Half a century into their marriage, Chicago artists Jackie and Don Seiden approach the fragility of their elderly lives in their own distinct ways. Jackie, notorious for her unbounded energy, is constantly on the move, inspired to create works of art while also maintaining the couple’s multistory, brightly painted Victorian house. 

Don steadily sketches in his notebook while facing alarming interruptions to his health. Director Daniel Hymanson filmed the Seidens on-and-off for five years, capturing the hardships of aging as well as a view into enduring companionship. (APRIL 26)

Director’s Statement: Daniel Hymanson

When I was five, I took a class Jackie Seiden taught at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. As her students, we painted on walls, buried our sculptures in the garden, turned classrooms into installations, and invented stories about it all. It blew my mind. 

Over the years, Jackie and I became friends. I'd visit her and her husband, Don, at their home—itself a constantly evolving art installation. The closer we got, the more she fascinated, confused, and inspired me. As soon as I decided to make films, I knew I wanted to make a film about Jackie.

Selected Filmography: So Late So Soon

Food Pairing Suggestion:

Embellish a morning screening with Programmer John Stadelman’s favorite ‘Local Special’ from Brothers' Restaurant, and a hot cuppa Joe. Don’t forget to notice local art on the walls! 

(This is a Members Only screening. $2 discount will be applied at checkout.)