News Briefs: Art in the Village winners, Historical society’s big night, support Youth Services on June 22

The North Shore Art League’s annual Art in the Village took place June 24-25 in Hubbard Woods Park in Winnetka.

The art league — a 99-year-old arts organization located in the historic Community House in Winnetka — “was proud to host this annual juried show. It was a great weekend for a summer art fair — in the middle of the Village’s Hubbard Woods Design District,” according to a news release from the league.

The exhibition featured artists from across the country who showcased their work, including oil paintings, mixed media, photography, sculpture, jewelry and more.

The nuns of St Roger Abbey offered baked goods at the fair, and league faculty member and portrait artist Lisa DePinto was on site to paint oil portraits.

A silent auction invited attendees to bid on donated work from the artists. Gift certificates were donated from local Winnetka businesses and restaurants for a raffle. All proceeds from the silent auction and raffle were donated to the North Shore Art League and its educational outreach.

Professional artist and NSAL faculty members Thomas Trausch and Janet Trierweiler served as judges for the annual juried show.

“It’s always an honor to judge such well-curated shows,” Traush said in the release. “The talent among the artists made it difficult to chose the award winners. We wish we could have given to many more!”

Artists were presented certificates and prize checks by North Shore Art League’s Executive Director Linda Nelson.

Prize winners were: first place – Nancy Koltun, Chicago; second place – Jeff Condon, Grand Rapids, Michigan; and third place – Samuel Yao, Ann Arbor, Michgan. Honorable mentions went to Sally Brandl, Evanston; J.D Dennison, Troy, Michigan; Roberto Ferrer, Mundelein; and Luke Stretar, Richfield, Ohio.

Nelson credited the volunteer work of the NSAL.

“Our volunteers, staff and board worked hard to bring our community another successful art event this year,” she said. “With over 3,500 in attendance, we saw many happy artists and art-lovers. Art in the Village has become a fun summer tradition and we look forward to next year — celebrating our 100th birthday!”

For more information about the NSAL’s quality classes, workshops, summer art camps, programs, special events or to make a donation, contact the NSAL office (847)446-2870 or visit www.northshoreartleague.org.

Donors give $119,000 in support at historical society gala

The Winnetka Historical Society raised $119,000 at its annual gala on June 24 attended by more than 120 supporters at North Shore Country Day School, according to a press release from the society.

The funds raised support the mission of the historical society, which is to honor and preserve the village’s heritage, gather and share the artifacts and stories of its past, and foster meaningful connections among Winnetkans and the broader community. 

Guests enjoyed cocktails & hors d’oeuvres, entertainment from graduates of the Music Institute of Chicago out of Winnetka, dinner and a team trivia game.

Live auction highlights were a trip in Snowmass, Colorado; an Italian getaway in Tuscany; a private art gallery tour and luncheon; chef’s tasting at Pomeroy in Winnetka; Chicago Cubs, Bears, Sky and Blackhawk tickets; tropical vacations; and a private historic home tour and cocktail party.

“Gala co-chairs Susan Sullivan and Karen Vorwald along with WHS board members worked tirelessly to ensure a fabulous event,” the release said. “Winnetka Historical Society is grateful to all the gala donors and especially Tom Flemma, head of school at North Shore Country Day School, who graciously hosted the event.

‘Walk and Wag’ for area youth on June 22

The Walk and Wag is returning from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, for its third year in support of Friends of Youth Services.

Families are invited to bring their pets for a walk alongside live entertainment, giveaways, an pet-adoption event and other activities for both pets and children.

Participants are encouraged to dress up their pet with prizes awarded for best costumes.

The walk begins at Willowcreek Community Church North Shore, 2200 Shermer Road, Glenview and will go along the sidewalk on Shermer to West Lake, west to Youth Services, then back to Willowcreek.

It costs $20 per pet to enter the event with proceeds benefiting Youth Services, which works to provide mental health support for children and adolescents in our community. 

Youth Services annually serves more than 1,800 children from communities such as Wilmette, Highland Park, Glenview, Northbrook, Evanston and beyond.

“Coming off the heels of our successful fashion show, we’re delighted to present another family friendly activity to benefit the community and the kids at Youth Services,” said Sandy Brennan, Youth Services board member. “Come out and spend the morning with us. What better way to start the day than with family and our furry friends.”

For more information and to register, visit the event web page.