An Evening with Natalie Lemle: Artifacts
An Evening with Natalie Lemle: Artifacts
Tuesday, June 3 | 6:00 PM | Nic + Juniors
Step into the shadowed world behind museum glass—where beauty, history, and power collide—with author Natalie Lemle, as she joins us for an evening of intrigue, memory, and moral complexity at the Chicago Literary Salon.
In her riveting debut novel, Artifacts, Lemle introduces Lena Connolly, a successful trusts and estates attorney drawn into a case involving a rare ancient Roman cup—one that may have been looted and illegally sold to a museum. What begins as a professional inquiry quickly becomes deeply personal, forcing Lena to revisit a long-buried past: a summer spent on an archaeological dig in the Italian Alps, where ambition, love, and mystery intertwined—and where everything she thought she knew unraveled.
As timelines blur between past and present, Lena must confront what really happened on the dig, the disappearance of her mentor, and the truth about the artifact at the center of it all. In a world where history is bought and sold, she is left to question who truly owns the past—and what it costs to reclaim it.
Your evening includes:
A signed hardcover copy of Artifacts from Three Avenues Bookshop
A handpainted bookmark by Katie Corcoran Art
A thoughtfully curated menu by Nic + Juniors, featuring:
A welcome cocktail
Hors d’Oeuvres
A compelling conversation with Natalie Lemle, in conversation with Sheila Schuenemann of Booked & Busy Reader, on cultural heritage, museums, looted antiquities, and the hidden networks of the art market
Thoughtfully designed conversation prompts to spark reflection and connection—no prior reading required
Whether you’re drawn to art, history, or stories that peel back the polished facade of institutions we trust, join us for an evening that moves beyond the gallery walls—into the secrets, ethics, and human stories behind the artifacts we preserve.
Seating is extremely limited. Reserve your place today.
Event Terms & Acknowledgment
By confirming your reservation, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Tickets to the Chicago Literary Salons are non-refundable. However, reservations may be transferred to another guest.
To request a name change, please contact us at ashley.hasty@gmail.com within the designated window. We regret that we are unable to accommodate any changes within 48 hours of the event.
In the unlikely event the author has to cancel, the event will still take place and signed bookplate will be provided.
Food & Beverage Accommodations
This event features a thoughtfully curated menu in partnership with Nic + Juniors. Dishes may be served individually plated or family-style.
By attending, guests acknowledge that the hosts are not responsible for any allergic reactions, dietary restrictions, or adverse effects related to food or beverage consumption during the event.
If you have food allergies or dietary needs, please indicate them during registration and contact the venue directly in advance. Final accommodations are at the discretion of the venue and cannot be guaranteed without sufficient notice.
Media & Photography Consent
This event may be professionally photographed or filmed for promotional purposes, including use on social media, websites, and marketing materials associated with the host and venue.
By attending, you consent to the use of your image or likeness in these materials.
Please review these policies carefully before completing your purchase.
About Natalie Lemle:
Natalie Lemle studied classics and art history at Tufts University and earned an MFA in creative writing from Emerson College. She is the founder of art_works, an art advisory connecting contemporary artists with global companies, and previously worked in corporate relations at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. She serves on the boards of the ICA/Boston and the Associates of the Boston Public Library. Artifacts is her first novel.
About Sheila Schuenemann:
Sheila Schuenemann is the creator of Booked & Busy Reader, a Chicago-based platform where she helps readers discover books worth their time. She has been reading 100+ books a year for over 11 years and shares curated recommendations with a community of more than 500,000 readers.
She is also the founder of the Booked & Busy Book Club, where she highlights one standout book each month and fosters thoughtful discussion among readers. Sheila is known for her approachable, insightful take across multiple genres including contemporary fiction and historical fiction, and her ability to connect audiences with stories that stay with them.
