Side Street Studio LAB to host Family Night

Side Street Studio Arts LAB, 13 S. Spring St. in downtown Elgin, will host a First Friday Family Night from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 1.

Artists of all ages are welcome to join Side Street artists and LAB members to paint, print, create, and hang out with artists of all experience levels.

Families and individuals can bring their own supplies or pick something up at SSSA Supply, 11 S. Spring St., and get to work.

LAB artists will be sharing the space, creating works of their own. The event is open to all ages, technique levels, and interests. There is a $5 suggested donation at the door.

The LAB, which opened earlier this year, is a shared artist space designed to support the artistic process through the housing of equipment, storage, and proximity to supply and exhibition resources.

The LAB allows artists the space and time to create, and features silk-screen equipment, printmaking equipment, a darkroom, kiln services, and more.

While at Side Street Studio Arts, don't miss the closing weekend of "Changing Light," currently in the gallery at 15 Ziegler Court. The visual art exhibition features the work of artist-interns Adrian Mesino and Ricco Nunes. The gallery will be open from 6 to 8 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

Side Street Studio Arts was founded in 2013 by Tanner Melvin and Erin Rehberg as an outlet for the Elgin arts scene.

Currently under the direction of Amanda Harris, Roberto Martinez, Melvin, and Rehberg, it provides educational and creative resources and an accessible space, run by artists. Its mission is to support the artist and artistic journey through collaboration.

For more information, visit www.SideStreetStudioArts.org, call (847) 429-2276 or email SideStreetStudioArts@gmail.com.