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Cultural Arts Connection

Born out of a passion for the cultural health of the Ela Township community and a means of connecting social, economic, and educational goals, the Cultural Arts Connection (CAC) has developed its own unique, interactive promotion of the arts. Since 1996, they have organized over $750,000 worth of cultural events and programs in the community via a host of fund-raising activities, sponsorships, and state grants. The Illinois Governor’s Home Town Award recognized one of its most remarkable activities, the Ela Festival of Arts, in 2001 for the “immeasurable value it brings to the quality of life in a community……a key ingredient to promoting economic development.” The CAC has been very instrumental in shaping the Lake Zurich area culture into what it is today.

Serving the Ela Township’s communities of Lake Zurich, Kildeer, Long Grove, Hawthorn Woods, and Deer Park, the CAC strives to “increase community pride, (provide) cultural opportunities……showcase local talent……and is dedicated to enriching lives through quality cultural events and programs.” On Main Street in downtown Lake Zurich, you will find the Cultural Arts Connection’s “Arts in Action Gallery,” which is aptly named to define its goal: to provide a venue for the community to see and experience first-hand all forms of art and be able to speak with the artist about the piece as it is being created. Up to 20 local artists volunteer and run this unique non-profit gallery, and a portion of the proceeds earned from sales are allocated to support additional programs through CAC. An on-line “Arts Gallery” also is available at: http://culturalartsconnection.org/pages/cac_programs.asp#Arts_
in_Action_Gallery.

Review background information about a specific local artist featured in “Arts in Action” or the on-line “Arts Gallery,” enlist the talents of a local artist, view pictures of their work, and contact the artist directly through the Website. Local artist Beth Kopov had this to say about the gallery: “I think that the gallery is a wonderful addition to the community for both the artist and the gallery, bringing art so fresh, that you smell the paint.”

The annual Ela Fine Arts Show, an offshoot of the Ela Festival of Arts, is in its 8th year and is held each June in Deer Park. A juried exhibition, it has been the CAC’s longest standing activity, whose attendance has reached as high as 4,000. Local students from 3rd grade through 12th are encouraged to participate, and high school-aged students can sell their work. Professional artists judge the students’ artwork and a number of cash awards are given based on age, which is a wonderful experience for these children. The Ela Fine Arts Show serves as a unique opportunity to “bring communities of people together to better appreciate cultural diversity and the communities within its boundaries.” Local artist Barb Benstein has been involved with the Ela Fine Arts Show and CAC for over 10 years and said that, “through the CAC we are able to bring the arts to the community. I always like to educate the younger age groups about art.”

While activities occur year-round, the CAC’s summer line-up has become a favorite with locals. Family-friendly programs are held free-of-charge during the Lake Zurich Promenade Entertainment Series, on Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. during June, July, and August in downtown Lake Zurich. Attendees have enjoyed local talent, like the Lake Zurich’s Village Singers, nationally acclaimed artists, such as guitarist Steve Suvada, a featured soloist with the Joffrey Ballet, or participated in an interactive drumming performance. Mandolin, steel drums, comedy, mime, and story telling also have been enjoyed through the years.

A summer highlight that is sure to continue was last year’s “Paint Out.” Local artists donning their palettes and paintbrushes demonstrated their unique talents as a wide variety of musical
talent competed for the audience’s attention. This event was so successful in Lake Zurich that it is being repeated this fall in Deer Park.