Evanston Made activities are comprised of educational programs, exhibitions and performances, and fundraisers that are focused on promoting local artists and engaging the community in the arts.
1. Member Mixers
Monthly
Monthly member meet-ups are hosted at various locations throughout Evanston where Evanston Made members can come together to connect with other artists, promote their work, classes and shows, as well as network and build community. Meet ups include Artist Receptions at curated partner locations and larger groups for block parties, potlucks and studio tours.
2. First Saturdays
Monthly
First Saturdays is city-wide initiative designed by Evanston Made to bring attention to artists and art events in the community. The goal is to encourage artists and galleries to schedule exhibition openings, studio visits, artist talks, workshops and classes on the first Saturday of each month in order to focus public interest and awareness of arts in Evanston through group branding and marketing.
As part of Evanston Made’s mission to be a resource for local artists and increase arts engagement in the community, First Saturdays has become a go-to for art goers and has generated consistent public interest in the arts throughout the calendar year.
Evanston Made presents First Saturday Evanston Art Events, a free self-guided tour of Evanston’s Creative Community. See art on display, shop for art and handmade goods, meet small business owners, enjoy a delicious meal, learn to sketch and make ART Friends!
Call for Hosts
Anyone can host First Saturday Art Events! Hosting guidelines:
- Host in a physical location in Evanston, IL
- Event must be open to the public and free
- Fill out the host form here and be added to promotions, FREE
Evanston Art Map
Updated the First Saturday of every month, scroll this Google map for locations to see and shop for art in Evanston. Double check open hours before going to venues.
3. 6th Annual Maker's Market
May and October
The first Sunday of May and October will bring our 6th year of Maker's Markets hosted at 1800 Maple Avenue Garage.
On the 5th Floor, 75+ artists are hosted at this annual event that welcomes emerging and experienced artists and artisans who sell handmade art and gifts in this fun, community welcoming event. Kid and dog friendly, from 12-5P on May 4th and October 5th, 2025. Free to park, free to shop. Come meet the artists and collect what your neighbors make!
4. Member Group Show hosted at Evanston Art Center
5. Plein Air Festival
July
Save the Date for the 4th Annual Evanston Plein Air Festival, 7/16 thru 7/20/2025, a citywide art event celebrating Evanston's beauty and plein air painting! There will be a detailed listing of events, locations and and all the finale information will be posted soon. INFO.
6. Artist Studio Tour
October
Evanston Made Open Studio Tour is a self-guided tour of our artist member's studios throughout Evanston. This is a fantastic opportunity to start your Evanston Art Collection. Hosted Saturday and Sunday, 12-5p, on the first weekend of October. INFO.
7. Evanston Made Arts Resource
Ongoing
The Evanston Made website is a hub for the arts in Evanston. It is a centralized virtual community for Evanston Artists giving them an opportunity to connect and network, share their work digitally, and becoming involved in art-related events happening in Evanston.
Evanston Made has also launched a community arts calendar that will become a resource for the general public, announcing and promoting all arts events happening in Evanston. In addition to the website, Evanston Made has a vast social media presence which is used to promote and connect Evanston artists with each other and the general public.
Evanston Made curates partner spaces throughout Evanston providing additional exhibit opportunities for our members, receptions to celebrate exhibiting artists and community and member mixers to engage with the public and introduce artists to the public and to other Evanston Made members.