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
A Decade of Murals
It’s our mural program's 10th anniversary, and we’re kicking off a special year of celebrations! Join Lea Pinsky, co-founder of our mural program, for a Downtown Evanston Mural Tour on July 29 to see some of our newest projects. And beginning August 6, stop by Space 900 Gallery for a special exhibition of studio work by three artists who have painted in our mural program. Stay tuned for more special programming to come!
Membership Season is Here
A new membership year is beginning! If you’re a member, don’t forget to renew – and if you’re not, now is the perfect time to join. Enjoy benefits like discounts on public programs, free behind-the-scenes member experiences, and more, all while playing a vital role in supporting our community outreach programming. We’ve got lots of exciting plans in store for the coming year!
What’s NeW:
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Senior Program Expansion
Engaging, interactive art experiences for older adults living in housing communities have long been a core part of our outreach initiatives. This year, we’ve embarked on a new partnership with Embrace Living Communities, a regional non-profit that provides affordable housing communities for seniors, to bring our Art and Connection program to residents of their West Garfield Park and Lincoln Park locations.
A Celebration of Global Civil Rights Leaders at King Arts School
This past spring, we partnered with King Arts School on a new mural for their library. Working with the theme of civil rights leaders and movements around the globe, artist Damon Lamar Reed designed and painted an inspiring and educational mural with the school's 8th grade graduating class as their legacy gift to the school.
What’s NeW:
Murals
Brightening Business Districts across Evanston
In 2025 we created two new placemaking murals for Evanston business districts: one by artist Darius Dennis for the Maple Foster district, and one by Dustin Harris and Lea Pinsky for the Ashland Arts district. This year, we’re adding two more! Anthony Lewellen is bringing a bold, welcoming mural to Downtown Evanston this summer, and Darius Dennis will create another placemaking mural for the Main Dempster Mile this fall.
Big Season of New Murals in 2026
We have a very full slate of other new projects for 2026, our mural program’s 10th season! Fun and Games by Jeff Zimmermann celebrates Evanston innovations and inventions in children culture. Shawn Bullen’s block-long A Walk Along the Lake takes passersby on a lakefront journey from Evanston to Indiana. And a special graffiti art production mural will reunite four outstanding street artists who painted prolifically in Evanston 25 years ago. You can follow the details of our current projects on instagram or facebook... there's still more to come!
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.
