• Our History

  • Founding Members

  • By the Years

  • Yearbooks

Our History

The Oak Park Art League was founded after World War I, during a time when rapid changes were occurring in the American art world. Picasso, Cezanne, Matisse and other artists of the European avant-garde were entering the dialogue and visual vocabulary of artists, collectors and museums after the 1913 New York Armory Show and subsequent exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago. In response, new art institutions were organized to provide venues for artists to discuss the radical new art forms of these European artists. In Chicago, the Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago (1915) and the Arts Club of Chicago (1916) were formed. And in 1919, artist Carl Krafft and other Chicago area artists began meeting in Krafft’s Austin home, which in 1921 would become formally known as The Austin, Oak Park, and River Forest Art League; renamed the Oak Park Art League (OPAL) in 1970.

As a place for artist collaboration, the Art League became a mecca for notable regional artists of the time, gathering frequently for lectures and artist demonstrations. Outgrowing Krafft’s home, the Art League rented Frank Lloyd Wright’s studio in the mid 1920’s and the 19th Century Women’s Club in the early 1930’s. Burgeoning membership necessitated a search for a permanent home for the Art League and a fundraising campaign ensued. One of the many contributors included Ernest Hemingway’s mother, Grace Hall Hemingway, a member and an accomplished artist. In 1937, the Art League purchased its current building, a carriage house and stable for the Victorian home that still stands to the west of the building. Designed in 1902 by Oak Park architect, Eben Ezra Roberts, the carriage house was converted to the gallery and classroom it is today by Roberts, also a skilled painter and an Art League member.

Prior to its use as the Art League (1913 - 1917) the building was used as a private school and dance studio by the famous choreographer Doris Humphrey. Roberts, a contemporary of Frank Lloyd Wright, designed the carriage house with similar characteristics as Wright’s first home. The Oak Park Art League is located in the center of Oak Park’s Historic District and is withing walking distance from Frank Lloyd Wright’s famed studio and Ernest Hemingway’s birth home. OPAL’s gabled A-frame structure is an important landmark and lends to a tri-part dialogue about the early 20th century regional influences in art, architecture, and literature that continue to define Oak Park’s cultural landscape today.

Founding Members

By The Decades

2000’s - 2020’s

  • In September 2000 OPAL opened its satellite gallery at 149 Harrison Street with semi-solo shows for artist members.

  • OPAL collaborated with Sarah’s Inn and Community Response for a fundraiser and silent art auction to benefit each organization.

  • OPAL collaborated with Prairie Title and West Suburban Hospital to exhibit artist members’ work and expand our satellite galleries.

  • In 2019 OPAL updated its mission statement, launched a new website, re-established the yearly Artist Member Catalog and created new outreach programming, including Meet the Maker and Critique Night.

  • From March 2020 – May 2020 OPAL along with the rest of the world went into lock-down due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. OPAL re-opened in June 2020 with strict Covid protocols in place including a socially-distanced classroom plan, virtual gallery shows and online meetings.

  • Despite the pandemic, 2020 through 2021 was a time for growth and expansion including establishing the Family stARTs program in partnership with A House in Austin and Hephzibah Children’s Association as well as creating programs with Spoken Word, Everyday Activists, and a collaboration with Momenta Dance Company.

  • OPAL partnered with Kettlestings Tavern and Cross Function Workspace, both in Oak Park, to create more satellite gallery opportunities for our artist members.

  • OPAL launched our YouTube channel for virtual tours of OPAL’s exhibitions and videos of our special programs and events.

  • In FY 2020 OPAL secured $47k in grant revenue which was used for upgrading technology, producing artistic programs and paying staff salaries.

  • In 2021, OPAL continued its efforts to obtain state funding for much needed infrastructure repairs and building renovations, making significant headway in Nov 2021with its application submission to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

1980 - 1990’s

  • In 1981 a new roof was installed, thanks to money raised by OPAL members.

  • Color ’86 was a juried show held at OPAL and was open to Chicago area artists. Over 600 entries were received and 83 artists were included in the show.

  • In 1988 OPAL celebrated 50 years at 720 Chicago Avenue with an exhibit of works by its founding members.

  • In 1990 OPAL featured an exhibit of Carl Krafft, founding president. The show featured paintings, photo albums and memorabilia loaned by the artist’s family.

  • In 1996, in celebration of OPAL’s 75th anniversary, funds were raised to landscape the front grounds. A new flower garden was planted and a new sidewalk was installed.

  • In 1998 OPAL hired its first paid Executive Director, Jessica Mackinnon.

  • September 2000 the Art League opened its satellite gallery at 149 Harrison Street.

  • The Art League hired Sarah Coffey as Gallery Manager of the Harrison Street Gallery, and Christi Dallam as the Art League’s Assistant Director.

  • Alexandra Dymowska was hired in early 2001 to replace Sarah Coffey as the Gallery Manager for the Art League’s Harrison Street Gallery.

1960’s–1970’s

  • The Austin, Oak Park and River Forest Art League shortened its name to the Oak Park Art League (OPAL) in 1970.

  • OPAL celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1971 with an exhibition of works by famous members and redesigned the logo.

  • In 1979 OPAL’s furnace caught fire and was destroyed, causing the pipes, radiators and toilets to freeze! To recoup some of the money that was used to pay for the repairs, OPAL held a White Elephant Sale in June.

1940’s – 1950’s

  • The Art League published The Art League Book, a history and collection of works by Art League members.

  • The Art League began a picture rental program. For $12 a year ($1 a month), one could rent an oil painting or sculpture for their home. If they wanted to purchase it, the rental would go towards the sale price.

  • An auction of art by Art League members was held to raise money to purchase a piano.

  • The Art League began monthly tours of exhibitions. The public was invited to visit the gallery and receive a guided tour of the shows.

  • The Austin family donated a complete kitchen and upgraded the electrical system as a memorial to Edna Austin.

  • The Art League had a sale of oil and watercolors. Over 300 were on display, and sold for between $5 and $50.

1930's

  • In 1937 the Art League buys the property at 720 Chicago Avenue, designed and built by Art League member E. E. Roberts.

  • In 1938 the Art League opened its new home at 720 Chicago Avenue. The exhibition was artwork donated by members, and all sale proceeds went to the building fund to help pay off the costs of remodeling the building.

  • To celebrate the one-year anniversary in the 720 Chicago Avenue building, the Art League presented an exhibit of work by Carl Krafft.

  • The annual Garden Party event funded the Art League’s scholarship program.In 1932 the League becomes a tenant of the newly completed 19th Century Women’s Club, renting the top floor.

The Art League Book

1940

This book was published by the Oak Park Art League in 1940 featuring history, member's work and a look at the Art League just after moving into its permanent home at 720 Chicago Ave.

View (PDF)

Centennial Yearbook

1921 - 2021

The Oak Park Art League Centennial Yearbook honors the history of the Oak Park Art League while celebrating its 100th year showcasing exhibits, classes, special events, and art member profiles.

View and download the PDF for free. Purchase a hardcopy here