Evanston, like thousands of communities in this country and around the world, is facing a crisis and uncertainty like we have never seen before. While individuals across our city are coming together by staying apart in the fight against COVID-19, we are all in need of opportunities and activities that remind us of our shared humanity and provide a collective goal. Evanston Made, Institute for Therapy through the Arts, Kids Create Change, Learning Bridge, Evanston Woman Magazine, Evanston Cradle to Career, Northwestern, 2020 Year of Kindness and Nonviolent Action and Evanston Community Foundation are working collaboratively to spearhead a city-wide month of creative action.
Join us for a month-long Evanston community art event where everyone is encouraged to make art at home and display it for all to see. The central theme is paying tribute to our amazing essential workers – the healthcare providers, caregivers, first responders, delivery drivers, grocery clerks, restaurant workers, municipal employees and human service professionals. We also invite residents to honor those who are working to provide basic necessities to our fellow neighbors as well as celebrate our graduating students across all grades throughout the city.
Individuals of all ages, abilities, and disciplines are encouraged to make art in yards, trees, windows, parking garages, sidewalks, streets, storefronts, anywhere you can think of that will be seen by neighbors as they walk or drive by!
May 30th will be a day long simultaneous “celebration” and residents are encouraged to cruise around town to take in the creative tributes on display throughout the city. Individuals of any age with a creative idea and a front yard, sidewalk, house/apartment window, or storefront – including private homes, businesses, houses of worship, retirement homes, and community centers – can join. In addition, neighbors can join together to make their corner of town a collaborative display representing every home on the block.
Some ideas to start with:
- Creative signs
- Sculptures
- Installations
- Sidewalk art
- Front porch concerts
- Decorated store windows
- Yarn covered trees
- Photographic projections
- Interpretive dances
- And more!
Anything and everything art related is encouraged and our hope is that the result will be every bit as unique, diverse, and interesting as the very residents of Evanston themselves. We are thrilled to partner with so many community leaders and to promote the use of the arts as a symbol of strength and community.
“By creating art, we can find purpose, feel productive, and make the broken beautiful. We can bring light to darkness and color to the dull. When we create together, we are connected. Individual creations become part of a larger work of art when an entire community joins in solidarity, supporting each other through a visual display of beauty,” says ITA Executive Director, Jenni Rook.
Our hope is to show local honorees love from their community and provide an opportunity for Evanstonians to feel the power of coming together for a unifying purpose – celebrating Evanston by supporting those on the frontlines of keeping our community safe and well during this time, spotlighting community helpers who are tirelessly working to ensure essential needs are met, and celebrating the achievements of our young community members.
Share photos of your creations with us on social media using #EvanstonArtConnects.
Facebook: ITAChicago
Instagram: ITAChicago
Twitter: ITAArtsTherapy
Celebrate Evanston, build community, and honor our front-line workers, helpers, and graduates through ART!