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
Night Visions is back this spring!
Dive into Evanston’s thriving local art scene and treat yourself to an adventurous evening with Art Encounter’s Sarah Packer as we meet exceptional local artists in their studios. Register for our last session of the season on Thursday, May 23 featuring Evanston stained glass artist Rita Shimelfarb.
Art and Gastronomy in Madrid
Join us in Spain this September for an unforgettable art trip to Madrid, featuring exclusive visits to local artist studios, guided tours of world famous museums, live art and dance performances, day trips to Segovia and Toledo, and much more. Registration is due on May 18! Learn more here.
What’s NeW:
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Grant for New Traveling Artworks
We believe that viewing and discussing original artworks is the best way to understand the creative process, which is why we bring real pieces of art to our programs in public schools, senior residences, and more. Thanks to a grant from the Arts Works Fund, we're currently updating and diversifying our collection with new pieces, helping us create curriculum that better reflects the populations we serve while also supporting outstanding local artists. Stay tuned for updates!
Field Trips to New Cultural Destinations
Did you know that our 10-week ARTiculations school program includes a field trip? We love sharing Chicago's incredible museums with our students, and over the last year, we've enjoyed exploring new cultural destinations, from the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen to the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture in Humboldt Park. You can read more in our fall newsletter.
What’s NeW:
Murals
2024 Murals Underway
We have several exciting mural projects planned for 2024. Watch this space and follow our instagram page to see three big projects unfold: in the Noyes Street district across from the Noyes Cultural Art Center, in downtown Evanston by 909 Davis Street, and on Simpson Street through a partnership with Meals on Wheels. Plus, we’ll be installing our Evanston Women's History Mural in early summer! To catch up on last year's projects, read our full 2023 Mural Season Recap.
Updated Mural Pages
We're proud to have worked with some of the best muralists from the Chicago area and beyond as well as dozens of dedicated community partners in our Evanston Mural Arts Program. We recently revamped our website to better showcase all that we've done so far. Visit our new pages to view more photos of past murals organized by year, catch highlights about each project by 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.
