A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Chicago
While visiting the Windy City, a local friend gave me a proper insider’s tour—skipping the tourist traps in favor of beloved haunts. One stop? The legendary Tiny Lounge, once tucked into 1814 W. Addison. True to its name, the space was narrow, intimate, and packed with atmosphere: black leather booths, velvet drapes, flickering votives, and a back room that felt like a speakeasy.
A Plastic Lens and a Painterly Surprise
Armed with my quirky Holga—a plastic-lens camera known for its soft focus and unpredictable charm—I captured this shot of the lounge’s unmistakable neon sign. The film was black and white, but I scanned it in color on a Nikon Coolscan, embracing the subtle shifts in tone. A touch of enhancement helped the lettering sing, creating an image that feels nostalgic, dreamlike, and painterly—very much like the lounge itself.
Gone, But Not Forgotten
The Tiny Lounge was razed in 2006 to make way for renovations to the Addison Brown Line station. Just before demolition, we returned with a framed print and gifted it to owner Colleen Flaherty, who graciously accepted it. The lounge may be gone, but this image preserves its spirit.
Awards & Recognition-
Third Place in the Visual Arts Alliance 40th Juried Open Exhibition (July 2024).
Available in a Limited Edition of 25 prints, with 2 Artist Proofs
