Back in the 1980s, when I was one of the few local women to have a career in advertising, I envied my friends who had the luxury of time to “go to Art Associates.” They were regularly attending lectures and day trips, luncheons and teas. Art Associates held a mystique for me — it sounded a bit social, but the idea of visiting museums and galleries, and attending lectures always intrigued me.
As a working mom, I didn’t have much spare time for these exotic excursions. Needless to say, one of the first things I did when I retired from the working world was to become a member of the Art Institute, which enabled me to also become a member of the Oak Park-River Forest Community Associates. Finally, I was able to join my friends in the cultural experiences offered by the Art Institute and the Community Associates.
Formed in 1954, the Oak Park-River Forest Community Associates is the second-oldest chapter of the 15 local Community Associates groups of the Art Institute of Chicago. Committed to upholding and strengthening the Art Institute’s reputation as a world-class museum, we offer outstanding lectures and art-related events to our members and the broader community. No artistic background is necessary to join — only an enjoyment and appreciation of art.
OP-RF Community Associates has planned 10 events for the 2016-2017 program year and sends out a program booklet to its members describing the planned events. This year’s Opening Lecture & Coffee will be held at the Nineteenth Century Club on Wed., Sept. 21 and will feature an illustrated talk titled, “Remembering Marshall Field’s.” Non-members are welcome to attend. Fee is $20 for members and non-members. For reservations, contact Marilyn Pratt at 708-383-3639. Our full 2016-2017 program can be viewed on the Art Institute website: www.artic.edu. Search for Community Associates and select OP-RF.
Membership dues are $25 per year, in addition to Art Institute membership. Art Institute membership is required. If you would like to join the Oak Park-River Forest Community Associates of the Art Institute of Chicago, please contact our membership chairman Martha Trantow at 708-771-7055 or mltrantow@comcast.net.
Lynne Higgins is a resident of River Forest. The Community Associates board chair, also of River Forest, is Susanne Kroeger.