The Art Center – Highland Park along with HilCo Properties is is producing “The Magic Garden,” an outdoor public art exhibit in downtown Highland Park this Spring through Summer 2012. Join us for the unveiling and artist reception on Thursday, May 10 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm on Central Avenue between Green Bay Road and 1st Ave. Enjoy meeting the artists and being the first to see the Magic Garden mushrooms, ladybugs, butterflies, dragonflies, peacocks and more!

CALL FOR ENTRIES
Entry Deadline: May 4th, 2012

BLOOM
June 8th – July 14th, 2012
Opening Reception: Friday, June 8th from 6:30 – 9:00pm
We wait for spring. We delight in the first appearance of the soft green buds. And then, finally, it’s summer. For many of us, the garden becomes the focus of our art. This summer, The Art Center – Highland Park is placing a call for entries of work in all media, celebrating nature’s moments of flourish.

CLICK HERE FOR “BLOOM” PROSPECTUS

Enjoy performances by Red Moon Theater, delicious food by Catered by Design, specialty drinks from Vibe at 1935, a fabulous raffle with amazing prizes, a silent auction of incredible custom art pieces, an exhibition of “Objets Extraordinaire” curated by Jean Albano Gallery, and so much more! The evening will be celebrating our two honorees, Rhoda Pierce of the Illinois Arts Council, and Cheryl Steiger, TAC artist and teacher for over 20 years. Stay tuned for more information on TAC’s annual spring gala, CIRQUE DU ART!

The 24th Annual CSL Student Art Exhibition

April 13th – 21st, 2012
Opening Reception: Friday, April 13th from 6:00 – 8:00pm
The Central Suburban League (CSL) Student Art Exhibtion seeks to unify the CSL schools through the visual arts. Deerfield, Evanston, Glenbrook North, Glenbrook South, Highland Park, Maine East, Maine South, Maine West, New Trier, Niles North, Niles West and Waukegan High Schools participate.

Thursday, March 15th from 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Join us at The Art Center of Highland Park for a special trunk show of work by Israeli jewelry and textile artist, Leora Gal. Additionally, come to enjoy refreshments and a private viewing of TAC’s March Exhibitions.

KIN: someone or something of the same or similar kind.

March 2nd – April 5th, 2012
Opening Reception: Friday, March 2nd from 6:30 – 9:00pm

Our kin is a web of social relationships – our clan, our tribe, our people. As we have evolved through time, the desire for family becomes centered less on the nexus of blood relations, and has shifted to shared cultural interests as a base for social identity. This March, The Art Center of Highland Park presents an exhibition of photographic work depicting groups of kindred souls, whose basis of kinship seeks to broaden the very definition of the word. Focusing largely on youth culture, KIN explores some of the ties that bind us: family, neighborhood, sport and music. Featuring artists Andreas Laszlo Konrath, Brian Sorg, Christopher Semel, Gary Briechle, Jeffrey Wolin, Leasha Overturf and Paul Elledge. Curated by Jason Robinette. Join us Friday, March 2^nd from 6:30 – 9:00pm for the opening reception of KIN: someone of something of the same or similar kind.

Leasha Overturf, "The Hickey," 1996

Arts of Nepal

March 2nd – April 5th, 2012
Opening Reception: Friday, March 2nd from 6:30 – 9:00pm
An exhibition featuring Nepali artists living both locally and abroad, working in both contemporary and traditional styles. The show will exhibit the work of artists ranging in age and medium, but all conveying the dichotomy between national and individual identity. The Art Center of Highland Park partners with curator Kiran Byanjankar and ArtsofNepal.com to present this exhibition. Join us for the opening evening reception, which will feature authentic Nepali food and music.

Manish lal Shrestha, "Arya Maun," acrylic on canvas, 2008

Join us for the second opening reception of TAC’s annual February Youth Art Month! The second half of the month will feature student artists from North Shore School District 112 elementary and middle schools.

Photo: Victoria Marchio

Join us for the opening reception of TAC’s annual February Youth Art Month! The first half of the month will feature student artists from North Shore School District 113 schools, Highland Park High School and Deerfield High School. Painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, mixed media and more are on display throughout all of TAC’s galleries through February 10th; Gallery hours are Monday – Saturday, 9am — 4:30pm.

Photo: Victoria Marchio

This month, visit our Main Gallery to see “In View: The Art Center’s Annual Member & Faculty Showcase”, and stop by the Fireplace Gallery for an exhibit of the winners and finalists from the annual “Art is Alive in Highland Park” juried art contest. Gallery hours are Monday – Saturday, 9am – 4:30pm, or by appointment. Please call ahead when planning a visit, as the gallery spaces are occasionally occupied by private rental events, workshops or classes. Call 847.432.1888 for more information.

January 6th – 30th, 2012
Opening Reception: Friday, January 6th from 6:30 – 9:00pm
View the finalists and winners of the second annual Art is Alive in Highland Park juried art contest. Mayor Nancy Rotering will be present to distribute awards to all the finalists, and name the winners of this year’s competition. Co-sponsored by the Highland Park Cultural Arts Commission.

Join us for this yearly exhibition of the amazing talents of the teachers, students and members of The Art Center Highland Park.

Wendy Gray Raven, Faculty

Adrienne Aaronson, Member

Join us at The Art Center for a fabulous Holiday Open House! View and participate in TAC Faculty Artist demonstrations in painting, ceramics, jewelry, sculpting, drawing and more! Create a Holiday “Make and Take” art project to give as a gift, or keep for yourself!

Admission is Free for TAC Members, $5 for non-members. Email info@theartcenterhp.org with questions.

Art is Alive in Highland Park is an art contest open to students in  Highland Park schools and Highland Park residents in the following categories:

- Elementary school students
- Middle school students
- High school students
- Adults (18+)

When/Where: Jurying will take place Saturday, December 10th from 10:00am – 2:00pm at The Art Center – Highland Park, 1957 Sheridan Road. Entries are limited to one per person; artists must bring in the work itself for judging in the specified time period.

Specifics: All original forms of art are welcome with the following size limitations:

- Wall mounted: 24 x 36 in. or 36 x 24 in. (need not be framed, but must be prepared for hanging)
- Pedestal: 24 x 24 in.
- Floor: 48 in. (high) x 24 in.

Judging: Area art professionals will select one winner out of 6 chosen finalists in each category. The winners and finalists will be presented with a ribbon by the Mayor of Highland Park at a January 6th, 2012 reception at The Art Center – Highland Park. The winning and finalist works will be exhibited at The Art Center throughout the month of January.

Art is Alive in Highland Park is sponsored by the City of Highland Park, the Highland Park Cultural Arts Commission and The Art Center Highland Park with the goal of encouraging creativity in an arts supportive community!

Share My Kingdom: Matinee Performance and Panel Discussion
Don’t miss this live theatrical performance by the Little City Artists of Share My Kingdom, TAC’s current main gallery exhibit. Join the artists and facilitators from Little City at 1pm for a discussion about the program at the Little City Center for the artists, and the process of working as and with developmentally disabled artists.

Share My Kingdom
This exhibition will feature artists of Little City’s Center for the Arts, a studio collective for artists with developmental disabilities.  The creations of these artists are distinguished by their forceful immediacy, springing directly from their lives and reflecting their true perspectives. Featuring Harold Jefferies, Wayne Mazurek, and Luke Tauber.

November 4 – December 17, 2011
Opening Reception: Friday, November 4th from 6:30 – 9:00pm

12 x 12

November 4 – December 17, 2011
Opening Reception: Friday, November 4th from 6:30 – 9:00pm
A juried, call for entry exhibition embracing the intimate format of 12″ x 12″.

CLICK HERE FOR PROSPECTUS

This exhibition features artists of Little City’s Center for the Arts, a studio collective for artists with developmental disabilities.  The creations of these artists are distinguished by their forceful immediacy, springing directly from their lives and reflecting their true perspectives. Featuring Harold Jefferies, Wayne Mazurek, and Luke Tauber.

"The Fencing Squirrel," Harold Jeffries

A national juried exhibition of small works, embracing the intimate format of 12″ x 12″.

Spend an evening with Judy Markey, former co-host of WGN’s “The Kathy & Judy Show,” in celebration of Women’s Health Month! A two-time winner of the nationally recognized Gracie Award for Outstanding Talk Show Radio, Judy elicits hilarious responses from the women she speaks to. At Wine & Whine, Judy will ask everyone to answer one question on a note card: If you were calling your best friend tonight, what would you be bitching about? Judy will pull some of the cards and the laughs will follow. The event is $40 per person in advance; $45 at the door. Enjoy wine, hours d’oeuvres, and dessert along with fantastic conversation! Don’t miss out – register now!

Through The Art Center Highland Park’s Outreach Exhibition program, Michelle Kogan and her Plein Aire Painting students exhibit “Views of Nature” at the Highland Park Park District’s Heller Nature Center. Featuring works by Michelle Kogan and students from October 25th through December 2nd, 2011.

Opening Reception Saturday, October 29th, 2011 from 12:30 – 2:30pm at Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park, IL 60035.

Please call Heller Nature Center at (847)433-6901 when going to see the exhibit at any time other than the opening reception. Heller Nature Center’s hours are Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm, Saturday 9:00am – 3:00pm.

Highland Park Poetry enthusiastically presents poet Jacqueline Harris reading from her first ever published in print chapbook, “Random Acts of Verse.”  A graduate of North Chicago Community High School and Shimer College (class of 1999), Jacqueline is an unapologetic performance poet and writer of short fiction as well.

The FREE evening includes a poetry open-mic and light refreshments. Poets are invited to bring up to 6 poems to share and an unlimited number of friends, family and followers. 

The Inaugural Embrace the Race 5k will be held on Saturday, October 1st at 8:30am, beginning and ending at The Art Center – Highland Park.  Post Race Festivities will include refreshments and a Health Expo. For more information, visit www.embracetherace5k.com.

Embrace the Race is bringing awareness to both Breast and Ovarian Cancers. The 5k race will donate all the proceeds to the NorthShore Kellogg Cancer Center,  exclusively to the Breast and Ovarian Divisions of the Center. www.northshore.org/foundation

The second annual juried exhibition of artwork in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month will again seek to express the impact of dealing with breast and ovarian cancers. The show  includes both statements and artwork by survivors, previvors, caregivers, sons and daughters, and any one who has in anyway been touched by women’s health.

Click Here for more information on 2011 Voices and Visions

Caren Helene Rudman, "Reflecting"

SAVE THE DATE for the Butterfly Silent Auction Event at TAC on Friday, September 9th from 7-9pm. Join us for this fabulous FREE fall event and enjoy, music, appetizers and art while helping to support The Art Center.

Sponsored by Larry and Pam Hillman and The Art Center of Highland Park

Join instructor and visiting Santa Fe artist Marcia Sednek to create a miniature dress using a variety of vintage tins, jewelry and buttons. Participants will be altering treasures from the past to create a “one of a kind” metal dress sculpture that can hang on a wall or be displayed on a stand.  Students  will be instructed in the use of a variety of hand tools and metal working techniques including cutting, wiring, bending and attaching. All materials will be brought from the artists studio in New Mexico. All supplies included.

Local artists Susan Block and Nancy Delman exhibit their paintings, both approaching figure painting abstractly.

August 26 – September 24, 2011
Opening Reception: Friday, August 26th from 6:30 – 9:00pm
A juried exhibition featuring recent works by emerging artists in the region. Curated by Margaret Hawkins, a Highland Park-based writer, art critic and teacher. Her work appears regularly in the Chicago Sun-Times, ARTnews, and a number of other national and local art publications. She also teaches at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Visiting Santa Fe artist Marcia Sednek displays a trunk show of her fabulous miniature and life sized dresses made of tin, vintage jewelry and buttons.

Local artists Susan Block and Nancy Delman exhibit their paintings, both approaching figure painting abstractly.

A juried exhibition featuring recent works in a variety of media by by over 40 emerging artists in the region. Curated by Margaret Hawkins, a Highland Park-based writer, art critic and teacher. Her work appears regularly in the Chicago Sun-Times, ARTnews, and a number of other national and local art publications. She also teaches at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

The Highland Park Festival of Fine Craft is a two-day outdoor celebration of the visual arts. The primary focus of the event is the juried exhibition of gallery quality fine craft, giving our audience the opportunity to meet, interact with, view and purchase art from the individuals who have created it. Additionally, the Festival offers art activities for children, live musical performances, a silent auction and high-quality food offerings.

The Highland Park Festival of Fine Craft benefits The Art Center, a non-profit school and gallery with a year round commitment to presenting the best in contemporary art and craft. The Art Center is an advocate for artists and builds appreciation through its educational and exhibition programs.

For more information, Click Here to visit the Festival of Fine Craft Event Page

Celebrate the First Annual Highland Park Garden Festival in downtown Highland Park! Enjoy the many great events occurring in Port Clinton Plaza throughout the day, sand The Art Center will be participating by providing plein air painting artists throughout the festival, and TAC faculty members holding Kids Garden Art Projects! Visit downtownhp.com for more information.

One exhibition. Five artists. Many voices. Chicago Art Salon members come together in “Compilation 2011”, a select collection of their recent work. The group has been together since 2002 collaborating and creating individual paintings that are uniquely distinct, yet interrelated. Their work embodies varying thoughts and approaches that have roots in contemporary realism, symbolism and figurativism. Please join the Chicago Art Salon painters Craig Blietz, Shar Coulson, Amy Lloyd, Gail Potocki and Brian Sindler on Friday, June 10, 6:30-9:00 to explore this evocative collection of their work.

Join us for an exhibit spanning two generations of artistic creativity by the Dallison family – David, Peter and Ken – of whom the father is a renowned illustrator. The show offers a broad view of their love of painting from life and en plein air. They use these methods as a means to explore their varied interests such as the landscapes and people of over 30 countries, jazz, urban subjects and family life.

David E. Dallison, "Roof Top Temple", watercolor

Peter Cardone curates this exhibit of the students in his Professional Practices Photography class. Artists include Nadine Eisenberg, Steve Sickle, James DeWitt, Verna Todd, Nancy Guren, Lizzy Scheinfeld and Amy Perlmutter.  Join us for the opening reception for refreshments and a fabulous afternoon of photography.

Nina Corwin Reading & Poetry Open-Mic: Thursday, May 12 at 8:00 p.m.
Side Entrance, Admission is FREE

Highland Park Poetry is thrilled to present Chicago poet Nina Corwin reading from her newest book, “The Uncertainty of Maps.” Her poetry is described as “witty, rich, urban music” that “lead(s) the imagination to unexpected places.” Nina Corwin is a practicing psychotherapist known for her work on behalf of victims of violence. The FREE evening includes a poetry open-mic and light refreshments. Poets are invited to bring up to 6 poems to share and an unlimited number of friends, family and followers.  Please note that our gathering is on a Thursday evening this month.

The Art Center’s RED HOT GALA! Honoring Ravinia’s Welz Kauffman and TAC’s Ina Beierle

May 5^th, 2011 at 7:00pm

The Art Center’s Red HOT Gala will delight the senses May 5th, 2011 at The Art Center in Highland Park.

Highlights: The amazing entertainment line-up for the Gala will consist of a piano performance by the phenomenal Ravinia Festival CEO, Welz Kauffman. TAC will also have The Music Theatre Company led by Jessica Redish perform a theatre repertoire. Spectacular appetizers, entrees and desserts will be provided by: Café Central, Ron of Japan, Eli’s Cheesecake , Marcello’s, Catered by Design, Real Urban BBQ, Carol’s Cookies, Viccino’s Pizza Co., Whole Foods Deerfield, Poochie’s, Sunset Foods, Wine Discount Center, and The Bent Fork Bakery.

Special Guests: Honorees are Welz Kauffman, CEO and President of Ravinia Festival, and Ina Beierle, TAC painting & Drawing Instructor for 20+ years.

Cost: Tickets $150.00 each or 2 for $275. Early Bird special $130 each – if purchased by April 16^th.

Raffle: Red HOT Raffle! Tickets are $25each or 5 tickets for $100.
FIRST PRIZE: Red Hot Weekend in Chicago! 2 Nights in a Suite at the luxury Elysian hotel, dinner for 2 at RIA, a massage, and breakfast in bed for 2!
SECOND PRIZE: 2 Tickets to Cirque Du Soleil – OVO performance at Chicago’s United Center.
THIRD PRIZE: $100 Gift Certificate to The Cheesecake Factory.

Silent Auction: Exciting trips and amazing ONE-OF-A-KIND pieces of artwork are available to bid on.

There’s More: See “Indexing the World: invention, abstraction and dissonance.” An exhibition conjuring our intricate and elastic relationship to the landscape. Featuring International artists: Wilson A. Bentley, Judit Hersko (Featured speaker at the School of The Art Institute of Chicago), Kim Keever, David Klamen, John Opera, Timothy van Laar, and Andrew Young (curator).

More Info: For more information and questions please call Vicki Mecklenburger at (847) 432-1888 ext. 4 or email vmecklenburger@theartcenterhp.org

Indexing the World: invention, abstraction and dissonance
April 29 – June 4, 2011
Opening Reception: Friday, April 29th from 6:30 – 8:30pm
An exhibition conjuring our intricate and elastic relationship to the landscape. Artists include Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley, Judit Hersko, Kim Keever, David Klamen, John Opera, Timothy van Laar and Andrew Young. Curated by Andrew Young.

Don’t miss a fabulous event in conjunction with “Indexing the World” at The Art Institute of Chicago – a performance/lecture by Judit Hersko, “Pages from the Book of the Unknown Explorer” at 5pm on Wednesday, April 27th at the SAIC Ballroom. Click Here for more info on this great event!

Indexing the World – Press Release

Indexing the World – Invitation

Judit Hersko, "The Cabinets of Anna Schwartz"

Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley

David Klamen, "Untitled"

Judit Hersko, Hosted by the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Alumni Relations Office in collaboration with The Art Center of Highland Park.

Judit Hersko's "Portrait of the Unknown Explorer"

Judit Hersko has created a performance/lecture entitled Pages from the Book of the unknown Explorer based on her collaboration with scientists who study our changing environment. Paradoxically, the name of the Antarctic continent evokes a sense of something frontier, heroic and forbidding, yet it is there that subtle, maybe irreversible human stresses on the planet manifest. Hersko inserts a fictitious female “Explorer” into real events in order to reflect on the gender politics of early scientific exploration and to present current data on climate change caused by human activities. This performance builds on her extensive research as well as her experience on “The Ice” where she spent six weeks in 2008/09 with an NSF Antarctic Artists and Writers Grant. Far from didactic, the presentation, as well as her contemplative sculptures and installations on view at The Art Center in Highland Park, are as much about the ephemeral world – transience and memory – as they are about the human impact on the earth.

CSL (Central Suburban League) Student Art Exhibit open for viewing in all TAC Galleries

Gallery Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9:00am – 4:30pm

23rd Annual CSL Art Exhibition
April 8 – April 16
Opening Reception: Friday, April 8 from 6:00 – 8:00pm
The CSL Art Exhibition was the vision of Dr. E. J. Duffy, Principal of Glenbrook North High School. His goal was to unify the CSL Schools through the visual arts, in a non-competitive environment. Organized and facilitated by CSL Art Educators, the inaugural show was at Northbrook Court in 1988. The intent is to further nurture and cultivate a sense of Community and Commonality amongst all participants centered in the Visual Arts.

Join us at The Art Center in Highland Park for the opening reception of the 23rd Annual CSL Student Art Exhibition.

Schools include: Deerfield High School, Evanston Township High School, Glenbrook North, Glenbrook South, Highland Park, Maine East, Maine South, Maine West, New Trier, Niles North, Niles West and Waukegan.

Poetry explores the hidden self and navigates the soul.  Poets are invited to bring up to 6 poems to share and everyone is invited to enjoy the verbal alchemy.

HP Poetry Adult Challenge Invitation

Poetry explores the hidden self and navigates the soul.  Poets are invited to bring up to 6 poems to share and everyone is invited to enjoy the verbal alchemy.

Shee: Oil Paintings and Sculptures
March 4 – April 1, 2011
Opening Reception: Friday, March 4th from 6:30 – 9:00pm
Taiwanese artist Sam Shee exhibits locally for the first time at The Art Center. The exhibit features a collection of his work created in three distinct cultural and geographical areas: Chicago, Paris and Taipei. Join us at the opening reception for a special speech given by Gloria Groom, curator at The Art Institute of Chicago, and Mayor Michael Belsky, as well as a performance by local music groups.

Sam Shee, "Flying High"

The Owing Project, by Judith Joseph
March 4 – April 1, 2011
Opening Reception: Friday, March 4th from 6:30 – 9:00pm
America is awash in debt. Individuals owe the banks, corporations owe the government, and our government owes China. The Owing Project, an interactive art exhibit created by artist Judith Joseph, invites the public to sound off about debt and come clean on our collective shame. This exhibit provides a forum for conversation and commiseration, with provocative art pieces and a chance to speak your mind. The public is invited to participate through the Owing Project Facebook page: http://artist.to/theowingproject. Responses will be printed and included in the exhibit.

Judith Joseph, The Owing Project, "Failure"

Sam Shee’s Oil Paintings in the Main Gallery

Judith Joseph’s “The Owing Project” in the Fireplace Gallery

Gallery Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9:00am-4:30pm

Join East on Central at The Art Center as the North Shore School of Dance performs for us and we create our response in words and design. An interactive mural of poetry and drawings inspired by the movement of the dances will be photographed for the next edition of East on Central. Art materials will be supplied. RSVP required.

The talented student artists from all elementary and middle schools of North Shore School District 112 display their work in all of The Art Center’s gallery spaces. Join us for an opening reception!

February Focus on Youth Art Month

The Art Center is the new location for Highland Park’s Jammin’ Java! Live Jazz performed by the Highland Park High School’s Jazz Lab Bands. For more information contact: Daniel Kalnes at dkalnes@dist113.org.