My out-of-school time youth development organization has partnered with Art Encounter consistently over the last several years to provide high quality, engaging arts enrichment opportunities to our 3rd-5th grade youth. Art Encounter teaching artists bring many years of teaching experience which adds to the quality of the classes and helps each session run smoothly. Additionally, teaching artists consistently bring original pieces of art into the classroom and discuss them at length with the youth which allows youth to develop a greater appreciation for the art and a greater understanding of how to better incorporate these techniques into their own artwork.

Art Encounter provides a wonderful service to the community by making connections between local artists and the public. Their efforts provide a much needed guide to art appreciation for children and adults. I’m always impressed by the engagement between their staff and attendees.

Art Encounters commitment to community education, involvement, and connection through art is apparent in the variety of programs they offer and populations they serve. From engaging residents in senior homes and challenging students in elementary schools, to coloring the viaducts of the city with murals and organizing art walks of local galleries, they truly strive to make art available and meaningful to everyone. Ive particularly enjoyed their Night Visions program, a quarterly event that invites the community to discuss and explore local artists and their work. We gather in a comfortable setting, whether thats a gallery, studio, local business, or the artists home; chat and connect over refreshments, then ask and answer questions and observations about the work and the process. It provides a way to truly see and think about art as not just something that is for artists but enriches our lives everyday and is a catalyst for discussion, introspection, and connection.

I truly feel that Art Encounter enriches my life more than any cultural activity I participate in. The array of art that is presented and the venues in which the participants visit art--from artists studios to private homes to galleries and museums--is absolutely incomparable. There is always something new, something Ive never seen or heard of before and the visits we make seem are imbues with infinite possibilities. Being a member is great because members get notified of every opportunity. And membership dues and money spent for programs like Expanding Visions is used to bring art and art experiences to others (children, seniors, special needs individuals and refugees) who may not have opportunities to do or think about art otherwise!

One of the best arts organizations in the city! We have worked with Art Encounter in several different capacities and have always been blown away by the programming, professionalism and depth in all they do.

Art Encounter is more than a stalwart Evanston art institution. It is an innovative and exciting creative hub, serving every possible constituency - from the youngest students in our schools to the seasoned art collector, Art Encounter has something for everyone. They implement their programs with a thoughtful, purposeful approach and do so in way that is both welcoming and provocative. I have seen their skillful staff in action as both an observer of their Language of Art school program and a participant in their evening artist talk series and came away from each experience both impressed and inspired. And lets not forget how they are literally changing the face of Evanston, one beautiful wall at a time with their Mural Arts Program. Art Encounter is a true community gem, providing access to arts enrichment to anyone with a desire to learn, offering opportunities to engage with artists, make art and feel the power of the arts in building community. I cant wait to see what they do next.

As the director of Downtown Evanston, a business improvement district, we have seen first hand the impact that murals bring to our district, clean and bright and positive images make a world of difference on a drab wall that many visitors walk past! The best part of accomplishing this transformation is working with Art Encounter and EMAP! They are so professional and creative and easy to work with. Could not recommend them more!

Weve partnered with Art Encounters Mural Arts Program on two different murals and some other projects as well. They are deeply engaged in beautifying Evanston and connecting artists, and we absolutely love our murals!

Art Encounters impact on Evanston and Chicagoland is evidenced in the volume of contemporary art and artists they bring to audiences. As a former Board Member and volunteer, I have first-hand knowledge of the extent that AE goes to bring art into everyones lives and to bring artists to people. Selfishly, the development I am most grateful for is the EMAP (Evanston Mural Arts Program) that AE has activated. In addition to activating Evanston walls, artists mentor youth to create murals and public art, which is an incredible asset for our community. Incredibly grateful to have this organization in Evanston!