It's First Friday: Stop by To See District 47 Artwork, Enjoy Live Music

Today is First Friday at Lakeside Legacy Foundation at the Historic Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake.

The public is welcome to attend this free, family-friendly event from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Dole, 401 Country Club Rd., Crystal Lake.

Tonight's event will feature art works made by District 47 students and students from Creative Artistry School of Fine Arts.

The McHenry County Youth Orchestra and District 47 students will provide the live music for tonight's gathering. There'll also be face painting and coloring activities.

“May's First Friday is a highlight of our gallery calendar,” said Siobhan Cottone, Lakeside’s executive director.

“The walls come alive with the talents of emerging artists. At Lakeside we strive to inspire and encourage creativity in people of all ages, and May is a celebration of student artists and musicians. It is also a celebration of the incredible local teachers!”

Kindergartners at Coventry Elementary School have been getting messy during art class using oil pastels to create one of their favorite nursery/fairy tale characters: Humpty Dumpty.

It just so happens that Coventry’s brick walls are the perfect place to have Humpty sit.

"The kindergartners agreed they don’t want him to fall off the wall quite yet!” said Coventry Elementary art teacher Linda Belloto.

First Friday is a free artistic and musical gathering. It's an affordable family outing, date night, or fun night out with friends.

First Friday provides complimentary light appetizers and a cash bar, and as a non-for-profit, Lakeside Legacy Foundation appreciates and is sustained by guest donations.

Donations at First Friday assist Lakeside Legacy Foundation in continuing its mission in the arts and to protect the historic property for generations to come.

For more information on the May and June artists, and to learn more about Lakeside Legacy Foundation, home to the Historic Dole Mansion and Arts Park, visit www.LakesideLegacy.org.