Making Headlines: From Ann Landers to Walter Winchell

There are names in the history of popular culture that are hard to forget. Ann Landers, Hedda Hopper, Hugh Hefner and Walter Winchell are some of the names that come to mind. Signature artifacts that helped define the personalities of these iconic journalists are featured in Making Headlines: From Ann Landers to Walter Winchell, a nostalgic free exhibition from the collection of journalist Philip Potempa, on display at The South Shore Arts Atrium Gallery at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts now through September 23.

Making Headlines: From Ann Landers to Walter Winchell will run in conjunction with Theatre at the Center’s summer run of The Lady with all the Answers, a play about the life of syndicated advice columnist Ann Landers. Previews begin July 12 with an Opening Night performance on Sunday, July 15 at 7:00 p.m. The production continues through August 12.

There will be a special media viewing of the exhibition on Sunday, July 15 from 5-7 p.m. prior to the Opening Night performance of Ann Landers: The Lady with all the Answers. A reception will follow the Opening Night performance.

The exhibition features Ann Landers’ 1961 Royal Manual Typewriter, a large original oil painting of Landers from 1977 by artist Robles, her collection of “keys to the city” awarded to her from mayors throughout the U.S. and her personal correspondence and treasures.

The famous hats that clearly identified newspaper and radio commentator Walter Winchell and Hollywood gossip columnist Hedda Hopper are both on display. Rare artifacts from reclusive newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst and bashful billionaire Howard Hughes along with Playboy magazine publisher Hugh Hefner’s autographed slippers are also showcased with fascinating finds from other famed names..

Philip Potempa has worked as a features writer and daily entertainment newspaper columnist for more than two decades. He is the author of three published books chronicling stories, interviews, recipes and memories from his personal and professional experiences. His columns and stories are found in The Post Tribune and the Chicago Tribune newspaper chain as well as at www.ChicagoTribune.com.

The South Shore Arts Atrium Gallery at The Center for Visual and performing Arts is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The Center for Visual and Performing Arts is located at 1040 Ridge Road in Munster. For more information, call 219-836-1930 or visit www.cvpa.org.