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Paintings, Poetry, and Pausing The Art Institute of Chicago
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Afternoon tea follows at Russian Tea House

We are offering two options for Paintings, Poetry, and Pausing on Wednesday, October 7. Each option includes a 90-minute guided gallery experience with lecturer Gigi Vaffis and poet Nancy J. Hill, a private afternoon tea at Russian Tea Time, additional poetry readings, conversation, and a signed copy of Soul Echoes.
 
Guests will leave with more than a signed book and a beautiful afternoon. They will experience how poetry and art invite them to embrace all of who they are.
 
Please Note: Programs will start promptly at times listed. Also Art Institute admission is not included. General admission is $35; members and reciprocal members enter free. Each group is limited to 12 guests. If you hold an Art Institute membership and are able to share guest admission with a fellow participant, we would be deeply grateful. Every act of generosity adds to the spirit of the day.
 

Option One: Full Gallery Experience

 

11:15 a.m. — Meet Nancy and Gigi at the Art Institute, Monroe Street Entrance.

 

11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. — Guided exploration of selected paintings, paired with poems from Soul Echoes.

 

1:00–3:00 p.m. — Browse, lunch, take the experience deeper. Let your intuition guide you to a quiet spot to journal — we have prompts for you.

 

3:00 p.m. — Walk across the street together.

 

3:30–5:30 p.m. — Private room gathering at Russian Tea Time. Delightful offerings and more poetry readings. 

 

Option Two: Afternoon Gallery Experience 

1:15 p.m. — Meet Nancy and Gigi at the Art Institute, Monroe Street Entrance.

 

1:30–3:00 p.m. — Guided exploration of three selected paintings, paired with poems from Soul Echoes. Guests are welcome to arrive earlier and explore independently before the 1:30 p.m. presentation.

 

3:00 p.m. — Walk across the street together.

 

3:30–5:30 p.m. — Private room gathering at Russian Tea Time. Delightful offerings and more poetry readings. 

 
Please let us know if we can answer any of your questions or if you would like to save a space by registering. $145 per person + museum entrance fee.
 

Info and registration. Nancy2daremore@gmail.com

With anticipation,

Nancy and Gigi

  

Women’s Circles Glen Ellyn, Illinois
Ongoing: Currently no openings

These intimate circles of spirit-based women listen from their hearts to help you remember who you truly are. They will be mindful of your strengths and the lessons of your journey.

As your circle guide I draw upon tools from many areas of my life. I’ve been guiding women’s self-discovery for decades. I am also an author, filmmaker, social worker, process painter, retreat guide, wife, mother & grandmother. These roles have taught me about sharing my truth.

Together we’ll create a safe and sacred space as we cultivate a strong spine, open eyes and a compassionate heart. We meet once a month. The fee is $50 per circle.

Daremore@aol.com.