Wicker Park Committee (WPC) and Near NorthWest Arts Council (NNWAC) will present a lecture and discussion featuring Jan Metzker, author of the new book “What Would Jane Say? ” in honor of Women’s History Month. The program celebrates the 100th Birthday of the Burnham “Plan of Chicago” and the women who developed Chicago, its culture and architecture.

“The Women Who Were Left Out” includes a critique of the Burnham plan and its shortcomings, the men-only secret meetings that revised the plan, as well as Jane Addams and other influential women of the 1909 era who helped shape modern Chicago and its unique neighborhoods.

A discussion will follow that includes contemporary planning in Chicago’s Wicker Park and Bucktown neighborhoods, community input and the value of arts to community, education and our quality of life.

NNWAC, founded in 1986 to foster arts activities within community development, is dedicated to sharing the power of creativity in building sustainable community. NNWAC is working to transform the historic St. Paul church facility into a vibrant cultural center.

The Wicker Park Committee (WPC) is a non-profit community organization committed to our neighborhood since 1973. Working with other community groups, supporters and advocates along with government and business, WPC is an active voice on key local issues including preservation, civic improvement, social topics and the artistic character and architectural heritage of the Historic Wicker Park District.

The event is Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at the St. Paul’s Cultural Center, 2215 W. North Avenue, Chicago IL 60647. Wine and cheese reception is at 6:30PM and the program begins at 7PM, followed by an audience Q&A.

For more information, contact Dina Petrakis, WPC Vice President, dina@remodelingconsultants.net or Laura Weathered, NNWAC Director, nnwac@nnwac.org