Art Encounter is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating, inspiring, 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
Fall Programs
Participants in our signature Expanding Visions series are currently enjoying a wide range of art experiences, from visits to artists’ studios and private collections to the Richard Hunt exhibition at LUMA. Our Artist Critique Group series, where working artists meet to share and discuss their work, is in full swing. And registration for our next Weekend Art Walk in West Town on November 8 is now open!
Art Travel–from Denmark to Texas!
Our remarkable trip to Denmark in September spanned six cities, bringing art travelers on a journey filled with beautifully-designed museums, stunning monumental art installations, and intimate visits to the homes and studios of Danish artists. This March, we're hitting the road once again with a trip to the deserts of West Texas, where we'll explore El Paso and Marfa, an art town unlike any other. Spots are filling fast!
What’s NeW:
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Resilience in our School Programs
In spite of the withdrawal of federal support for our school program ARTiculations, we are working hard to ensure no reductions in program services this year. Thanks to the generosity of individual donors and new foundation grants, we are close to finalizing continued commitment with all of our dedicated school partners, which include over 800 students across 30 classrooms in schools from West Ridge to West Town.
NEW: Senior Program Expansion
Engaging, interactive art experiences for older adults living in housing communities have long been a core part of Art Encounter's outreach initiatives. This fall, we’ve embarked on a new partnership with the organization Embrace Living Communities, a regional non-profit that provides affordable housing communities for seniors, and are bringing our “Art and Connection” program to residents at their Greencastle of Garfield location in West Garfield Park.
What’s NeW:
Murals
First Ever Ground Mural
In July, we completed our very first ground mural at the pedestrian plaza in downtown Evanston at the corner of Davis Street and Orrington Avenue. Chicago artist Miguel A. Del Real used a colorblind-accessible palette to create a dynamic composition full of organic movement and art deco flourishes. You can view photos of this mural and all our past projects here.
Gateway Murals Brighten Neighborhoods
New murals this fall include two business district gateway murals! In September, accomplished artist Darius Dennis designed and painted a beautiful trompe l’oeil for the Maple Foster district representing faux stained glass in the shape of a maple leaf; and currently, EMAP’s very founders Dustin Harris and Lea Pinsky are creating a graphic and text-centric welcome mural for the Ashland Arts district.
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.
