by Lindsay Ambrose | Aug 26, 2024 | Blog, Events
Join us in the Arts District for HARVEST on HARRISON. Gather your family and friends and join us for a day of spooky fun!
Activities include:
- Trick or Treating
- Family Fun
- Pop-up Shops
- Food + Drink Specials
- Arts + Crafts
Stay tuned for more details!
by Lindsay Ambrose | Aug 26, 2024 | Blog, Events
The Art and Wine Walk Returns to the Arts District
It’s time for a little Sippin’ & Shoppin’ in the Oak Park Arts District!
Our Second annual Art & Wine Walk takes place on Saturday, December 14, from 3-7pm.
It’s a perfect time to treat yourself to some wonderful wines, magnificent art, delicious hors d’oeuvres and great holiday shopping – all in the historic Oak Park Arts District!
We are thrilled to be partnering with a local gem, Anfora Wine Merchants for this event. Support artists and local businesses all while treating yourself to a fun afternoon out.
Ticket Sales will be $50 and include a wine glass, complimentary tastings throughout the participating locations, a wine tote, box of water, and a bottle of wine to be picked up later at Anfora Wine Merchants!
There will also be small bites, music, and sales throughout the Oak Park Arts District businesses.
Save the Date and Stay Tuned for ticket sales to open up.
Shopping Local never tasted so good.
by Lindsay Ambrose | Aug 26, 2024 | Blog, Events
Toddlin' Around Town in the Arts District with the Collaboration for Early Childhood
Toddlin’ family friendly way to play and explore in different areas of Oak Park with your toddlers, babies and young children. We’ve partnered with Oak Park business districts to “piggy-back” on their fun events to create spaces for young children to explore and be delighted, too!
Spot Cece the little pig with wings hidden in shops and businesses, win prizes, and attend FREE, local, family-friendly events across Oak Park! There’s so much to discover as you Toddle Around Town!
This takes place in conjunction with or Saturday with Santa event taking place on Saturday, November 16.
Save the date and Stay Tuned for more information coming soon. See you there!
by Lindsay Ambrose | May 20, 2024 | Arts Music Culture, Blog, Events, Festival, What's Blooming
Oak Park’s biggest spring festival, “What’s Blooming,” was a hit again this year!
This Saturday, Harrison Street came alive with over 120 booths from local artisans, small businesses, and makers. Add carnival rides, an art auction, a performance stage, a beer garden, and awesome local eats into the mix—there was plenty to see and do!
The place was packed, everyone enjoying the sunny, warm weather. Highlights included the Happy Swirls Ice Cream truck and cool margaritas from Taco Mucho.
Live music rocked the Kinslahger Beer Garden from 11 AM to 9 PM, keeping the vibes lively and fun.
Don’t miss out next year! Save the date—every third Saturday in May, we kick off the festival season with “What’s Blooming!”
Picture Gallery from What’s Blooming 2024
by Lindsay Ambrose | May 2, 2024 | Blog, Health, Lifestyle
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and many of the local shops and businesses within the Arts District offer services for enhancing mental health and whole body, mind, and spiritual wellness.
From therapy and counseling to studios specializing in Reiki, meditation, dance, and language learning, along with unique gyms focused on holistic health rather than just toning—many of the businesses here are united by a vision to help individuals achieve wellness.
Check out many of the local businesses in the Arts District to enhance your Mental Health and Well-Being.
Natalie Walsh
Natalie Walks guides clients to identify and release what’s no longer serving them in order to move forward to live a life filled with passion and purpose, shining their inner light on their own life as well as those around them!
Tip from Natalie Walsh: Through our lives we take on the weight of grief, limiting beliefs, physical, mental, and energetic blocks from traumas, past “versions” of ourselves which we become attached to, even when that version is no longer feeling good or bringing us joy! I help clients to clear that and welcome new abundant energy into their bodies, their energy, their homes, their work, and their relationships so they can live the beautiful, purposeful, peaceful life they were put on earth to live! Learn more about Natalie Walsh.
Mosaic Counseling & Wellness
Mosaic believes that there is room for growth in all of our lives. They understand that the fit between therapist and client is essential to success as healing occurs within relationships. They practice from an insight-oriented, collaborative, and individualized approach to meet the unique needs of clients. They offer services for children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. Mosaic therapists work with clients to co-create an empathic and accepting space where they can feel safe while also feeling challenged to work towards change.
Tip from Mosaic: Take a moment for yourself today with the gentle art of journaling. Amidst life’s hustle, it’s important to pause, breathe, and reconnect with your inner world. Carve out some quiet time, grab your favorite notebook, and let your thoughts flow freely onto the page. Nurture your mind, one entry at a time. Learn more about Mosaic.
Purple Sun Arts
“Raise Your Vibration” is the theme at Purple Sun Arts. Visit the shop to see a delightful collection of Cicada inspired paintings, artwork, and jewelry that will inspire and help you raise your vibration. The shop offers an immersive arts experience for those who seek purpose and meaning.
Tip from Purple Sun: Try out Cosmic Smashbooking™ and Cosmic Coaching™ with Dr. Ann Viernes, founder of Purple Sun Arts. Her workshops and transformational life coaching sessions helps clients create more purpose and meaning in their lives.
Fifty First Street Studio
Fifty First Street is a shop and studio for people interested in fostering a creative lifestyle. The studio offers workshops for all ages to learn new visual art skills, find connection with themselves and others, and expand the boundaries of their own creativity.
Tip from Cassie, owner of Fifty First Street: Pop in and check out the ceramics + goods in the store. She encourages you to them in your hands and feel the weight of each piece. These items are meant to be used and loved. Consider a workshop to expand the boundaries of your own creativity! Learn more about Fifty First Street.
Learn More about Health and Wellness in the Arts District
by Lindsay Ambrose | Apr 29, 2024 | Arts Music Culture, Blog
Summer is a great time to start learning French or progress from your current level by taking a six-week French class with l’Institut français d’Oak Park! Registration opens on Monday, April 29 for classes that will take place from June 11 through July 17 in the Oak Park Arts District.
Start learning French with Le Débutant or build your French vocabulary, conversational fluency, and comprehension with Le Touriste, Le Globetrotteur, or Le Découvreur. Visit our website for session details and course descriptions.
For more information, subscribe to our email list, visit http://www.frenchinstitute.net or follow l’Institut français d’Oak Park on Facebook and Instagram.