The Columbia Chronicle

Fitting in when you can’t fit in

By Kendra Villiesse

September 5, 2017

While wandering around the underwear store Intimissimi in Italy this summer, I overheard a customer asking an employee about a specific bra size. The employee shook her head “no” and said that size ...

Activism shown during ‘VMAs’ should not be temporary

Grammy nominees show improvement in award diversity

By Ariana Portalatin

September 5, 2017

Although social media labeled the 2017 MTV "Video Music Awards" as dull and more boring than previous years, politics and activism took center stage. Many celebrities took the opportunity at the Aug. 27 awards...

Slime meets surreal: artist creates scenery for snails

Artist Aleia Murawski said she has been working with miniatures her whole life. She uses these tiny rooms to create spaces for the snails.

By Blair Paddock

February 13, 2017

Light pours into a tiny room, revealing a bed covered not with a pillow and sheets, but lettuce and cucumbers. Tucked inside is not a human, not a cat, but a snail.Chicago artist Aleia Murawski creates ...

Senate hearing looks to expose domestic extremism

By The Columbia Chronicle

September 24, 2012

In response to the Aug. 5 attack on a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wis. that left six dead and four wounded, members of the U.S. Senate and the victims’ families are seeking to strengthen laws already in place for prosecuting hate crimes in America.Members of the Council on American-Islamic Relations arranged a viewing of the Senate’s hearing on hate crimes and domestic extremism at their headquarters, 28 E. Jackson Blvd., on Sep...

Chicago residents’ newest neighbors

By The Columbia Chronicle

September 10, 2012

A mild winter and poor garbage upkeep throughout the city’s neighborhoods have led to a dramatic increase in Chicago’s brown rat population, according to Chicago ecologists.Complaints to City Hall have risen drastically, forcing crews to respond more quickly to 311 calls regarding the rat problem. Calls this year have risen from 12,375 in 2011 to 15,895—a 28 percent increase, according to Matt Smith, spokesman for th...

Piecing together urban homes

By Gregory Cappis

November 14, 2011

Chris Loeber, Contributing WriterThe city’s economic conditions and decreasing residential property values have made buying a home a financial risk. However, a local architectural firm may offer relief with its line of green, prefabricated homes that will be the first of its kind locally.Chicago-based Square Root Architecture and Design, an agency that focuses on creating environmentally sustainable housing, has developed t...

Christian Siriano visits Columbia, talks fashion

By Brianna Wellen

May 2, 2011

Christian Siriano, 25, has come a long way since his “Project Runway” win, striving to adapt to the changing fashion and economic climate. He’s been represented in the industry’s top runways for six seasons and continues to expand his brand. His signature designs have taken the form of a Payless shoe line, book “Fierce Style” and, most recently, a collection through the catalogue company Spiegel.He was introduced ...

Christian Siriano still fierce; talks with the Chronicle about designs, future visit

By Brianna Wellen

April 18, 2011

Fresh from design school at age 21, Christian Siriano was launched into the fashion world as the youngest winner of “Project Runway” and his designs have been a staple in celebrity wardrobes and runway shows ever since. Now, 25, Siriano expanded his brand, wrote a book and is involved with a number of other quirky projects that go beyond couture clientele.In an attempt to reach new audiences in person, he’s been trav...

Celebrities announced, stage set for Conversations

By Katy Nielsen

September 27, 2010

Columbia announced its three speakers for the sixth year of Conversations in the Arts, a series of in-depth interviews featuring prominent cultural figures in the fine and performing arts.Speakers include singer/songwriter/poet Patti Smith on Nov. 30, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and actor Sam Shepard on Feb. 22, 2011, and the season four “Project Runway” winner Christian Siriano on April 25, 2011.“All of these ...