Your news Waukegan parks given first-place award
Submitted by Theodora Anderson
The Waukegan Park District received the first-place award for Arts in the Park at the Illinois Association of Park Districts Best of the Best Gala recently.
Accepting the award was Claudia Freeman, superintendent of cultural arts who leads and implements the district’s arts programs and services. Freeman is also responsible for the many partnerships with local and state artists, arts organizations and other entities that fund and support the arts.
The award, presented by IAPD in partnership with the Arts Alliance Illinois, recognizes the Waukegan Park District for its support of the arts and partnerships with artists and arts organizations that enhance the quality of life in Waukegan.
Ra Joy, executive director of Arts Alliance Illinois stated in his congratulations, “Thanks to your many programs, Dandelion Wine Fine Arts Festival and opportunities for children to participate in the arts, Waukegan is a richer, more vibrant place to live.”
For nearly three decades, the Waukegan Park District Cultural Arts Division has offered a wide variety of fine arts and cultural arts programming that stimulate creativity, develop skills and create a lifelong appreciation of the arts. Programs offered include the Waukegan Symphony Orchestra and Waukegan Concert Chorus; Bowen Park Theatre; Jack Benny Center’s professional instruction in dance, theater, music and visual arts from prekindergarten to adult; Waukegan History Museum; and Bowen Heritage Circle programs and lessons. Special events include Ray Bradbury’s Dandelion Wine, Summer H*E*A*T, Arts Park, Bowen Blues and Movies in the Park. Last year the museum supervisor and volunteers spoke to more than 120 school and community groups about Waukegan history. Partnerships include Academia Cultural Xilotl, the Waukegan School District and the Lake County Arts League. Two other recent accomplishments were the development of the Cultural Arts Strategic Plan and grant of $10,000 from the Illinois Arts Council.
Freeman sits on the Cultural Vitality Index Task Force for the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning 2040. She has participated in legislative hearings, meetings and conversations with legislators in Illinois and Washington, D.C. In addition, she is a founding board member of the Waukegan Arts Council and she has actively supported the Karcher-Artspace Project throughout its planned redevelopment. Under Freeman’s leadership, the Cultural Arts Division of the Waukegan Park District will continue to ensure that the arts thrive, are accessible to all and that Waukegan residents benefit from their experiences and participation in the arts.
Ÿ To submit Your news, send it to nbrcalendar@dailyherald.com.