About

Street scene in the Oak Park Arts District with a sign welcoming visitors, parked cars, a leafless tree, benches, and buildings under a blue sky with wispy clouds.

How We Got Started

Beginning life as the Harrison Street Business Alliance in 1993, the rebranded Oak Park Arts District captured the new reality of a growing artistic community on Harrison. Encompassing the half mile of Harrison Street from Austin Boulevard west to Elmwood, the area is home to a thriving artistic community as well as a diverse variety of small enterprises.

Colorful mural of children holding hands and playing outdoors on a grassy field, with a bright blue sky and clouds in the background.

Our Mission

To further establish the Oak Park Arts District (“the District”) as an important gateway to Oak Park by promoting the interests of its business community and, in cooperation with other stakeholders, by developing the area as a desirable destination for shopping, entertainment and dining, enriched by cultural activities and community service.  The District boundaries shall be defined as Harrison Street from South Austin Boulevard to Elmwood Avenue and beyond.

Old woman with curly hair and glasses smiling in a bookstore.

Deep Roots

Val Camilletti is our Vice President in-memorium. Owner of Val’s Halla Records for 45 years, Val was an incredible force during her time in the Arts District and on the OPAD Board. Her energy and passion for the District was boundless—she was always willing to try new things and to participate in every event with full force. She will be sorely missed.

Mark Finger, Neighborhood Dimensions, is our Treasurer Emeritus. In 1993, he launched the business association on Harrison Street known then as the Harrison St. Business Alliance and later renamed the Oak Park Arts District Business Association. For over three decades he has worked to sustain a prosperous and appealing commercial environment for the community where he also resides. We are indebted to his tireless efforts.

Oak Park Arts District Board Members

  • Close-up of a woman with curly brown hair, wearing a red top, smiling at the camera in a well-lit indoor setting.

    LAURA MAYCHRUK

    President

    As owner of Maychruk Real Estate, Laura is focused on providing a high-quality client-centered approach to real estate services to those looking to buy, sell, and invest in the Oak Park, Forest Park, and River Forest Communities. Laura has worked in the Arts District to bring it to its full potential for over 20 years. 

  • A smiling woman with shoulder-length hair, wearing earrings, in an indoor setting.

    MIMI COMERFORD

    Vice-President

    Mimi and her husband moved to the Arts District 2 years ago after buying the building at 341 Harrison and renovating it into their home with one retail space. We have been awarded 2 stewardship awards in that short time. I want to see the neighborhood continue to prosper so am proud to serve as a new board member and co chairing the What’s Blooming event.

  • A smiling woman with glasses, shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a black jacket and gold earrings.

    MONA NAVITSKY

    Treasurer

    Principal of Harrison Street Ventures, the largest owner and developer of commercial property on Harrison Street.  Their portfolio includes investment properties throughout the Midwest. 

  • A smiling woman with purple hair and glasses wearing a yellow jacket and beaded necklace, standing in an art or craft store.

    DR. ANN VIERNES

    Director

    Purple Sun Arts LLC is an immersive arts experience located in the Heart of the Oak Park Arts District designed for those who seek purpose and meaning. Our space offers purchasable art, wall decorations, jewelry, collectable glassware and crystals. In addition to the shop we offer Cosmic Smashbooking™ and Cosmic Coaching™ lounge where Dr. Ann Viernes, our founder, holds her workshops and transformational life coaching sessions.

  • Ross Oberlin

    Ross Oberlin is the founder and co-owner of RC Training & Fitness, a strength and conditioning gym in the Oak Park Arts District. With more than 20 years in fitness and over a decade as a gym owner, Ross has built a space where people train not just for fitness, but to prepare for the bigger adventures and challenges of life. As a board member, he’s committed to helping the Arts District grow as a place of energy, creativity, and community.  

  • Mariah Naella

    Mariah Naella is a real estate broker with The Shino Group at Fulton Grace, working with buyers, sellers, and renters across Oak Park and the surrounding suburbs. She has called Oak Park home since 2017, and in 2021 she and her family purchased a building in the Arts District, further rooting her in the community she now helps serve. As a member of the Oak Park Arts District Board of Directors, she is committed to supporting a neighborhood she is both personally and professionally invested in.