As of this writing, it’s too hot to stay outdoors for an extended period–even for photographing–not unlike sub-zero blizzard weather. Fortunately, our major museums and galleries are air-conditioned, and there is an array of exhibits waiting for you and your mates to visit.
This is as good a place to begin as any: http://www.mcachicago.org/exhibitions/now/2012/291 and the “Contemptible” is free to Illinois residents on Tuesdays. There are six or eight engaging exhibits; here is a page, containing 95 more theses, from the Molly Zuckerman-Hartung exhibit handout (this text is reproduced on one wall of the gallery):
Martha Schneider’s Gallery is featuring an important group show which includes Patty Carroll and Thomas Kellner: http://schneidergallerychicago.com/home.html
The Catherine Edelman Gallery has a major group show called Installed. http://edelmangallery.com/exhibitions/2012/installed/installed.htm
The ‘tute has Roy Lichtenstein, Dawoud Bey, and Film and Photo in New York: http://www.artic.edu/exhibition/film-and-photo-new-york
MCOP has Peripheral Views: States of America, which includes a contribution from Harry Shearer(!).
DePaul’s http://museums.depaul.edu/exhibitions/ show is called Drawn from Photography.
Don’t forget that Metra has a weekend rate, and you can always contact me for help.
Creative Camerawork 