It's 'First Friday' at Lakeside Legacy and Dole Mansion

It's First Friday at the Dole Mansion-Lakeside Legacy Arts Park in Crystal Lake today.

The Lakeside Legacy Foundation hosts First Friday gallery events from 5 to 8 p.m. on the first Friday of every month. Admission is free, and the exhibits are family friendly.

The public is welcome to explore all the Dole Mansion and Arts Park have to offer the community.

The April 5th First Friday Exhibits Include:

Dole Gallery: "Inside the Box" exhibit by Joe and Kathleen Isacson.

The Sage Gallery Exhibit: "Motion" by six artists. The Motion gallery expresses movement through art, and each individual artist will bring motion to life through their medium.

This exhibit features the talents of:

Photographers Nancy Merkling and Janet Kay

Fine artist and floral designer John Regan of Twisted Stem

Sculpture installation by Angela Swan

Origami by Patricia Bell

Woodblock prints, drawings, and kites by Alfred Stark

Ballerinas on pedestals will take the form of live sculpture, showcasing movement through dance.

The Listening Room: Free blues and jazz peformance by trumpeter Ken Cooper in the Listening Room, an intimate state-of-the-art venue located within Lakeside. First Friday offers the community this complimentary concert as an opportunity to experience this new entertainment venue.

About First Fridays

First Fridays are artistic events intended to showcase local and regional visual artists. Guests are treated to free appetizers and a cash bar.

“We are a destination, and a gem for all to enjoy,” said Siobhan Cottone, Lakeside’s Executive Director.

“What makes us a special charity is our mission. We are an historic property steeped in art. Where else is that available, or as accessible? Our 12-acre Arts Park is centrally located and convenient to neighboring Lake and Kane Counties.”

First Fridays are mission-centered events open to all ages, intended to encourage guests to step inside and explore the galleries, interact with the artists, view exhibits, take self-guided tours of the Dole Mansion, listen to music, and so much more.

The space can be thought of as a cultural center, celebrating a rich tapestry of many art forms coming together under one roof. Guests do not have to be avid art patrons to attend, although art buyers and art enthusiasts also attend First Friday’s.

Artwork is always for sale, and a portion of each sale supports Lakeside Legacy Foundation along with the individual artist.

“First Friday is an inexpensive local event that should be experienced at least once,” said Erin McElroy, Lakeside’s Advancement Coordinator.

“Once you step inside, you will be coming back each month,” McElroy said. “You can’t help but be charmed by the beauty of the space, combine that with talented artists, you get inspired, you have fun, and it leaves you curious to discover more about the place and what next month’s exhibits have in store!”

Each month new artists design exhibits that transport viewers. The monthly themes and mediums change offering different perspectives and spotlighting new mediums.

For more information on the April 5th First Friday artists, and to learn more about Lakeside Legacy Foundation, home to the Historic Dole Mansion and Arts Park, visit www.LakesideLegacy.org.

Lakeside is located at 401 Country Club Road in Crystal Lake, IL. Outside of First Friday, artwork can be viewed and purchased Monday through Friday from 9 a.m to 5 p.m.

Information submitted by Lakeside Legacy Arts Park.