Earth Night Festival Tonight At Loyola

While this takes place in Rogers Park, according to the press release, it's hosted by "the institutions and business of six neighborhoods, including Rogers Park, Edgewater, Andersonville, Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, and Uptown."

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You might not think you could save the world by having artists wander around Loyola University, Chicago, drawing circles and making collages. But, Loyola University Chicago, Burners Without Borders and the Chicago Art Department want to prove you can. On the evening of April 15, they are taking over the Mundelein Center (1032 W. Sheridan Road) for the 7th annual eARTh Night celebration: Planet Art School.

As part of the North Shore Earth Day annual festivities, eARTh Night has traditionally featured a music recording session. But, this year, Loyola's Department of Fine and Performing Arts is opening its doors to its newly refurbished Mundelein Center to host a one-night art school for the Earth

“After the event, we are working to open window space in the Edgewater business district, so the art beautifies and teaches at the same time. Afterwards, the pieces will be returned to the artist with our thanks and respect,” said Jay Delaney, Executive Director of the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce.

Participants will be able to work with accomplished artists and collectives in creative workshops that highlight our connection to the planet. Live music by local musicians will provide the backdrop for screen printing, collage, paper-making, a stop-motion animation studio, and a an “environmental guilt” writing workshop (a special prize will be awarded for the “Funniest Confession”).

The community group Art Forward will guide participants in painting murals that will later be used to adorn the board-ups of foreclosed and abandoned houses in the neighborhoods of Lawndale and Garfield Park. Their work is an effort to beautify public spaces and encourage civic engagement through art.

Additionally, the Rebuilding Exchange, Chicago's first building material reuse center, is donating materials for a collaborative trash sculpture.

The building’s Solarium, equipped with a glass ceiling and a panoramic lake view, will be transformed into a late-night lounge with beats provided by DJs Searchl1te and Jeekoos of WNUR and Dubfront Records, and DJ Qbot of WLUW.

The evening will kick off with a dance performance by Luna Troop that explores our relationship with water. Installations displayed throughout space will provide participants with the opportunity to examine their own place in the environment. The night will close with a short exhibition of work created during the event.

eARTh Night VII: Planet Art School is a free event, open to the public of all ages.

PROGRAM:

8pm: Doors Open - Food and Beverages Served
8:30-9:30: Opening Reception
9:30-1:30am: Workshops/Galleries/Lounge Open
1:30-2am: Closing Reception