ban, Susan Goss of West Town Tavern distributed her collection of old ashtrays to local artists. She opens an exhibit of the results today (and follows with an auction to benefit Erie Neighborhood House, an organization that aids Latino children). Through February 26. The Architrouve, 1433 W Chicago Ave.; (312) 563-0977; www.thearchitrouve.com

Thursday, February 21

Sure, that persnickety librarian has made you want to shout. But have you ever dreamed of hearing her sing? At the Chicago Public Library, staff and guests dress up as their favorite Motown superstars and belt those classic songs. 5:30 p.m.; Chicago Public Library - West Chicago Branch, 4856 W Chicago Ave.; (312) 743-0260; www.chipublib.org/003cpl/calendar/cplcalendar.html

The Artists at Work Forum lets you in on the Chicago arts scene’s dirty little secrets. Tonight, Department of Cultural Affairs discuss the way exhibitions are chosen and designed.  Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.; (312) 744-6630; http://egov.cityofchicago.org

Friday, February 22

‘Tis the season for America’s dog shows. And this weekend, Chicago gets its fix of man’s best (and best-looking) friend. Through February 24. 7 a.m.-7 p.m (Fri)/ 6 a.m.-8 p.m. (Sat/Sun); McCormick Place, 2301 S Lake Shore Dr.; (312) 791-7000; www.ikcdogshow.com

So your museum buddy goes into hysterics over a painting that leaves you cold. What’s the deal? David Bradley, psychology professor at the University of Chicago, gives the science behind our different emotional responses to art. 12 p.m.; University of Chicago, Smart Musuem of Art, 5550 S Greenwood Ave.; (773) 702-0200; https://events.uchicago.edu

For those who give a hoot, experts at the North Park Village Nature Center lead a late-night, owl-spotting hike. 7-9 p.m.; North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N Pulaski Rd.; (312) 744-5472; www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

Saturday, February 23

A survey of contemporary artist Karen Kilimnik opens at the MCA today. Emerging in the late 80s and early 90s, Klimnik won recognition for her “scatter art installations” and, more recently, for her paintings. 220 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago; (312) 280-2660; www.mcachicago.org

To learn more about the artist, attend this talk by University of Pennsylvania’s contemporary art expert Ingrid Schaffner. 1 p.m.; 220 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago; (312) 280-2660; www.mcachicago.org

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