Dilly-Dallying at Daley Plaza: In the Loop at a Venerable Farmers Market

Paying Homage During National Farmers Marke Week

Photo by Bob Benenson

Hello Picasso, my old friend.

I haven't hit as many farmers markets this week as I should have, given that it's National Farmers Market week, a result of my crazy schedule and maybe a little bit of overstock at home.

So, with the commemorative week winding down, Barb and I decided to pay a visit to a special place: the Daley Plaza Market, located in the heart of Chicago's Loop. The Daley Plaza Market is the longtime flagship of the city-owned Chicago Farmers Markets, and is one of the longest running farmers markets in Chicago.

It also is one of the few farmers markets anywhere that surrounds an internationally renowned work of art. Legendary artist and sculptor Pablo Picasso was commissioned to create this piece for installation in Daley Plaza, and it was officially unveiled on August 15, 1967. Picasso did not name the piece nor reveal what exactly it represents. Although it has had some detractors, it is embraced today by most Chicagoans and is a tourist attraction in its own right.

Photo by Bob Benenson

Of course, I think that the colorful displays of peak season produce are works of art in their own right. The above photo is a still life at the stand of Smits Farm (Chicago Heights, Illinois).

Photo by Bob Benenson

These sugar cube melons made their 2024 debut at the stand of Nichols Farm and Orchard (Marengo, Illinois).

Photo by Bob Benenson

Another angle of the market with the Picasso and Chicago City Hall.

Photo by Bob Benenson

Finally, my market haul: field tomatoes, eggplant, and red peppers from Nichols and basil from Smits Farms. Any guesses what I'm planning to make with all this?

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