Krista August bridges local history and contemporary life with her many presentations based upon meticulous research portrayed through captivating images and lively storytelling. Krista’s books and lectures are popular with private and corporate groups, libraries, historical societies and schools.
"Giants in the Park" was awarded 2011 Book of the Year by the Chicago Writers Association and received 2014 and 2017 Certificates of Excellence from the Illinois State Historical Society.
Krista formerly worked in finance and as a teacher and holds mathematics and graduate education degrees from Northwestern and DePaul universities, respectively. She is a former guide for the Chicago Architecture Foundation.
Krista is also is an artist. Her fine art study includes coursework at the Palette and Chisel, the Old Town Triangle Association, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Richeson School of Art, and the Peninsula School of Art.
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PresentationsA Hoosier Holiday, In Chicago's Loop Tour popular landmarks in the Windy City. Through Hoosier eyes, consider the intersection of Illinois and Indiana history and art. Topics we recall include the Indiana Dunes, Frank Dudley (Painter of the Dunes), Charles Yerkes (ex-convict turned transportation visionary), Theodore Dreiser (American novelist) and the Hoosier Salon (a juried art exhibition). |
Big Ideas and the Rise of Chicago
Over a period of just sixty years, frontier land of sand dunes and swamp was re-imagined into to a modern, cutting-edge metropolis -- which also became the center of the whole world for six months of 1893! Chicago’s total transformation is considered in terms of remarkable ideas that were realized, and in spite of obstacles and setbacks along the way.
Chicago Engineered, the Taming of the Swamp
Mother Nature left Chicago's landscape promising yet problematic. It took clever engineers to orchestrate imaginative and sometimes daring edits to Chicago's terrain, and consequently, to build the city with the big shoulders. In looking back, we salute the problem solvers and workers who made swampland hospitable and safe for big city life.
Vanished: Monumental Art at the
1893 World’s Columbian Exposition
Time travel back to virtually stroll the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition and view the monumental sculptures that decorated the buildings, bridges, lagoons, as well as private viewing rooms. Learn exciting history behind these mostly temporary sculptures that dazzled before they disappeared.
Signposts on the
Prairie
· Part I: A Passport to
Where Illinois Began
Take a virtual road trip -- to Little Egypt -- and learn why Southern Illinois is considered to be Where
Illinois Began. Along the way, we will encounter signposts that recall prehistoric Illinois; early French settlement in the American Bottom; a consequential Revolutionary War campaign; and more. All this learning will be accented with recreational stops as well, including a virtual hike at a National Natural Landmark.
· Part II: Traces Out of the
Wilderness
Explore Northern Illinois, scouting out signposts that direct our attention back to significant turning points in Illinois history. Glean insight into how Northern Illinois attracted early settlers
and how, consequently, the wilderness years were left behind.
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Part III: Passage Across a Deep Divide
We return to a time of increasing lawlessness and violence,
when the nation was half slave and half free. In the words of Lincoln, "the pillars of the temple of liberty...have crumbled away." Through the prism of Central
Illinois signposts, we glean how American traditions would be reborn. By the light of messengers in the night, the future was vast.
Prehistoric Illinois
Time-travel back -- just a moment in geologic time -- and encounter mastodons, mammoths and early Paleoindian hunters. Experience warming temperatures and an 'entirely new' environment following the retreat of the last glacier. Consider Illinois’ vast and ever changing past through the
prism of prehistoric signposts.
Chicago Holiday Traditions
– Old and New
Virtually tour popular holiday attractions in Millennium Park and the Chicago Loop. Enjoy local history
and art while reveling in this most wonderful time
of the year!
Giants in the Park (a four-part series)
[Chicago
Writers Association 2011Book
ofthe Year; Illinois State Historical Society2014 and
2017 CertificatesofExcellence]
Explore
Lincoln Park – Chicago’s largest park -- and encounter GIANTS. Learn important history memorialized by the park’s enduring bronze statues: stories about the heroes, the artists, the benefactors, and the unveiling ceremonies.
For more information, contact Krista via the contact form to the right.
"The residents really enjoyed your talk – great buzz around the community today."
-- senior living community program coordinator
-- senior living community program coordinator
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Lincoln Park Art and History Books
Giants in the Park is a history guide for Chicago's Lincoln Park and its many historic monuments. The park's 17 portrait statues, missing portraits, other historical markers and fountains, and park history are all documented.
Giants in the Park ACTIVITY BOOK directs the history of Lincoln Park and its monuments to students of all ages. Engaging activities included coloring pages, primary source material, text highlighting notable history, and multidisciplinary activities.
Excellent book, and if you get the chance, I recommend catching the slideshow presentation!
Sample Book Illustrations
Illinois and Indiana Inspired Artwork
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Artwork on TV Show "Chicago Fire"
Plein Air Painting
