Art Encounter is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating, empowering, and connecting people of all ages and backgrounds through interactive encounters with visual art. Our broad range of programs foster community, creativity, and a greater understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
What’s NeW:
PROGRAMS & EVENTS
Explore Galleries in the Kinzie Corridor
Registration is now open for our next Weekend Art Walk on Saturday, November 16. Join Joanna Pinsky for a guided exploration of exceptional exhibitions in the Kinzie Corridor, part of West Town’s growing gallery district. We’ll view and discuss the work of three unique contemporary artists working in very different styles and mediums, from abstract, minimal installations to intricate architectural sculptures constructed from cardboard.
Discover Evanston Artists at Night Visions
A new season of Night Visions is here! Treat yourself to an adventurous evening with program leader Sarah Packer as we meet Evanston artists in their homes and studios to view and discuss their artwork, learn about their artistic journeys, and view demonstrations of their craft.
What’s NeW:
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
New and Revived Programs this Fall
We look forward to expanding our reach through new and revived outreach programs this season, including a program at Roosevelt High School in Albany Park; an Evanston program serving young adults with Curt’s Café; a special intergenerational program; an extended program for seniors in assisted living facilities; and an outdoor art project for preschoolers. Learn more by reading our Outreach Programs Spotlight!
Making for Memory: A New Program
We’re very pleased to be launching a new senior program this fall: Making for Memory: A Special Place is a nine week series serving residents of Paul House and Greenview Place in Chicago. Through conversations about original artworks and art-making activities, each participant will create a personal piece honoring a special place from their memory. This program is generously sponsored by The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust.
What’s NeW:
Murals
2024 Mural Season has been EPIC
Our 2024 mural season included four incredible new projects. The Sun-Times profiled our Meals on Wheels mural with Damon Lamar Reed and our Noyes Street mural with Jordan Nickel/POSE. The Evanston RoundTable also featured our longest mural to date at 909 Davis by Max Sansing and our collaborative Evanston Women’s History Mural by Sholo Beverly. Visit our 2024 Murals page to view more photos of these projects, and follow our mural program on instagram to find out what’s on the horizon for 2025.
Discover all of Art Encounter’s murals!
We're proud to have worked with dozens of dedicated community partners as well as some of the best muralists from the Chicago area and beyond in our mural program. You can now view more photos of past murals organized by year, read about each project and artist, explore our interactive google map, and more!
Public and Member Programs
Join us for interactive art tours of museums, galleries, private collections, and local artists’ studios, in person and online!
Community Outreach
Our community programs for local public school students, residents of senior living facilities, adults with disabilities, and more are at the heart of Art Encounter’s mission.
Mural Program
Our Evanston Mural Arts Program exists to make art available to all by uplifting and beautifying our home town with large-scale public murals.
Opportunities for Artists
Join our monthly Critique Group, open your studio for a tour, or become a teaching artist!
Art Travel
Our trips offer the chance to experience the art world in a fresh and stimulating new way.
