Ryan Chester with Design Evanston: Chicago Reflected

In collaboration with Design Evanston, Bookends & Beginnings will host a presentation by architect Ryan Chester of his new book, Chicago Reflected, a unique and playful hand-drawn exploration of the Chicago

River’s landscape.

In March 2020, Ryan Chester began drawing the Chicago River for at least one hour every day. Using only a pen, he moved methodically along a single massive roll of paper, staying connected with his adopted city throughout the COVID pandemic by carefully documenting by hand the beautiful intricacies of Chicago's riverfront architecture, boats, and bridges.

As completed, Chester's two-foot-high, fifty-five-foot-long drawing is a unique vision. In addition to dozens of accurately depicted buildings, Chester included pieces of Chicago's past, including the Union Station Concourse Building that was demolished in 1969 and the immense SS Eastland, which sank in the river in 1915, killing hundreds of people. Recent architecture is featured as well, including Studio Gang's St. Regis Chicago tower and the Bank of America Tower by Goettsch Partners. An essay by acclaimed writer Thomas Dyja accompanies the accordion-fold presentation of Chester's drawing.

The Bookends & Beginnings MiniBar will be open, serving wine, beer, cocktails, and light snacks for purchase.

Host or Publisher Bookends & Beginnings