Get in touch with the community’s creative scene.
The Evanston Art Center combines a sophisticated art gallery with experienced art instruction and community events, meaning there are many opportunities to engage with the local art scene under one roof. Many of the events and all of the galleries are free and open to the public.
Warmth and passion radiate from Evanston’s Space 900 Art Gallery. This welcoming, open space is run by a group of seven artists with a wide range of skills. Each artist brings a unique perspective and process; yet when combined the art works togehter naturally. About once a year, this group exhibits pieces from all seven artists in one show. Other collaborations between the individual artists are done often throughout the year. When the gallery is not being used its home artists, Space 900 is rented by independent artists to showcase their work and creativity.
The goal of Space 900 is to build a collaborative, friendly environment where art has an opportunity to thrive and expand. Free and open to all the public, these artists hope to foster a welcoming sense of community and continue to celebrate a variety of unique art. See details of their upcoming exhibits and each individual artists work on the gallery’s website.
World-class acting instruction and performances.
Piven Theatre Workshop is a nationally recognized and critically acclaimed theatre with a unique take on training—their Piven technique is “a combination of improvisation exercises designed to bring truth and honesty to an actor’s performance of scripted work.” Piven was founded by the parents of the Golden Globe-winning actor Jeremy Piven and for more than 40 years they have offered stellar performances as well as acting and improv training for children and adults. Piven encourages individual creative exploration through performance in an accepting, community-oriented atmosphere.
Unique museum for a unique city.
This free museum is one of Evanston’s quirkiest hidden treasures and features the world’s largest collection of Toby and Character jugs. You can get a free tour of the impressive collection from experts and even hear a lecture about the jugs, some of which date back to 1760.
Tucked away in an alley in the heart of Evanston is the Alley Gallery. Here resides the legacy of its creator Chris Molloy, as well as his parrot Jessica, since 1985. This artist-owned and operated shop is also home to The Saw Room Exhibition Space which features locally made artwork. Their philosophy: provide the finest custom framing and have fun doing it. You can also find a range of greeting cards, handcrafted or vintage houseware, original art, and thousands of posters and prints with top-notch craftsmanship done with museum-quality materials.
