A Tilly reception: Actress and novelist Meg Tilly will have a book-reading at Women and Children First, 5233 N. Clark, on Wed., Nov. 1, at 7:30 p.m. She will read from her new novel, Gemma, which is a tale involving child abduction and sexual abuse. Call 773-769-9299 or see www.womenandchildrenfirst.com.
Teen esteem: CircEsteem, an arts organization dedicated to fostering self-esteem and cultural understanding in Chicago’s adolescents and teens, will co-host the Social Circus Teacher Training and the 2006 American Youth Circus Organization’s Educators conferences through Sun., Nov 5., at Alternatives Inc., 4730 N. Sheridan. Fees are $200-$275. Contact Paul Miller at 312-593-4242 or paul@circesteem.org.
Forever 21: The Chicago Architecture Foundation is hosting ‘Architecture in Perspective 21—the 21st International Juried Exhibition of Architectural Illustration’ daily from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. through Wed., Nov. 1 in the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s John Buck Company Lecture Hall Gallery, 224 S. Michigan. Call 312-922-3432.
Art smart: Better Existence with HIV (BEHIV) is hosting an exhibition of artwork created by clients in its art therapy program from Fri.-Sat., Nov. 3-11, at Open Studio Project, 903 Sherman Ave., Evanston, 7-9 p.m. The opening on Nov. 3 will be preceded by a fund-raising reception. Call 847-475-2115, ext. 112, or e-mail ericnelson@behiv.org.