West Chicago Art
West Chicago is proud of its public art collection, which serves to beautify the community and inspire its imagination. Many of the installations in various locations throughout the City are the result of the hard work and dedication of the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission. West Chicago's Public Art tells the community's many stories, serves to document the past and present, and creates a sense of place that is uniquely West Chicago.
The Shell
A partnership effort between the West Chicago Park District and the City Of West Chicago to foster the arts in the community founded by a concerted vision by former West Chicago Mayor, Michael Kwasman and community members.
The Shell officially opened in 2017.
Public Art
West Chicago is proud of its public art collection, which serves to beautify the community and inspire its imagination.
Many of the installations in various locations throughout the City are the result of the hard work and dedication of the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission. West Chicago's Public Art tells the community's many stories, serves to document the past and present, and creates a sense of place that is uniquely West Chicago.
Gallery 200
Gallery 200, an artist co-op, is a creative oasis in downtown West Chicago featuring the work of local artists for sale at affordable prices. It is a division of People Made Visible, an arts not for profit, with support from the City of West Chicago.
People Made Visible
People Made Visible, Inc. (PMV) is a non-for-profit organization with a mission to facilitate community while fulfilling the artistic, social, educational and cultural needs of the community through an innovative physical and web-based presence.
Artist in Residence
The Artist-in-Residency Program was established in 2008 and is run in collaboration with People Made Visible and the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission.
Since 2008, fourteen artists have visited West Chicago from Chicago, Denmark, Germany, Mexico and Spain.
Gallery Theater
The Gallery Theater fills a creative niche for residents and visitors on both sides of the curtain. Growing and nurturing talent for the performing arts, community theater gives many aspiring actors their first taste of the stage, while more seasoned actors enjoy performing in the intimate setting of their own hometown amongst friends, family and neighbors.
Local Music Night
Local Music Night is a free monthly event, where local artists can share their musical talents in a coffee house-type atmosphere. It has featured over 50 different performers and groups since its first event in October 2009.
Recent News about West Chicago Art
Student Talent Sparkles as Frosty Fest Approaches, Contest Winners Announced
For more than ten years, elementary school children in West Chicago have been invited to participate in a project that connects them to the City in a special way for the holidays. A student essay contest that rewards three winners in each grade category with a classroom visit, ride in the Mayor’s horse-drawn Frosty Fest […]
Students and Businesses Work Together on Storefront Windows for Frosty Fest
Members of the West Chicago Community High School National Honor Society worked with seven downtown businesses or organizations to add holiday cheer to storefront windows in time for Frosty Fest, which is scheduled for Saturday, December 7, 2019, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. in downtown West Chicago. Among the participating businesses/organizations are Rite Way Auto, […]
Let the Countdown Begin: Official Tree-lighting to Take Place this Saturday at Frosty Fest
Lights, check. Ornaments, check. Butterflies, check. The official tree is ready to turn on the magic of Frosty Fest this Saturday, December 7, 2019, immediately following the Frosty Procession which steps off at 4:00 p.m. and includes the West Chicago Police Department and Honor Guard, the West Chicago Fire Protection District, Frosty, West Chicago Community […]
Night of Recognition at City Council Meeting
It was a night for recognition at the top of the agenda at the City Council meeting of Monday, December 3, 2019. First up was the IHSA Class 3A State Champions Varsity Boys Soccer Team. The team received a standing ovation from Mayor Ruben Pineda, City Council and others in attendance. Following the reading of […]
“Home” is Chosen Theme for West Chicago’s 2020 Public Art Banner Exhibit
Calling all artists.Submissions now being accepted online.Deadline: February 1, 2020. Home, there’s no place like it, and the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission (WCCAC) hopes the chosen theme evokes emotion and inspires creative expression for the concept, physical structure and/or larger community in which the artist feels a sense of belonging. “Home is the place […]
Winter Butterflies to Adorn Community Tree
West Chicago’s Gallery 200, 103 West Washington Street, was aflutter with activity last Friday. Community members were invited to join staff from Kramer Tree Specialists, a West Chicago business which for the past ten years has generously donated their services to decorate the official tree for Frosty Fest, for a very special activity that was […]
Frosty Fest Butterfly Ornaments to Close Out The Year of the Butterfly
West Chicago closes out The Year of the Butterfly with an inspiring project for the 2019 Frosty Fest Tree Lighting. Kramer Tree Specialists, which generously decorates the community tree at the Fox Community Center every year, has agreed to incorporate 20 hand-painted butterfly ornaments on the tree this year. A smaller version of the wooden […]
Fused for You: A Touch of Glass Exhibit and Sale at Gallery 200
Artists Sue Tripp, Valerie Baxter, Mindy Milan, and Rita Skarha, who work across the bench from each other and share the same kiln, bring unique fused glass art to Gallery 200 in the month of November. Each will present art in the dynamic medium of fused glass. Sue, Valerie and Mindy work together at Rita’s […]
Gallery Theater Presents: Bistro De L’Amour & RECONCILIATION
Gallery Theater of West Chicago is proud to present Bistro De L’Amour and RECONCILIATION by Tom Rieser who also directs the productions. Bistro De l’Amour Couples and would-be lovers sort out their lives and problems at a one-time local watering hole, now a sophisticated French bistro located in suburban Milwaukee. RECONCILIATION RECONCILIATION is a suite […]
America in Bloom Recognizes West Chicago Resident Judith Horsley
Earlier this month, West Chicago resident Judith Horsley was recognized by the national organization America in Bloom (AiB) as one of several Dwight Lund Community Champion nominees throughout the country who have demonstrated a vision and selfless commitment to moving their communities forward. Her nomination, which was submitted by the City of West Chicago, contained […]
Halloween Safety Tips & Official Trick or Treat Hours
Official Trick-or-Treat HoursThursday, October 31, 20193:00 – 7:00 p.m. Parents are encouraged to go over some basic safety tips with children before the big day. The following information is provided by the West Chicago Police Department: Always wear light-colored and/or reflective clothing so children can be seen in the dark Try to avoid wearing masks that […]
City Museum Announces New Ornament Available November 1
Starting on November 1, 2019, fans of West Chicago may pickup the 2019 West Chicago Historic Landmark Ornament, featuring the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union Fountain at the City Museum, 132 Main Street in downtown West Chicago. The ornament depicts the iconic fountain in its original location, at the intersection of Main and Washington Street. The […]
