Two years ago, local artist Beata Nowak wanted to reignite her passion for painting when a Google search led her to the Naperville Art League (NAL). The Homer Glen resident, intrigued by the League’s monthly Fourth Friday event (now suspended due to COVID), made her way to the Naperville Fine Art Center & Gallery where she met NAL members eager to welcome her to the fold. Soon after, Beata joined the organization and was recruited to run Art Around Town (AAT), a rotating art program that matches venues with wall space to artists with artwork.
Beata hit the ground running and, under her direction, the 15-year-old program grew intentionally and organically. With the help of her husband, Dave, Beata now spends every other Saturday installing the juried work of up to 30 NAL artists in a new exhibit at the participating locations: Colbert Custom Framing & Art Printing, Elate Salon, Ellman’s Music Center, Lucky Penny Diner & Deli, Office of State Representative Janet Yang Rohr, Sweetwater Coffee & Tea, and Tasting deVine Cellars.
The new office suites on Washington Street will be added to this list in mid-January 2022.
Main Street Promenade is also an ATT partner and due to the scope of the project, it is run by NAL Board members Patricia Melekus and Linda VanderKolk and operates under a different set of guidelines.
“I feel fortunate to be working with Naperville shop owners and business leaders who appreciate the value of our program and its impact on local artists. Customers are responding positively to the displays, and some are purchasing artwork right off the wall!” Beata continues, “It is so inspiring to transform a non-gallery space into an exhibit area showcasing the fine work of our members — work that otherwise might be stored in the back of a studio somewhere.”
Anyone interested in learning more about AAT is encouraged to contact NAL. While there is no fee to participate, artists must be active members of the League. Naperville organizations interested in joining the program are also welcome to direct their inquiries to naperartleague@aol.com or call (630) 355.2530.
About the Naperville Art League
Now in its 61st year, the Naperville Art League is a nonprofit organization created to support and sustain development and diversity of all forms of art. Through art instruction, programs, workshops and exhibits, NAL dedicates itself to providing art education as well as raising awareness and appreciation of the arts for the cultural enhancement of the community. The public is welcome to explore the Naperville Fine Art Center & Gallery at 508 N. Center Street regularly.
New art exhibits featuring original art by member artists are on display monthly. For more information, contact Naperville Art league at (630) 355-2530 or visit www.napervilleartleague.com.
