Illinois Art Station set to develop new site to display work

NORMAL, Ill. (AP) - An Illinois nonprofit that has offered art experiences to nearly 3,000 youth and their families plans to develop a permanent location to showcase pieces independently as the group transitions away from Illinois State University, the organization's executive director said.

Since beginning in 2018, the Illinois Art Station has partnered with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal, Bloomington and Normal public libraries, Western Avenue Community Center and The Autism Place.

Its most prominent projects feature large-scale murals made by young people and professional teaching artists.

Executive Director Laura Jaster told The Pantagraph that the organization will 'œbe more responsive to the community." Jaster said she hopes to provide a creative outlet for children who may not have that opportunity.

'œThis is something I feel passionate about,'ť said Jaster, a native of Iowa who has a master's degree in art history and years of experience working in museum education and community arts.

The organization has asked the town of Normal to approve a facility next to Constitution Trail, with entrances off Vernon Avenue and Linden Street.

The location will provide a 'œsmaller, more intimate space'ť that is 'œgoing to feel a little more welcoming and homey,'ť Jaster said, adding that wooded areas will be retained on the property to offer opportunities to 'œincorporate nature and the environment into our lessons.'ť

The Illinois Art Station Foundation will be responsible for covering the expenses of the facility.

'œMy vision is that children and teens in all their diversity will join together at Illinois Art Station, reaping lifelong benefits through educative visual arts activities, respectful dialogue, and genuine friendship," said Dr. Laura E. Berk, president of the nonprofit's foundation and its founding donor.

Dependent on town approval of the zoning change and site plan, Jaster said construction is expected to start this winter with programs at the site in the middle of 2021.

'œCOVID-19 really put the brakes on a lot of our programming,'ť said Jaster. 'œWe plan to jump-start programs in the fall with virtual and digital programming.'ť