ICONOCLASTS GO INTO THE WILD
"Alaska is more my element than his, but that guy is this force of nature," says Into the Wild author Jon Krakauer of actor-director Sean Penn, whose film adaptation of Krakauer's best-selling book is in theaters now. "[Penn] does what he wants, when he wants, the way he does it, and he does not give a rat's a-- what anyone else thinks." Welcome to season three of Sundance Channel and Grey Goose Entertainment's Iconoclasts, still the best interview show on television. Penn and Krakauer kick off the first of six new episodes Thursday night with an in-depth, one-on-one conversation about their creative processes, all set against the stunning backdrop of the great northern wilderness, where their landmark careers have come together with the new Wild film. "If you haven't been to Alaska before, it changes you," says Penn. Expect the usual insight into each artist's passions and motivations. "You get inspired to inspire and then you get inspired again by someone who inspires you," Penn explains during the hour-long program. Next week, Alicia Keys and Ruby Dee go face to face, followed by Mike Myers and Deepak Chopra, Howard Schultz and Norman Leer, Wynton Marsalis and John Besh, and Madeleine Albright and Ashley Judd. Sundance Channel, Thursdays, at 10 p.m. EST/PST. Go to www.sundancechannel.com/iconoclasts for more information.

THIS IS NOT AN ANNIVERSARY
Rewind the clock to 1967: Andy Warhol is turning out his first soup cans, Richard Serra is just starting to sling vaseline at the wall, and a tiny converted bakery is opening its doors as Chicago’s new Museum of Contemporary Art. Four decades later, with a slew of landmark exhibits and a burgeoning collection, the MCA is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a bevy of special events, exhibits, and 40 days of free admission. But don’t be fooled; even though it’s free, the MCA isn’t skimping on the programming. Current exhibit "Sympathy for the Devil: Art and Rock and Roll Since 1967" showcases the music-influenced work of Richard Prince, Warhol, Richard Kern, and others, while an exhibit of highlights from the MCA’s collection features favorites from the likes of Magritte (above), Claes Oldenburg, Chuck Close, and Robert Rauschenberg. Also be sure to check out events focusing on up-and-coming artists, on-site art demonstrations, and evening activities at Puck’s café. While 40 days and 40 nights might seem like a downright biblically long period of time, you’ve only got three weeks left until the MCA wraps up its celebration on November 14. Be sure to check the calendar of special events before you go. Go to www.mcachicago.org/40/ for more information.