October is National Arts & Humanities Month, and Evanston joins communities nationwide in celebrating the arts and recognizing the many ways that arts and culture enhance our lives.
From art in downtown storefront windows, to lectures, book discussions, performances, exhibits, and artist open studios, there's sure to be something of interest to everyone during this month-long celebration of the arts and humanities.

Join the Evanston Arts Council at a downtown kick-off event for Arts & Humanities Month from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, October 1, at Design Within Reach, 1710 Sherman Avenue. This free event will feature refreshments, entertainment by the Blue Dragons, and art work on display by a number of artists including Hiroshi Ariyama, Richard Cohen, Elizabeth Freyou, Sarah Kaiser, Sara Strozinsky, and Paul Wear.

Show 'em a Poem

Monday, May 10 is the deadline for submission of short poems for a competition organized by the City of Evanston's Public Art Committee and the Evanston Public Library. Five original poems will be selected to be installed in concrete on the sidewalk ramp in front of the Evanston Public Library in downtown Evanston.

The Library Sidewalk Poem Project is open to Evanston residents of all ages. Original poems appropriate for a public audience are welcome. Click here for submission guidelines. For more information, please call 847.448.8260.

Art Under Glass applications due May 10

Applications are being accepted through May 10 for the next round of Art Under Glass, a program initiated by the Arts & Business Committee of the Evanston Arts Council to place the work of Evanston artists in vacant storefront windows, thereby promoting local artists and enhancing the aesthetics of our community. Submissions will be reviewed by an independent jury and final selections will be made based on the suitability of the work for the available window spaces. Installation will be scheduled in June 2010.
Additional Art Under Glass application opportunities will be announced at a later date. We hope artists will take advantage of this opportunity to showcase their artwork while beautifying our downtown business district!