Evanston Made programs facilitate engagement with the creative community across Evanston!
Join us for events, meet our member artists and explore all the ways to see, share, sell and collect Evanston Art.
Festival Finale Award Winners
Winning artists (from left): Mary Flack- 3rd Place, Natalie Santoro- Founder's Award, Alice George- Evanston Made Member Award presented by Alley Gallery, Simon Cygielski -2nd Place and PAPC Excellence Award , Arturo Aldama- Best of Show, Jianqiao Luan-Festival Favorite, Don Yang-Honorable Mention, Laurie Kennard-Honorable Mention, Kelly Dawson-1st Place Amateur, and Morgan Murphy-Honorable Mention.
Credit:Richard Cahan
Evanston Made presents our
4th Annual Plein Air Festival
July 16-20, 2025
This citywide summer arts festival invites the community to plein air art events and competitions hosted in every neighborhood, accessible and free for all! Watch competing artists paint in the Plein Air style, capturing the beauty of Evanston.
Evanston Made is thrilled to welcome Best in Show Judge : Cory Wright, at the 4th Annual Plein Air Festival. Click here for Wright’s BIO and more info.
Preview the work of our 55 competing artists and find more info HERE
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
July 1- Saw Room Group Show. July 1-20, 2025. Gallery address: 1712 Sherman Ave. Evanston, IL 60201. Gallery hours: Monday – Saturday 10 AM–5 PM.
July 16 – 19, Paint Outs. Paint Outs are “quick paint” competitions for competing plein air painters! Watch painters work during the painting time and join us for award ceremonies. INFO.
Friday, July 18 – Plein Air Festival Block Party. Hosted by the Main Dempster Mile, everyone is invited to meet the competing artists, view the Paint Out competition, shop the plein air art market, enjoy live music and delicious drinks and bites! Main Street, between Hinman and Chicago Avenues. 5:30-7:30p. INFO.
Sunday, July 20, Plein Air Festival Grand Finale.
Join us for an afternoon of art, awards, a plein air cafe and an Outdoor Art Market where artists will sell their work “off the easel”.
The space for this year’s Festival Finale has been donated by Rotary International, in Downtown Evanston and features en Plein Air Cafe. Chef Anthony from Rotary’s Cafe International plans to create a festival menu of small bites and wine for festival goers to purchase and enjoy en Plein Air, in the sunken garden in front of Rotary Headquarters on Sherman Ave. Hosted by Evanston Made and Rotary International, this event is FREE to attend.
Vote Festival Favorite! Enter Rotary International’s lobby to view submitted art and vote, 12-3p
- Festival Award Ceremony: 3:30p
According to the Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account report, our sector contributes $1.2 trillion annually to the US economy and supports 5.2 million jobs.
"Evanston Made is a dynamic, creative engine, supporting visibility of new emerging and established artists while also contributing to the community and economy of Evanston and its artists...Evanston Made is an unsung hero and jewel of the community." -Angela Williams, Evanston Made Member, Evanston Arts Council Member & Director Design & Creative Services, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Member's Portfolio Pages
Scroll through portfolio pages to view the breadth of talent of our members. If you're interested in collecting or purchasing work, reach out to artists directly or visit shopevanstonmade.org