Aug 05

Chad Keast Drumming Up Business in the Arts District

By Kelly Pollock, feature writer for Buzz Cafe Growing up in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Chad Keast loved percussion and considered studying music performance in college but didn't think he had the required discipline. Instead, after studying accounting at a technical college, he decided to go to hair school. Chad went... read more →
Jul 08

The Actors Garden Takes Center Stage

by Kelly Pollock, feature writer Buzz Cafe Gigi Hudson discovered her passion for acting in college and has been teaching theatre for almost thirty years. This year, she is celebrating the ten-year anniversary of The Actors Garden which originally launched out of space shared with Musikgarten on Harrison Street which... read more →
Jun 03

Allstate Insurance Opens in the Arts District

By Kelly Pollock, feature writer for the Buzz Cafe Early in his career, Rene Medina worked as an internal auditor at the headquarters of Allstate Insurance Company in Northbrook. He became familiar with their agencies, and his interest in the insurance industry was piqued. More than twenty years have passed,... read more →
May 01

What’s Blooming on Harrison

By Kelly Pollock, feature writer for the Buzz Cafe Twenty years ago, the originators of the What’s Blooming on Harrison street festival could not have envisioned the all-day community event that it has become. This year’s festival is on Saturday, May 18, from 11am-7pm and spans Harrison Street from Humphrey... read more →
Apr 15

Call for Art from Expressions Graphics

“Her Voice” 3rd Annual Art Exhibition, June 1 – July 26, 2019 SHOW PROSPECTUS “Her Voice" is an exhibition of women printmakers and their guest artists. The event brings women from different art backgrounds together to interact in a shared studio space.   Who is Eligible: Women artists and those who... read more →
Jan 09

Jammin’ in the Western Burbs!

by The Eastgate Cafe Over the years, the Oak Park Arts District has become well-known as a showcase for local musical talent like the Farmers Market Band and other groups that play folk, country-western, rock, and pop favorites. All of these genres can be heard at family friendly venues like... read more →
Dec 31

What’s Blooming on Harrison

In 1999, the Oak Park Arts District launched What’s Blooming on Harrison as a celebration of the arts within our community. Over the years, this popular cultural event has highlighted the business district through artist demonstrations, live music, dance performances and an art fair. Not only is it looked forward... read more →
Oct 20

The Arts District Welcomes Rare Bird Preserves

By Whitney Parchman Owner Elizabeth Madden celebrated the grand opening of Rare Bird Preserves late last month in the Oak Park Arts District. The space at 211 Harrison houses a commercial kitchen and multi-use retail area designed to host classes and parties. With a background in fine arts, Madden attended... read more →
Sep 20

The Arts Districts Latest Addition, the Birth Boutique

by Whitney Parchman In 2015 neighbors Jen Gold, Lauren Elliott and Lindsay Monroe became fast friends while in the throes of caring for their young children. They shared labor and delivery stories between carting their kids to various activities and navigating life as new moms. They reflected on the challenges... read more →
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