Outreach Programs for Adults

As part of Art Encounter’s lifelong commitment to serving individuals of all ages and backgrounds, we offer a number of no-cost community outreach programs for adults across the Chicago area. By fostering close partnerships with social service agencies and other nonprofits, we are able to create custom programs that meet the specific needs of each organization's constituency. Our adult outreach programs have provided creativity and connection to a diverse range of groups, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, young adults emerging from adverse living conditions, individuals who are blind or visually impaired, and people living with epilepsy. We are able to create custom classes or workshops for any group interested in incorporating art enrichment into their programming.

Interested in working with Art Encounter on an adult outreach program? Please reach out using the form below.

Our current adult outreach programs include:

  • Art Clubs: ongoing classes for all levels of skill and interest

  • Professional Workshops: creative sessions for more depth and exploration in artmaking

  • Community Art Outings: visits to local artist studios and galleries

Our current and former adult outreach partners include:

  • Center for Independent Futures

  • The Chicago Lighthouse

  • Curt's Café

  • Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago

  • Keshet

  • Mercy Home for Boys & Girls

“Val, our instructor, has created an environment where positivity and encouragement are really the rule… One of the major challenges in the developmental disability world is social isolation, and in these classes we have ten to thirteen folks getting together and maintaining and developing new social relationships. The laughs, the fun, the energy and the art are all just incredible.”

-Jeff Morthorst, Activities Director at Center for Independent Futures

 

For a closer look at our adult outreach programs, here is a short video from our 2021 virtual benefit featuring Leslie Luning, Art Encounter’s Community Outreach Programs Manager.