Evanston Made celebrated National Artist Month this weekend by showcasing the work of local artists at the fall arts weekend with a kaleidoscope of art events, exhibits, studio visits and art sales.
“Our giant art weekend incorporated our first Saturday events, with artist studio tours, gallery shows, free workshops, and art on display in alternative gallery spaces too, like coffee houses and restaurants,” Liz Cramer, co-director of Evanston Made said.
“We like to bring people out to Evanston to make a day of it, to attend an art exhibit, see a pop-up show, and then dine out in the area,” Cramer said.
Two-full days of programming included an Evanston neighborhood map for self-guided artist studio visits on Saturday, and a pop-up photography exhibit located at 832 Dempster Street, with an opening reception with the artists from 4-6 p.m., also on Saturday, and the last Maker’s Market of the year, located at 1800 Maple Avenue, from 12-5 p.m. on Sunday, with participation from over 80 artists and makers.
“Bringing traffic into Evanston neighborhoods is really an economic driver that benefits our entire community,” Cramer said.
Colleen Conley of Evanston attended the pop-up photography exhibit on Saturday.
“Where else but in Evanston could we get such wonderful exposure to artists and the chance to experience art in all of its different forms,” Conley said.
Evanston Made — with over 400 artist members including painters, potters, photographs, printmakers, sculptors, weavers, and more — has become an innovative 501c3 nonprofit that creates events designed to promote a thriving arts community, organizers say.
Membership is open to artists, artisans, makers who make everything from art to clothes to music, with art lovers and patrons also welcome.
Evanston-based mixed media artist Bonnie Katz, says her membership in Evanston Made has helped her in many ways.
“Evanston Made is really a one-stop shop, in addition to providing exhibit opportunities and the chance to share work through studio tours, they help artists with things like promotion and website development,” Katz said.
Rupert McKenzie of Evanston said he lives around the corner from Saturday’s pop-up photo exhibit, which he and his wife came across when they were looking for something fun to do.
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“Seeing the work of other artists provides inspiration for my work in photography,” McKenzie said.
Cramer says the arts weekend events, exhibits and studio visits are quite valuable, especially to artists who often work solo in their studio.
“This puts artists in touch with potential collectors and gives the public a sneak peak of the creative process,” Cramer said.
Gina Grillo is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.