Open House Chicago 2016 Series – Part 3

The next stop on the Open House Chicago was the Nineteenth Century Club House and Oak Park Art League.

Nineteenth Century Club House in Oak Park, IL

This clubhouse was established by a group of women who believed that education, charitable activities, and civic involvement were an important elements to a prosperous community. (Girl power!)

This neoclassical structure was built in 1928 and designed by James L. Fyfe who had ties to the club through his wife and mother-in-law.

The clubhouse is still used to support educational and cultural endeavors.

At the time of my visit there was a dance class going on, which was fun to watch!

Oak Park Art League in Oak Park, IL

The Oak Park Art League was founded after World War I and this structure was designed in 1902 by Eben Ezra Roberts. (I like how colorful and fun this building’s exterior is) It was a place for artist collaboration and became an important place for notable regional artists of the time. It was used for lectures and art demonstrations. Today, it is still being used to hold art programs for people of all ages and skill levels.  It also includes a gallery space which houses regular exhibits of local artists.

The following are photos of art pieces that were displayed at the time of my visit and are the ones that stood out to me the most.

This site is in the neighborhood of Frank Lloyd Wright (the famous architect we all studied in design school) and had influences from the prairie style which he developed.

I have one last post on the Open House Chicago 2016 Series which will be about him and the tour of his home and studio…SO excited about sharing that! 🙂