Jazz pianist and vibraphonist Photographed at his winter apartment in Los Angeles Some of Chicagoan Stu Katz’s passions are quiet. He loves his family, his former career as a corporate attorney and complicated word puzzles. But there’s one passion you can’t miss: jazz. “I have been a working jazz musician for over 65 years. Thankfully, […]Read More
Enthusiast Photographed at his home in Rogers Park, Chicago Chicagoan Jim Lew is a consummate storyteller, bursting with interesting stories from throughout his life. Indeed, everything Lew does seems to turn into his latest passion. His tales start with spending his childhood in his parents’ Chinese restaurant on Route 66 in Amarillo, Texas. He’s full […]Read More
Art collector and philanthropist Photographed at her Gold Coast home, Chicago Walking into art collector and philanthropist Penny Brown’s home is like walking into an art gallery. Her collection is eclectic and vast, and Brown is an engaging tour guide, pointing out her personal connections to each piece or to each artist. For Brown, art […]Read More
Dancer Photographed at Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Chicago As a child growing up on the South Side of Chicago, Susan Trice wanted to dance. But, as the oldest of six kids with two working parents, pursuing that dream wasn’t possible. Trice never let up on her vision, though. And eight years ago, when she was […]Read More
Chicago Cubs fan Photographed at Central Baptist Village, Norridge Nick Scarpelli grew up on the North Side, cheering for the Chicago Cubs. He’s a lifelong, passionate fan who traces his love of baseball and the Cubs back to his father. Scarpelli fondly remembers how his dad would take him, his four brothers and his sister […]Read More
Squash player Photographed at the University Club of Chicago Amid the thunk of the ball hitting the wall and the squeak of court shoes, Chicagoan Robert Minetz sits in the lounge at the University Club talking about — what else? — squash. A regular morning player, Minetz gets on the court at least three or […]Read More
Zoo volunteer Photographed at Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago Dean Banick’s sweet smile hints at his passion for engaging with people and animals. Banick, who lives at The Admiral at the Lake in Chicago, has been a volunteer docent at the Lincoln Park Zoo for 21 years. After he retired from his career as a commercial […]Read More
Ping-pong player Photographed at North Shore Senior Center, Northfield Wilmette resident Machiko Suzue may be quiet, but her competitive side comes out at the ping-pong table. Suzue skillfully handles the paddle, directing the ball to go to her opponent’s untended spot, with speed and precision. Every week, except during the coronavirus pandemic, she plays ping- […]Read More
Capturing lives filled with enthusiasm, vitality and meaning Though the photos on these pages capture other people’s passions, my own interest — photography — led me here. I embarked on The Passions Project with a clear but challenging purpose: to shift the paradigm of how people view aging in our culture. For 11 years, I […]Read More
Recognizing and reporting cases of neglect and harm When Danté and Regina moved their family to Grayslake, they were excited to be closer to Danté’s mother, Ella, in nearby Gurnee. Ella needed help keeping her medications and doctor appointments on track, so Danté and Regina hired a caregiver from a Craigslist ad. He came with […]Read More
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