March is Youth Art Month, a month set aside to promote art and art education. Lake County is full of places for kids to get creative and create art, but you don’t have to stick to the kids classes to see art, especially this month! Check out all the places where you can see, create and be artistic with the kids in Lake County this month.
See art
Galleries don’t have to be stuffy and uptight or require a drive into the city. A quick trip to a local gallery can make for a great afternoon for the whole family. With bigger kids it can spark great conversations not only about art but about bigger things in the world. Two places to hit this month are:
The Art Center Highland Park – 1957 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park
The Art Center is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to education in the contemporary visual arts. Currently on display (through Feb. 27) is art created by the Youth of District 112. Families with more mature children can see Embedded Messages, Debating the Dream: Truth, Justice, and the American Way opening on March 3. Coming in April is the Central Suburban League (CSL) Student Show.
David Adler Music & Arts Center – 1700 North Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville
The Adler Center is housed in the historic home of architect David Adler and is a visual image of the harmony between music, the arts and daily life. The gallery has shows Sept.-May and will celebrate Youth Art Month with an opening reception of youth art on March 5 (4-6 p.m.). In addition, they are sponsoring youth art displays throughout Libertyville area businesses for the month of March and will have a pop-up Gallery at 111 East Cook Avenue during First Friday (March 3, 5-8 p.m.) in Downtown Libertyville.
Create art
Creating art doesn’t have to be hard or messy. For young kids especially, the process itself is a learning experience touching on multiple senses. Step back and let them do it on their own, and if you want someone else to clean up the mess, check out these fun events:
Create art with your younger children that will not only be fun but remind them of important lessons and characteristics. Pediatric Interactions has teamed up with Characters of Character to offer a series of Mommy & Me Painting classes at their McHenry Facility (665 Ridgeview Dr.) throughout the month of March. Every Friday morning (9:30-11:30 a.m.) moms and their child will hear a story and paint the character together. Cost is $10 per class ($5 additional children) Â and all materials are included. Register here.
Art doesn’t have to be just putting paint on canvas. Check out Workshop in Highland Park (1929 Sheridan Rd.) or CRE8 Workshop in Deerfield (Deerfield Park Plaza, 405 Deerfield Rd.). Both locations offer drop-in as well as scheduled classes and are pretty much your Pinterest boards come to life. Choose a project and create it in their studios with their supplies. Prices vary by project and are most suitable for school age children and older.
Be a part of the art movement
Partaking in any of these events is a great way to help fund, foster and spread the youth art movement. If you have a budding artist, joining an art league is a great way for them to learn from pros and hone their craft.
The Volo Bog Youth Art Guild combines art education and appreciation with nature. The guild is for youth age 11-17 and meets the first or second Sunday of the month at the Bog (28478 W Brandenburg Rd., Ingelside). Students will explore and create nature-themed works using various mediums and themes. Cost is $30 membership annually and a $10 monthly fee to cover supplies. The next meeting is March 5 and the project will be a tree mosaic.
