Portraits in the park!
by Beth
I love this idea! Project Onward, a program here in Chicago that supports the creative growth of visual artists with autism and other developmental disabilities, is offering portrait sessions on-site at Millennium Park on weekdays from 10:30 am to 3:30pm. Portrait sittings take about half an hour, and they’re promoted as “a great way to obtain cool and affordable original art.” While it’s true the artwork is affordable (Project Onward artists create the portraits for only $15), the way I look at it, the truly priceless part of the whole experience is the way the sittings give folks a chance to get to know these artists and to support the amazing work they do.
The portrait project is set up in a lovely space inside Millennium Park: lots of Adirondack chairs for visitors to sit in, plenty of space for the artists to work — you couldn’t ask for a more lovely setting. Explore Chicago (the city’s official tourism site) describes all the things Project Onward provides for artists with autism and other developmental disabilities:
Located in the historic Chicago Cultural Center, Project Onward provides workspace, art materials, professional guidance, and opportunities for exhibition and sales to artists who have exceptional talents but face challenges ranging from autism to mental illness.
Artists from Project Onward will be creating portraits at Millennium park on a first come, first served basis until Thursday, September 15. What a terrific idea!