Embracing the Arts

Life is better when we surround ourselves with beautiful things that awaken and excite our senses. Sights and sounds uplift us and inspire us. In the Chicago Southland, the arts explode - bringing us elevated awareness and peaceful harmony in everything from performances to paintings. Spanning from visual to theatrical to musical to natural art, the area hosts creative venues of all kinds. While spending time in the Chicago Southland, make it a point to take advantage of the many opportunities to incorporate some art and culture into your visit.

OUTDOOR ART

The Chicago Southland definitely excels in the area of bringing art to the outdoors. From illusion murals to sculptures to municipal public art projects, you can easily schedule a full day to make your way around soaking up some sunshine and the talent of a variety of artists in their respective niches.

Richard Haas Murals (Village.Homewood.IL.us)

The village of Homewood is home to the largest collection in the world of murals by world-renowned painter Richard Haas. Starting in the early 1980s, this collection of large murals on the sides of buildings grew. These unique illusion murals make you feel like you’re really in the scene.

Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park (GovSt.edu/Sculpture)

Located on the campus of Governors State University in University Park, admission to this one-of-a-kind sculpture collection is free and it’s always open. It’s been recognized as the Best Sculpture Park in America by USA Today’s Reader’s Choice Awards in 2021. You will be wowed by the 30-plus master works of large-scale art situated in this serene 100-acre prairie landscape. Among the featured artists is world-renowned sculptor and Chicago native Richard Hunt who was recently commissioned to create a piece for the Obama Presidential Center. The newest installation is “Running Table” by Dan Peterman, a 100-foot table that doubles as a gathering space.

Flossmoor Sculpture Gardens (ArtFlossmoor.com)

Established in 1998 by the Flossmoor Public Art Commission and the village, the sculpture garden project was the first of its kind in the Chicago area, with world-class works of art installed in the village square, along charming residential streets and in the village’s award-winning Flossmoor Garden and Sculpture Park, which was designed by noted Chicago landscape architect Peter Lindsay Schaudt.

Additional places to explore:

• Sculpture Collection in Palos Heights (PalosHeights.org)
• Village of Orland Park Veterans Memorial, Ara Pace - Place of Peace (OrlandPark.org)
• Chicago Portage National Historic Site, Forest View (NPS.gov/Places/Chicago-Portage.htm)
• Frankfort Fire Protection Station #1 Memorial Garden (FrankfortFire.org)
• Illinois Lincoln Highway Murals (VisitChicagoSouthland.com/Lincoln-Highway-Murals)

ON STAGE

What would our world be without the magic of theatre or music? You won’t ever have to wonder because we have plenty of it! Whether you want to listen to a concert in a darkened auditorium or rock out at a large outdoor venue, we’ve got it. If you prefer the purity of small community theatre or the thrill of larger-scale national productions or anything in between, you’ll find it on stage in the Chicago Southland.

The Drama Group (DramaGroup.org)

For more than 90 years, the Drama Group has created a culture of inclusion and opportunity in Chicago Heights, using its art, assets and resources to contribute to a more diverse, equitable and transparent environment for actors and a meaningful experience for its audience. This community theatre group’s motto is “Bringing Broadway to the South Suburbs since 1931.”

Freedom Hall (FreedomHall.org)

Freedom Hall’s 280-seat Nathan Manilow Theatre in Park Forest hosts a diverse series of music, theatre and dance performances along with children’s theatre and outreach activities. This premier performing arts theatre and concert venue hosts a main series of popular vocalist, bands and tribute artists, and a matinee series covering cabaret, musical theatre, holiday shows and more.

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra at Ozinga Chapel (IPOMusic.org)

Located on the campus of Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, the impressive Ozinga Chapel is home to the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, which performs a full season of classical masterpieces, American classics and modern tunes under the direction of Maestro Stilian Kirov.

Additional places to explore:

• Governors State University Center for Performing Arts, University Park (CenterTickets.net)
• Country Club Hills Amphitheater (CCHTheater.com)
• Fox Pointe, Lansing (FoxPointe.org)
• Grand Prairie Choral Arts, Park Forest (GPSings.com)
• Kindig Performing Arts Center at South Suburban College, South Holland (SSC.edu/Venue/kindig-performing-arts-center/)
• Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center, Palos Hills (MoraineValley.edu/FPAC)
• South Holland Master Chorale (SouthHollandMasterChorale.org)
• Tall Grass Arts Association, Park Forest (TallGrassArts.org)

GALLERIES AND EXHIBITS

Union Street Gallery & Art Studios (UnionStreetGallery.org)

At this Chicago Heights gallery, a minimum of 10 art exhibits are hosted each year, bringing you pieces by local artists. Artist receptions allow an opportunity to meet and engage with creators. Fourteen artist studios complement the space.

Christopher Art Gallery (PrairieState.edu)

Located on the main campus of Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, six to eight shows per year feature student, local, regional and national artists. Recent past exhibitions have explored how art reflects science, showcased digital photography and highlighted a variety of media related to the African American experience.

McCord Gallery & Cultural Center (McCordGallery.org)

The McCord House in Palos Park was built in the early 1830s. It was originally part of a farm that raised cattle and other farm animals and has served as a gallery and cultural center since 2004, showcasing artwork of local and regional artists.

Additional places to explore: 

• Lotton Art Glass Gallery & Studios, Crete (LottonArtGlass.com)
• South Suburban College Art Galleries – Photo Four Gallery, Dorthea Theil Gallery and Lee E. Dulgar Gallery, South Holland (SSC.edu/Services/Art-Galleries/)
• South Holland Community Center Artist Gallery

ART AND ARTISAN EVENTS

• Annual Park Forest Art Fair, Park Forest (TallGrassArts.org/Art-Fair)
• Arts & Drafts, Orland Park (OrlandParkChamber.org)
• Fetching Market, Lansing (FetchingMarket.com)
• Frankfort Fall Fest, Frankfort (FrankfortChamber.com) 

See our online event calendar at ChicagoSouthland.com/Events for more seasonal performances and artisan events.

THE LYRIC THEATER, BLUE ISLAND: Where events become memories.

Dating back to 1917, The Lyric Theater, along with the adjacent Grand Opera House, was once the center of the entertainment district in downtown Blue Island. After long sitting vacant, the 12,000-square-foot- building has recently re-opened following extensive restoration. It’s been modernized with a 29-foot wide, 17-foot-tall screen and state-of-the art audio and visual features, luxurious booths and private suites. It shows films and hosts live local and national touring artists and private events. For more information, visit LyricCinema.com.