The Dwell Guide to Events in Your City

Wednesday, March 19

Preservation activist Anthony C. Wood,introduces his new book, Preserving New York: Winning the Right to Protect a City’s Landmarks. 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

Thursday, March 20

Scott Simon, who hosts Weekend Edition on NPR, reads from his new novel, Windy City, a tale of city politics and death by poison pizza. 12:30 p.m.; Borders, 150 N State St.; (312) 606-0750; www.bordersstores.com

Landscape designer Rinda West introduces her new book, Out of the Shadow: Ecopsychology, Story, and Encounters with the Land. 6 p.m.; 78 E. Washington St, 5th floor; 312-742-5519; egov.cityofchicago.org

Saturday, March 22

How much do you love meatsticks? So much? Then get ready to celebrate National Corndog Day with those at The Weiner and Still Champion hot dog stand. 802 Dempster St., Evanston; http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?p=147166

The Art Institute of Chicago opens an exhibit of Toshiko Takaezu’s ceramics. Asymmetrical and often abstract, her work in this age-old craft is both daring and modern. The Art Institute of Chicago,111 South Michigan Ave.; (312) 443-3600; www.artic.edu

Saxophonist Donny McCaslin has tooted his horn for Lan Xang, the Maria Schneider Orchestra, and the Dave Douglas Quintet, among other big-name jazz groups. Catch him at the Chicago Cultural Center this afternoon, 1 p.m.; Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E Washington St.; (312) 744-6630; www.greenmilljazz.com

Monday, March 24

Performing tonight is Saxophonist Paul Hartsaw, who's shared the stage with the Chicago improvised music scene's major players. Elastic Arts Foundation, 2830 N Milwaukee Ave.; (773) 772-3616; www.elasticarts.org/events.htm

Tuesday, March 25

Sustainability specialist Gail Vittori and healthcare architect Robin Guenther discuss the design of healthcare facilities and the forward-thinking projects that are shaping the future. 6-7:30 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

As part of the National Geographic Live Lecture Series, ecologist Mark Moffett discusses his brushes with snakes, scorpions, and spiders – as well as the love of nature that keeps him going. 7:30 p.m. 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.; (312) 665-7400; www.fieldmuseum.org

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