Community Corner
North Shore Senior Center Hosts: Building Community One Portrait at a Time
Meet the Artist: Tuesday, September 9 (2 to 4 p.m.) Attend a free reception to welcome Jim Parks and his Faces of NSSC.
If Jim Parks looks familiar, you’ve probably seen him or his work in North Shore Senior Center’s (NSSC) Atrium during the past six months.
Since last spring, Jim has stationed himself at NSSC to create the Faces of NSSC project, a vibrant collection of miniature portraits painted on canvas squares. The finished works will be on display in the Art Gallery September 8 through October 24.
Learn About Jim’s Creative Process
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Jim’s creative process starts with photographing his subjects, then retreating to his home studio where he uses a mix of acrylic and oil paints, and “ink pencils” to transform the images into expressive 4” x 4” portraits. He completes up to a dozen paintings each week.
“The Faces project is, to my knowledge, unique. It’s special because when people see their portraits among others they can’t help but feel part of a community,” he explained. “Older adults often feel isolated and invisible, and this project helps them feel seen and valued.”
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A longtime Evanston resident, Jim started sketching people at Levy Senior Center. “I was surprised at the profound effect the process had on me—that feeling that I’ve captured someone’s essence.
“Their reaction to seeing their portrait on canvas is icing on the cake. In this time of uncertainty, it’s my contribution toward creating community and belonging.”
He added, “People ask why I don’t do this for money. I’m having too much fun to ruin it all. I spend a week studying these faces and when I’m done, I feel like we’re friends.”
An Evanston Township High School graduate, Jim studied theater at Boston University before returning home to spend three decades in show business, including a notable performance in “Godspell” at Chicago’s Studebaker Theater.
His career extended to radio, television, and voice-over work—perhaps most famously as the voice of the Hamburglar in McDonald’s commercials. He also hosted HGTV’s remodeling show “New Spaces.”
Now 11 years into retirement, Jim continues to paint and occasionally returns to showbiz gigs. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “When I leave this Earth I want to leave something behind—and these portraits are something I’m proud to have given to all my new friends.”
About North Shore Senior Center
Headquartered in Northfield, NSSC is a nationally accredited 501(c)(3) organization that serves older adults whether they are fully independent or in need of additional support. Offering a wide range of services including memory care programs, educational classes, and wellness activities,
NSSC provides a welcoming space to connect, learn, and build community. NSSC is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more, visit www.nssc.org.[AK1] NSSC is located at 161 Northfield Road, Northfield, IL.
