The Art Center Highland Park Prepares For Annual Spring Benefit

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — The Art Center Highland Park is gearing up for its largest annual fundraiser with a straightforward message this year.

Set for the first weekend in May, the event aims to raise nearly 20 percent of the not-for-profit's annual budget, according to Executive Director James Lynch.

"We decided to be direct and call it what it is: THE BENEFIT. Then we added the tagline, Art. Works., because this is a case of mutual benefit between the community, local businesses, and The Art Center, all working together to make our area a great place to live," Lynch said.

"Too often people think of arts and culture organizations as ‘the icing on the cake’ when, in reality, we’re a key ingredient of the batter for a healthy, vibrant community," he added. "It’s fair to say that we benefit the community in a lot of ways."

The Art Center has nine full or part-time employees and 60 teachers who work as independent contractors.

It has a $1 million budget, with more than half of that coming from 1,400 registrations, according to representatives of the organization. It also pays $100,000 a year in rent and other expenses for its building at 1957 Sheridan Road.

“The arts and culture sector accounts for $29.7 billion of the Illinois economy and supports more than 216,700 jobs," said Nora Daley, chair of the board of the Illinois Arts Council. Our sector is made up of small to large-sized businesses. Our artists are entrepreneurs. We are economic drivers."

The Art Center partnered with other local not-for-profits and established a victim support program following the 2022 parade shooting. It also serves as the location of classes for the Highland Park Senior Center and offers a wellness classes for older adults and a local program for disabled adults called Arts of Life.

Every February, it celebrates Youth Art Month by opening up its gallery walls, rent-free, to local schools to display their art, drawing thousands of people to the area, according to Art Center representatives.

Scheduled for May 3, the benefit will be hosted by WMAQ-TV reporter Kye Martin, a North Shore resident and longtime traffic reporter.

Musician Sam Thousand, the co-founder of multiple Chicago-based organization, is booked to perform.

About 150 tickets are available online at the price of $175 each. Two presenting sponsorships are available for $25,000 each.

Jackie Chilow, the center's events director, said it is the "gem of the North Shore arts and cultural scene" thanks to the local community.

“Hosting this event allows us to come together and honor both our efforts and those of our community," Chilow said. "Throwing this party gives us a chance to say thank you to everyone who takes classes, attends special events, donates, or supports TAC in any way."

Related: Arts Center Has 'Grown By Leaps And Bounds' Thanks To Community Leader