YMCA Celebrates Art with Library and Community Gallery Exhibits

The North Suburban YMCA celebrates local artists this month with a display of paintings and sculptures by their Winter Session art students at the Northbrook Public Library. In addition, a show of oil paintings by Heather Campbell is in the Y’s Community Gallery, and scarves and notecards by Laura Schonken are exhibited in the Y’s 3D Art Gallery.

“We have over 150 pieces in the show at the library,” said Cathie Winnie, Director of the Y’s Visual Arts Program. “The show consists of all Winter Art students from the ages of 18 months old in our Side by Side class, to Adults including our Special Needs art classes.” A reception was held on March 4 at the library for all the students involved. The Y offers over 30 Art/Digital classes each week including a new Studio MakerSpace program.

In the Y’s Community Gallery, Heather Campbell returns as an exhibitor with her paintings of scenes of the Midwest. “I have lived in the Midwest my entire life and I adore the beauty surrounding me every day,” Campbell commented. “I’m passionate about oil and acrylic painting and try to capture the beauty.”

The YMCA’s Community Gallery presents monthly exhibits from talented artists living and working in the northern suburbs. Artwork exhibited in the Community Gallery is available for purchase, with a portion of sale proceeds supporting the Y’s Strong Kids Financial Assistance Fund. For more information, contact Cathie Winnie at cwinnie@nsymca.org.

The new 3D Art Gallery on the lower level at the Y has monthly displays in a variety of mediums by youth and adults. This month, handmade scarves and painted notecards by Laura Schonken are on exhibit and available for purchase.

The North Suburban YMCA is located at 2705 Techny Road in Northbrook. For program information, visit NSYMCA.org or call 847 272 7250.

About the North Suburban YMCA

Celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2018/19, the North Suburban YMCA provides individuals in Northbrook and 15 surrounding communities with programs and tools that help them become healthier, more connected, and confident, regardless of age, income, or background. The NSYMCA focuses on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility and is a charitable organization, inclusive and welcoming to all in our community. Learn more at NSYMCA.org.

Photo 1: The North Suburban YMCA’s Visual Arts Director Cathie Winnie, right, poses with Norah Parkinson, a student in her Adventures in Art 101 class, at a reception at the Northbrook Public Library. Paintings and sculptures by the Y’s Winter Session art students are on display there this month.

Photo 2: A Chicago River scene is depicted in an oil painting by Heather Campbell, on display this month in the NSYMCA Community Gallery.

Photo 3: Handmade scarves by Laura Schonken are on display this month in the NSYMCA 3D Art Gallery.