By Jennifer Johnson, MainStreet Libertyville Volunteer
If you found inspiration in Libertyville’s early spring celebration of fine arts, you’ll be happy to know there are many ways to discover and appreciate the arts all year round. MainStreet Libertyville is proud to be showcase art and music instruction, live theater, do-it-yourself home décor, and dance lessons for all ages and levels. And be sure to consider the many children’s art, dance and specialty camps offered locally during the summer months.
Learn a new technique or perfect your art or music skills at the David Adler Arts Center where you will find a myriad of classes, workshops and private lessons in varying mediums and levels. The center also offers a full summer camp schedule for children ages 5 – 11. Visit the intimate, historic Adler estate throughout the year to enjoy the many art exhibits and concerts.
Creating your own art has never been easier or more fun with curated materials and expert help. Try your hand at popular, personalized DIY wood signs and home décor at Board and Brush Creative Studio. The studio requires reservations in advance to prepare personalized projects, and welcomes individuals and groups for projects and private parties.
If you need help preserving or framing your art, be sure to visit the Curtis Frame Back Alley Gallery. The gallery also stocks gifts, fine art and handcrafted artisan works for purchase. This hidden gem is accessible from the parking lot west of Milwaukee Avenue near the parking garage.
Live performances are offered weekly at the Improv Playhouse. Bring the whole family to the first show on Saturday evening or book the later acts (adults only) for date night. But the action only begins with performances. The Improv Playhouse offers a full complement of classes and performance arts workshops for children and adults, as well as summer camps for kids.
MainStreet Libertyville is also supported by its associate members, businesses located just outside of the boundaries of the downtown business district. Be sure to take a look at the arts offerings just outside the downtown business district, too.
Unleash your inner artist at Artist@Heart. With classes for tots, kids and adults, as well as open studio times, step-by-step workshops and BYOB private parties, this artist-owned studio offers something for everyone. Enjoy an ever-changing palette of projects here that includes painting, mosaics, ceramics and mixed media works. Artist@Heart offers camps and workshops for kids during the summer and throughout the year.
Are you yearning (or maybe even “yarning”) to knit, crochet or needlepoint? Two Needle Chicks has the expertise and notions needed for success, complete with projects spanning from novice to expert. The rainbows of yarn and raw materials here are inspiring in their own right. Enroll in a in a class, workshop or a kids’ camp to learn proper techniques and receive the encouragement necessary to complete your masterpiece. Drop-in and group project hours are also available.
If you need to brush up on your dance skills for an upcoming event or are looking for a fun, active hobby, pay a visit to Ballroom Dance Center. For nearly twenty years, the owners here have shared their passion for dance with the community. Dancers of all levels, including competition, are welcome here and a partner is not required to register for a class.
Dance Academy of Libertyville offers both academy programs and an open program for accomplished and aspiring dancers in ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap and contemporary dance. Summer classes, workshops and camps are available for all levels and interests.
Talent Forum offers comprehensive classical ballet, tap, modern dance classes and acrobatics for preschool-aged children to for adults, and is home to several dance companies. The studio is also home to a Pilates workshop and kids’ parties and camps are found here, too.
School of Rock offers vocal and musical instruction for young children and adults, with opportunities to perform live in a group at local venues. In Libertyville, classes are offered in guitar, voice, drums, keyboard and piano, as well as summer music camps.
The arts are truly alive in Libertyville, and easily accessible to residents all year round. Take advantage of the events, classes and camps that MainStreet Libertyville business owners have to offer that are conveniently close to home. Let MainStreet Libertyville to be your guide to local arts and entertainment.
A complete list of MainStreet Libertyville merchants and members can be found in business directory on the MainStreet Libertyville website. And be sure to follow MainStreet Libertyville on your favorite social media channels – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Google+.
Please also consider becoming a MainStreet Libertyville member, or better yet— try your hand at volunteering for a MainStreet Libertyville event or committee. Did you know MainStreet Libertyville provides over 50 days of events in downtown Libertyville and is supported 700 residential and 400 local business members. Volunteers log more than 4,000 hours each year planning and hosting MainStreet Libertyville activities. And it’s so much fun. Hope to see you soon!