The Art Center Highland Park

The Art Center Highland Park: A Hub for Artistic Discovery and Creative Exploration

The Art Center Highland Park, a cherished institution in the community, celebrates over 65 years of providing arts education and exhibitions. The Art Center offers free admission, making exquisite art accessible to everyone. The Art Center is not just a gallery; it is a dynamic cultural and community hub, serving the Highland Park and Lake County regions. It offers a wide range of activities, programs, and events, fostering creativity and engagement within the local community. Through its diverse offerings, it becomes a space for artistic expression, education, and connection, enriching the cultural landscape of the region.

Visual Arts: Three primary gallery spaces showcase high-quality, unique, and professional art pieces. Exhibits change frequently, ensuring fresh and engaging experiences for visitors.

Arts Education: Over 400 art classes are offered annually, catering to diverse interests and skill levels. Classes are available for children over 6 (after school, weekends, and through an extensive summer camp program), with occasional parent-child classes.

Community Engagement: The Art Center hosts numerous community events, including the popular family-centric “Draw Together” sidewalk chalk festival with entertainment. Other offerings include lectures, mini-concerts, and drum circles.

Expanded Arts and Cultural Programming: The Art Center has broadened its mission to promote “artistic discovery and creative exploration,” encompassing a wider range of art and cultural experiences for both hands-on participants and those simply curious to learn more.

Annual Events:

• Recycled Art Sale: A fall event featuring thousands of donated artworks and art pieces for sale.
• Annual Student Art Exhibit: Showcases the work of local student artists.
• Exchange Events: Live presentations and interactive experiences with high-profile artists, filmmakers, dance companies, and other cultural figures.

Community Events & Engagement:

• Arts in Action: Community-building events that address current events, diversity, and inclusion, often in partnership with other organizations.
• Draw Together: A new summer festival celebrating community.
• Late Nights in the Gallery: Enjoy dinner on the lawn with live music and evening access to the galleries.

Educational Programs:

• Outreach Educational Programs: Partnerships with regional organizations to provide art education to underserved populations.
• Student Scholarships: Scholarships are available for classes, workshops, and creative summer art camps. The Art Center emphasizes, “We never turn down a scholarship!”