Free family-friendly art show Nov. 1 in Crystal Lake
The public is welcome on Friday, November 1st from 5pm-8pm at Lakeside Legacy Arts Park at the Historic Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake for a free art show. The November exhibits feature Community Partners, and work from Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA). The monthly family friendly art show features visual art, poetry, kids coloring, appetizers, live music, and a cash bar. Guests are invited to explore the Arts Park and Dole Mansion while learning about these local organizations. Music at the November 1st event will be provided by the non-for-profit music organization Free Guitars for Future Stars. Appetizers are provided by Lakeside Legacy Foundation. Donations are appreciated at the free event. Contributions benefit future art exhibits, cover the costs of hosting art events, and maintain the galleries for community enjoyment.
Lakeside's Executive Director Siobhan Cottone remarked, “Lakeside is excited to have MCC's culinary students assisting in the preparation of the appetizers at First Friday. The students have done an excellent job since the September art show, and we love showcasing the talents of local students.” The November appetizers are being cooked by Chef Pili Rios who is an instructor at MCC, and offers cooking classes at Lakeside through her business Confetti Gourmet Academy. The MCC Hospitality Club and Introduction to Hospitality Class will assist Chef Pili in the kitchen. “The appetizers are a tasty addition to the art show,” stated Cottone. Registration for the weekly cooking classes can be found through MCC's continuing education department or at wwwconfettigourmetacademy.com. Meet Chef Pili on November 1st, and learn about the upcoming cooking classes at Lakeside.
The Community Partners for mental health awareness group recently joined in the merge of several other groups to form the Community Partners Wellness Network a division of the Mental Health Board. This Network is a unique partnership of individuals who have used services, their families and friends, and professionals working together to raise consciousness and understanding of behavioral health concerns, reduce stigma, and create opportunities for collaborations to improve behavioral health supports across the community. The exhibit is open to individuals who have received services through McHenry County Mental Health Board (MHB) affiliated agencies or partnerships. Artwork will be produced by individuals, groups, and/or families.
This year, the Behavioral Health Foundation (BHF) will hold its 5th Annual Visions of Hope Awards presentation at the opening art reception on November 1st. The BHF awards honor one outstanding volunteer and one individual or organization for outstanding efforts in raising awareness of recovery from mental illness. Cottone said, “Each year, Lakeside showcases artwork from local, regional, and national artists. November is an example of our commitment to partnering with other local organizations, and how artwork connects us all.” The other community focused art exhibits include the District 47 Crystal Lake School show and the District 155 High School art exhibit.
For more information on the November 1st art show, visit www.LakesideLegacy.org. Lakeside Legacy Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization located at 401 Country Club Road in Crystal Lake, IL. Lakeside's mission is to protect and preserve the Historic Dole Mansion and Arts Park for generations to come. Additionally, the foundation exists to be an innovative community arts center cultivating creativity for all ages. First Friday art shows are mission centered monthly events that celebrate visual, performing, and culinary art forms.