Art Encounter — Local services in Evanston Township

In the last couple of weeks I’ve had the pleasure to attend (by Zoom) the first session of Art Encounter’s 2022 Winter Series: “Women Portraying Women”, facilitated by AE founder/artist, Joanna Pinsky and a Night Visions conversation with Evanston artist, Yadi Royster, moderated by Sarah Packer, interviewer/artist. I’m always “wowed” by the quality of programming Art Encounter produces and by how much I learn after each discussion. What a joy!

In the Winter Series, Joanna Pinsky guides us as we view and encounter various paintings. The encounter occurs first: Joanna poses open-ended questions — teasing out our first thoughts, impressions and perceptions. From here a discussion ensues which involves all participants who wish to engage. And, finally, we learn more about the artists’ actual intentions, life and milieu, which help us place the artist and her art into a comprehensible context. Gladly, I am always left with more questions for future contemplation.

Night Visions is an Art Encounter Program that visits local artists (sometimes with demonstrations) to view their art and talk with the artist in a relaxed setting. I learn so much from seeing/hearing the artist talk about his/her creative thought processes and then seeing the end product — their painting, sculpture, mixed media or whatever the outcome may be. It’s so insightful.

I could go on and on about the different kinds of programming Art Encounter offers, such as the public art/mural program (EMAP) led by Executive Director Lea Pinsky and the various outreach programs to disadvantaged schools and to the elderly, but time and space limit me. Needless to say, I am impressed by the AE organization, by it’s founder-artist, Joanna Pinsky, by its facilitator-artists (some of whom were mentioned above) and by it’s vision to provide a variety of art programs and services to a diverse community.

The Art Encounter organization is a treasure — especially now during these challenging times.

Thank you...

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 let's 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 can't wait to see what...

Art Encounter's 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. I've 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 that's a gallery, studio, local business, or the artist's 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,...