Evanston Art Center

October 1929. A simple afternoon tea party brewed something extraordinary. Right here, at what would become the Evanston Art Center, a group gathered at Alice C. Riley’s home. They sought a way to honor Julia Ferguson, a cherished Evanston arts educator. From that gathering, amidst the backdrop of a stock market crash, the Evanston Art Center was born. Its first gala was held at the Evanston Public Library, a testament to its community-focused spirit. Initially housed in the library’s basement, the Evanston Art Center offered a rich collection of art books, fostering a love of the arts from its inception. The Evanston Art Center wasn’t always in this modern building. Its journey began in the library’s basement in 1930. By 1941, another art group emerged, the Evanston Art Market, working out of an old barber shop on Dempster Street. Imagine the blend of turpentine and aftershave! These two forces merged in 1942, becoming the non-profit we know today. They set up shop in the barber shop, establishing a formal class schedule by 1944. They even recruited teachers from the prestigious School of the Art Institute. After a near eviction in 1946, a fundraising miracle secured the 800 Greenwood location. The Evanston Art Center’s growth continued, leading to its move to the Harley Clarke Mansion in 1966. The need for more space never ceased, as they rented studios at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center in the 1980s. Finally, the Evanston Art Center landed at its current home at 1717 Central Street in 2015. This move, facilitated by a $2.5 million capital campaign, vastly expanded its capabilities. The Evanston Art Center boasts 20,000 square feet, previously an office building. This significantly increased its capacity, allowing it to offer even more extensive programming. From its humble beginnings to this impressive space, the Evanston Art Center has always been about making art accessible to everyone. Through the years, the Evanston Art Center has showcased a vibrant array of exhibitions. From “Multiple Perspectives” featuring photography in 2018, to “Catching Light: The Art of Architecture” exploring design in the same year, its exhibitions have captivated and inspired. Exhibitions like “Through Darkness to Light” in 2017 illuminated the Underground Railroad’s history, while “New Work” showcased abstract art. The Evanston Art Center has hosted thought-provoking exhibitions such as “Undefinable: Women’s Health in America” in 2017, and “Dimensional Lines: Art + Dress” in 2011, a collaboration between artists and fashion designers. Today, the Evanston Art Center continues to thrive, serving thousands of students and showcasing hundreds of artists. It has adapted, even embracing online classes during the pandemic. It also launched the Curatorial Fellowship, promoting diversity and new perspectives in the art world.