Dole Mansion Mural Project depicts organization mission
Lakeside Legacy Foundation is home to the Historic Dole Mansion, Arts Park, and ‘the Listening Room' performance venue. The mission of the organization is to protect and preserve the beautiful 12 acre property for generations to come, and to be a world class community arts center. Lakeside is steeped in art and history, and a mural depicting Lakeside's mission is being painted on a large brick wall facing the rear driveway of the building. Amber Larsen, Lakeside Resident Partner Artist and owner of Creative Artistry School of Fine Arts; which is located in Lakeside's Highland house behind the Dole Mansion, is leading the mural project. The mural brings to life in paint what Lakeside is all about. That Lakeside is a community arts center that brings the arts alive, cultivates creativity, and is a place for the community to gather and celebrate. Lakeside Legacy Foundation was created in 2002 by the out-pouring of community support to save the historic property from demolition. The foundation is celebrating it's eleventh year, and this mural project is a visual expression of its commitment to the community and the arts!
“Something the public probably doesn't realize about Lakeside, is that we are home to 27 resident artists and musicians who lease studio space, “ remarked Siobhan Cottone, Lakeside's Executive Director. “We have many hidden gems at Lakeside, and our resident partners are bright treasures. They are photographers, painters, musicians, art educators, tutors, fashion designers, graphic illustrators, recording artists and producers, and the McHenry Youth Orchestra is our largest partner.” The public can take lessons, book photo sessions, purchase art, and interact with the individual resident partners. Lakeside's resident partners can be contacted directly by visiting Lakeside's website.
Resident partners art is showcased in the first floor hallway at Lakeside, and often musical resident partners play live music at First Fridays and other musical events at Lakeside. During the rest of the month of May the talents of Lakeside's Resident Partner Amber Larsen, her instructors, and the students from Creative Artistry School of the Fine Arts, will be on display and in action for the community to enjoy! Larsen and her art school is painting a large mural at Lakeside. The mural includes images of the Historic Dole Mansion, musical instruments, and children and adults painting, and much more.The mural includes the following words, “History and creativity keep us connected,” stated Larsen. “This beautiful property was saved in 2002 and became Lakeside Legacy Arts Park. The mansion was built in 1865 and the annex as the original country club in 1922, and now we are all here bonded together by the arts!”
The public is welcomed and encouraged to come see the mural, and to watch the local students and art instructors paint and bring this beautiful image to life. Weather permitting, painting of the mural takes place on May 21st, 22nd, and 23rd from 7pm-8:45pm, and on May 25th from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and painting on Memorial Day on May 27th as well. Lakeside is located at 401 Country Club Road in Crystal Lake, and the mural project is on the backside of the building along Lakeside's Highland Avenue entrance located behind the Highland House where Creative Artistry School for the Fine Arts resides. The address for Creative Artistry is 400 Highland Ave., Crystal Lake , and the mural is located on a brick wall along the driveway in-between the school and Lakeside Legacy Arts Park. For more information contact Lakeside Legacy Foundation at 815-455-8000 or visit www.LakesideLegacy.org.