Painting, Music, Demos, Exhibits On Tap At'An Evening In The Gallery'

OAK LAWN, IL — Spend “An Evening In the Gallery” at Acorn to Oak Studios Friday, February 23, on the campus of Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ, 9411 S. 51st Ave., Oak Lawn. The event runs from 7 to 10 p.m. and features painting and music demos, exhibits, food, drinks and more.

The independent, non-profit arts organization took over the North Wing of the Pilgrim Faith campus, where members have established a separate, independent working art studio. They urge the community to come by and see what Acorn to Oak has accomplished in its first year.

“An Evening in the Gallery” promises a unique experience that includes food, drinks, caricatures by Mike, music demonstrations, a live painting demonstration by Clayton Beck III, and an exhibit of works by students and instructors.

“Our mission is to build a creative home in the community, and an essential part of that is showing the work of our artists and bringing everyone together for a night like this,” said Sandra Bury, one of the founders of Acorn to Oak. “We wanted to have the event in our working studios so the community can see what we’re doing, know we are here and perhaps get involved or get others involved.”

The exhibiting artists are instructors as well as professional and amateur participants in our open studio programs and art classes.

The studio offers art and music programs for adults, teens and children. Over the past year, the studio offered a lantern-making class for families and then walked the Wolfe Wildlife trail at night, lighting the way with their handmade lanterns. A workshop for children was also offered in December, where kids got creative with Santa making their own snowman canvas. Adult programs include ongoing classes and open studio time to artists of all levels and abilities.

Patrons will have a chance to win raffle baskets donated by Acorn to Oak Studios, Blick Art Materials, Clancy’s, Cooper’s Hawk, Hog Wild-Oak Lawn, Los Friends, La Cocina de Mama, Palermo’s and more.

The event is Acorn to Oak’s first benefit to raise funds to continue to expand youth programming and studio space.. A suggested donation of $20 gets you food, beverages and entertainment as you explore the studio. Online registration is requested. For more information, email acorntooakstudios@gmail.com.