Art Encounter is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating, inspiring, and connecting people of all ages and backgrounds through interactive encounters with visual art. Our broad range of programs foster community, creativity, and a greater understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
What’s NeW:
PROGRAMS & EVENTS
Winter Programs
A new season of Winter Series is right around the corner! Join us for two online sessions in January and two in-person museum visits in February as we explore the idea of collaboration in artmaking. Registration is open now.
Art Travel Around the Globe
Our remarkable trip to Denmark in September spanned six cities, bringing art travelers on a journey filled with beautifully-designed museums, stunning monumental art installations, and intimate visits to the homes and studios of Danish artists. This March, we're hitting the road once again with a trip to the deserts of West Texas, where we'll explore El Paso and Marfa, an art town unlike any other. And in October, we’re headed to Italy for the world-famous Venice Biennale!
What’s NeW:
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Resilience in our School Programs
In spite of the withdrawal of federal support for our school program ARTiculations, we’re working hard to ensure no reductions in program services this year. Thanks to the generosity of individual donors and new foundation grants, we are close to finalizing continued commitment with all of our dedicated school partners, which include over 800 students across 30 classrooms in schools from West Ridge to West Town.
NEW: Senior Program Expansion
Engaging, interactive art experiences for older adults living in housing communities have long been a core part of Art Encounter's outreach initiatives. This fall, we embarked on a new partnership with the organization Embrace Living Communities, a regional non-profit that provides affordable housing communities for seniors, and are bringing our Art and Connection program to residents at their Greencastle of Garfield location in West Garfield Park.
What’s NeW:
Murals
Gateway Murals Brighten Neighborhoods
We created two new "gateway" murals in 2025, including a beautiful, faux stained glass trompe l'oeil by accomplished artist Darius Dennis for the Maple Foster district. Mural program co-founders Lea Pinsky and Dustin Harris also painted a graphic, text-centric welcome mural for the Ashland Arts District (to be installed this spring). In 2026, we will be working with Downtown Evanston and the Main Dempster Mile on two more placemaking murals–check back for updates!
King Arts Mural to Celebrate Global Civil Rights Leaders
This spring, we’re pleased to be partnering with King Arts School on a new mural for their library. Working with the theme of civil rights leaders and movements around the globe, return artist Damon Lamar Reed will co-design and paint an inspiring and educational mural with the school's 8th grade graduating class as their legacy gift to the school.
Public and Member Programs
Join us for interactive art tours of museums, galleries, private collections, and local artists’ studios, in person and online!
Community Outreach
Our community programs for local public school students, residents of senior living facilities, adults with disabilities, and more are at the heart of Art Encounter’s mission.
Mural Program
Our Evanston Mural Arts Program exists to make art available to all by uplifting and beautifying our home town with large-scale public murals.
Opportunities for Artists
Join our monthly Critique Group, open your studio for a tour, or become a teaching artist!
Art Travel
Our trips offer the chance to experience the art world in a fresh and stimulating new way.
