The Awakenings Project: For Prospective Venues

February 14-16 (Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College): A celebration of the life of Kurt Taecker (1953-2010). We saluted him and his incredibly beautiful works of art, some of which had never been shown publicly before.

August 4-18 (Elgin Art Showcase, Elgin, Illinois): Katrina Syrris invited Awakenings artists to exhibit artworks at the play, "Nevermore," by Goodly Creatures Theatre. The venue for the play was the Elgin Art Showcase, on the 8th floor of the Professional Building, where our studio is on the 4th floor.
July 12 (DuPage County Fairgrounds, Illinois): Awakenings was invited to the inaugural mental health fair "Mind Your Health Fair" sponsored by NAMI-DuPage and Blue Cross Blue Shield at the DuPage County Fairgrounds.
April 18-21 (Goodly Creatures Theatre, Elgin, Illinois): The women of Awakenings displayed their work at "The Yellow Wallpaper", presented by Goodly Creatures Theatre. Published in 1892, the story tackles themes of social oppression and dismissal of women at the time, and illustrates how those social attitudes insidiously seeped into the daily life of the story's narrator and drove her to madness.

September 5-30 (Burning Bush Art Gallery, Wheaton, Illinois): Awakenings was once again invited to exhbit at the Gallery, with an Opening Reception on September 9th.
July 5-8 & July 12-15 (Elgin Arts Showcase, Elgin, Illinois): Katrina Syrris invited Awakenings artists to exhibit artworks at the play "Goodly Creatures: A Review of Shakespeare's Sonnets for Modern Times"
April 8-June 24 (St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Glen Ellyn, Illinois): The Awakenings Project held an exhibit where we met and spoke with people, and the artists gave a talk. The show was titled "Awakening the Spirit Within". There was also a reading of "Dementia Praecox" (written by playwright and Awakenings co-founder, Robert Lundin) by a talented group of actors on May 3rd.
January 13 (Awakenings Studio, Elgin, Illinois): In honor of Martin Luther King Weekend of Service, Awakenings offered a free program, open to the public, at its studio from noon until 2pm to "Awaken the Creativity in Everyone", providing room for up to 18 artists at a time to work on a rotating basis.

October 15-November 30 (Art Area Studio 51, Elgin, Illinois): Awakenings had another pop-up show at Art Area Studio 51, loosely based around a Halloween/Day of the Dead theme.
September 10-October 8 (Burning Bush Art Gallery, Wheaton, Illinois): An opening reception was held on Sunday, September 10. Tony Asta and Bill Austin hosted an Open Mic on Saturday evening, September 16, and Irene O'Neill led a Mandala Workshop on Sunday, September 17 in Wheaton and October 1 in Oak Park. A FUNdraiser was held at Chipotle in Wheaton on September 17.
August 26-27 (Glen Ellyn Lion's Club, Glen Ellyn, Illinois): Awakenings was once again invited to exhibit at the Glen Ellyn Festival of the Arts. Thanks Lion's Club organizers!
June 3-4 (Kishwaukee Valley Art League, Sycamore, Illinois): Thanks to Mary Coughlin-Lancaste for once again treating Awakenings to its very own booth at Kishwaukee Valley Art League show. We had so much fun at this outdoor art fair, met some old friends and made some new ones. We even sold some art!
February 6-November 4 (Aurora Public Art Commission, Aurora, Illinois): Rena Church, Director/Curator of the Aurora Public Art Commission & Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Museum, Post 20, invited Awakenings Fine Art to show its work for the first time at Aurora City Hall—five floors, filled with fantastic artwork (over 60 pieces) by Awakenings artists. Read more about it in Kane County Connects' article, "'The Awakenings Project' on Display in Aurora" or in the Illinois State Bar Association's Mental Health Matters newsletter.

October 2-23 (Burning Bush Art Gallery in Wheaton, Illinois): Gary United Methodist Church invited Awakenings Project back again for its sixth show in their beautiful gallery. (Thanks, gallery directors Tony Asta and Bill Austin!) In addition to the Opening Reception, there was also an open mic night, and a Mandala Making Workshop led by Irene O'Neill.
July 15-October 10 (Elgin Artspace Lofts in Elgin, Illinois): Awakenings held an exhibit at the fabulous Elgin Artspace Lofts interior gallery space, courtesy of resident artist Peter Austin. Some of the pieces were moved for the month of September into Art Area Studio 51 gallery on the southwest corner of the Elgin Artspace Lofts building in Elgin.
June 4-5 (Kishwaukee Valley Art League show in Sycamore, Illinois). This outdoor art fair allowed Awakenings to meet some old friends and make some new ones. We even sold some art!

October-November (The Healing Gallery, Presence St. Joseph Hospital (now part of AMITA Health), Elgin, Illinois): We were so excited to have been invited to return to The Healing Gallery by its curator, Lillian Pagni. It is a beautiful, intimate, healing space, and lots of visitors learned more about The Awakenings Project and its nearby studio in downtown Elgin.
October 4-25 (Burning Bush Gallery, Wheaton, Illinois): Thanks to Bill Austin, Tony Asta, and the Gary United Methodist Church for inviting Awakenings Back for our fifth exhibition at Burning Bush Gallery. The opening reception on Sunday, October 4th, was fabulous, as usual. On the 25th, Irene O'Neill led a group of a dozen people in a Mandala Making Workshop, helping us to raise funds for Awakenings Fine Arts.
April 1-June 30 (The Theosophical Society, Wheaton, Illinois): Thanks to Paula Finnegan of The Theosophical Society, Awakenings' artwork was exhibited for three whole months during their Spring exhibition period. There was an opening reception on April 11th, where lots of old friends from many walks of life reunited. It was magical!
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The Icon (a play by Robert Lundin). Reading at The Russ Tuterow Theatre

October 5 - November 2 (Burning Bush Art Gallery, Wheaton, Illinois): Tony Asta and Bill Austin kindly invited us to return to their newly renovated and beautiful gallery space. Awakenings' opening reception was held on October 5th, and we also hosted https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.10152800582011113&type=3, with a special reading of "Stories" by playwright and Awakenings founder Robert Lundin on October 25th. The Burning Bush Art Gallery show was dedicated to the celebration of the life and memory of Bridget Coughlin, an Awakenings artist forever.
August 23-24 (Glen Ellyn Festival of the Arts, Glen Ellyn, Illinois): The 45th Annual Festival of the Arts featured Awakenings along with many other non-profit organizations and over 80 other locally and nationally known artists.
July 31-August 30 (Elgin Art Lofts Gallery, Elgin, Illinois): Peter Hallock Austin, an Elgin Art Lofts resident, invited Awakenings artists to join him in his exhibit at the Elgin Art Lofts Gallery. It is a great big, beautiful space, and Awakenings helped him fill it with fabulous artwork. An opening reception was held on Saturday, August 2nd.
July 12 (Summer Jam Westgate Music & Arts Festival, Columbus, Ohio): Awakenings was invited to and attended the festival held in Columbus, Ohio. It was an exciting road trip and we met some wonderful people there.
April 25-June 22 (North Central College: Schoenherr Art Gallery): For the first time ever, Awkenings was asked to exhibit at Irene's alma mater (North Central College) in the Wentz Concert Hall. Sponsored by the Arient family, it was a spectacular exhibition!
February 19-2 (SideStreet Studio Arts, Elgin, Illinois): Awakenings put up a short-term (pop-up) exhibit at the fabulous Side Street Studios in Elgin, debuting its new CD of poetry and music.

October 18 (NAMI-IL Conference, Itasca, Illinois): Irene gave a presentation of a Recovery Activity. Attendees were invited to express their message of recovery on a 12" square of fabric either by writing, drawing, painting, or a combination of activities. This activity provided attendees with the impetus to create their very own recovery quilts for their affiliates.
October 13-31 (NAMI, Dubuque, Iowa): Awakenings partnered with NAMI-Dubuque in conjunction with the play "Next to Normal". A fantastic art exhbition and opening reception was held at the Quigley Gallery .of Clarke University in Dubuque. On November 17th, some Awakenings art was also shown at the grand opening of the new offices of NAMI-Dubuque.
October 10-11 (MacAlester College, St. Paul, Minnesota): Awakenings was invited to exhibit work at Macalester College's 20th Annual International Roundtable. A display in Markim Hall facilitated interaction with students, faculty and community members about mental health. Sean T. Lamb and Irene Lamb O'Neill were there on October 10th and 11th, answering questions.
September 8 - October 6 (Burning Bush Gallery, Wheaton Illinois): Awakenings exhibited at the fabulous Burning Bush Gallery, next door to (and part of) the Gary United Methodist Church. This was our third time helping them raise awareness of the creative talents of those of us with mental illnesses. Our opening reception was on September 8th, including poetry, music and a reading of Dementia Praecox. A play by Robert Lundin took place on September 27th, and a closing reception on October 6th.
August 24 (Glen Ellyn Festival of the Arts, Glen Ellyn, Illinois): The 44th Annual Festival of the Arts featured Awakenings along with many other non-profit organizations and over 50 artists.
February 25 (Aurora University, Aurora, Illinois): Awakenings participated in a Community Mental Health Resource Fair at Aurora University. Aurora University Arts and Ideas hosted Kay Redfield Jamison as part of its Arts and Ideas Series.
February 8 (University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana): For the 3rd year in a row, Awakenings was invited by the Illinois Charity Organization to benefit from a combined performance of three theater groups: New Revels, What You Will, and Penny Dreadful Players. They also performed "The Game"— a short play by Robert Lundin.

October 20 (Lake Ellyn Boathouse): The Awakenings Project celebrated 15 years of empowering artists at a gala at the Lake Ellyn Boathouse. There was poetry and two theatrical readings of Robert Lundin's short plays, music, awards, scholarships, lots of artwork, door prizes, and more.
September 23-October 10 (Burning Bush Gallery, Wheaton, Illinois): The Awakenings Project returned to the Burning Bush Gallery in Wheaton for an encore show featuring all new work. An opening reception was held on Sunday, September 30th, and a poetry/music night on Friday, October 5th.
September 17-21 (Northern Illinois University Student Center): The Awakenings Project had a week-long art exhibit at Northern Illinois University, culminating with a Poetry/Music Night as part of NIU's "Say It Out Loud" Campaign. This event was also part of the larger Mental Health Illinois "Say It Out Loud" Campaign, and was conducted as part of the national SAMHSA Wellness Week Campaign.
February (Gallery 200, West Chicago, Illinois): Awakenings returned to Gallery 200 with an art exhibit upstairs, and poetry and music downstairs. An opening reception was held on February 3rd. Poetry readings and music were performed at 203 Turner Court on February 17th.

December 3 (Awakenings Studio, Elgin, Illinois): A fun hour of "Laughter Yoga" led by Len Lempa.
November 19 (Awakenings Studio, Elgin, Illinois): Awakenings had its 3rd fabulous reception to honor the winners and all contestants in the PhotoVoice contest, held in conjunction with Recovery Connections of Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital.
October (Illinois Valley Community College, Oglesby, Illinois): The Opening Reception was September 30th, and the exhibition ran concurrently in ARTworks phantom gallery in downtown LaSalle. Joel and Lori Munson led a panel discussion on October 12th that went excellently well!
September 23 (The Gail Borden Library, Elgin, Illinois): Joel Munson and Mike Rudis helped Pat Lindquist organize a display of artwork by artists with psychiatric disorders, including some Awakenings artists. They also created a piece of art to be displayed in the Region 2 office.
August 27-September 16 (Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois): Hosted by IIT's chapter of Active Minds, the exhibit was billed as a way to change the conversation about mental health and as an awareness/outreach event. It was an impressive exhibit of Awakenings artwork, and The Awakenings Review was also showcased.
July 6-8 (NAMI National Convention, Chicago Hilton): We triumphantly returned to the NAMI National Convention for the first time since it was in Chicago (in 1999), which was covered by JAMA! This time, in addition to a huge art exhibition, we also hosted a National Poetry Slam.
May 19 (Bundles of Books and Gifts, Glen Ellyn, Illinois): An open mic event including poetry readings and music, organized by Joel Munson. Awakenings fans, supporters, and bookstore regulars showed up.
February 11 (University Place Christian Church, Champaign, Illinois): "In Between Dreams" (a collaboration by three theater groups) "Penny Dreadful", "What You Will", and "New Revels". This was a great fundraiser, with all profits going to The Awakenings Project.
January 30 (Barrington United Methodist Church, Barrington, Illinois): Awakenings was invited by Karen Maxwell, Music Director, to exhibit at the Church's 5th Sunday Fine Arts Festival. An art show and reception was held from 6-8pm, with a concert from 7-8pm. The music was even better than the food!

November 13 (Awakenings Studio, Elgin, Illinois): Fabulous reception to honor the winners and all contestants in the PhotoVoice contest, held in conjunction with Recovery Connections of Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital.
November 9 (Interfaith Mental Health Coalition): Awakenings had an exhibit at "The Mental Health Needs of Your Faith Community: How to Recognize, Respond and Refer", which targeted an audience of people with interest in mental health.
August 2-October 29 (Provena St. Joseph's, Elgin, Illinois) Several Awakenings artists exhibited in Provena St. Joe's beautiful "Healing Gallery".
September 26-October 24 (Gary Methodist Church, Wheaton, Illinois): Burning Bush Gallery hosts an art show with a different theme each month. During "Mental Illness Awareness Week," The Awakenings Project had 44 works of art on exhibit, with some never before seen artists.
October 14 (Denny's Restaurant, Fox Valley, Illinois): A fundraising effort for Awakenings, led by Joel Munson with Awakenings poets, artists, musicians, and supporters. Awakenings fans, family, friends, and Denny's regulars came out. 10% of all meals purchased between 4 PM and 8 PM was donated to The Awakenings Project. Great food, great fun, excellent company. Thank you Denny's!
October 9 (Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital): Awakenings hosted an art-making drop-in group at the FAMILIES (Families And Mental Illness Learning and Inspiring through Education and Support) Symposium.
October 7 (Bundles of Books and Gifts, Glen Ellyn, Illinois): Poetry readings, music, and open mic organized by Joel Munson. Awakenings fans, supporters, and bookstore regulars showed up.
August 23-25 (Westin-Yorktown, Lombard, Illinois): The International Association of Peer Supporters invited The Awakenings Project to exhibit at their annual conference in Lombard, Illinois. We had the opportunity to introduce Awakenings to Peers and Peer Specialists from all over the country, with great success.
July 31 (Lake Ellyn Boathouse, Glen Ellyn, Illinois): Awakenings hosted its biggest bash to date—a grand soiree celebrating the 10th year of publication of The Awakenings Review! This was one party not to be missed. There was a silent auction of Awakenings artwork, a poetry slam, live music, and dancing!
June 2 (Chicago Read Mental Health Center, Chicago, Illinois) With the name "The Art of Recovery", Chicago Read Mental Health Center's Region 1 Consumer Conference was the perfect place for an Awakenings exhibit and an opportunity for us to hold an art-making session for conference attendees. Organized by a team of recovering individuals, led by board member and Recovery Specialist for DMH-Region 1 at Chicago Read: Virginia Goldrick, PhD.
May 5 (Hanover Township Mental Health Board Community Resource Center, Streamwood, Illinois): Hanover Township Mental Health Board hosted a talk for Mental Health Recovery Month, and invited The Awakenings Project members to give a presentation to Streamood and Hanover Park Chambers of Commerce. Artwork was on exhibit the entire month of May.
April 30-May 2 (DBSA National Conference, Itasca, Illinois): The Awakenings Project exhibited and sold artwork and journals, raising awareness of the talents of people with mental illnesses and celebrating DBSA's 25th anniversary at their annual National Conference at Eaglewood Resort and Spa in Itasca. Awakenings also led a relaxation session on Sunday, May 2nd, "Your Inner Artist: Awaken the artist in You", with watercolors, colorful collages, jewelry making, and more.
April 23 (Elgin Mental Health Center, Elgin, Illinois): We exhibited alongside Erasing the Distance at the inpatient Recovery Conference works of art by Awakenings artists as well as EMHC inpatients during three workshops led by Awakenings artists on February 20, March 6, and March 27.
April 1 (Bundles of Books & Gifts, Glen Ellyn, Illinois): Awakenings poets, other local poets, and some musicians performed, led by Joel Munson. Awakenings fans, supporters, and bookstore regulars attended.
January 29 (Denny's Restaurant, Fox Valley, Illinois): A fundraising effort for Awakenings, led by Joel Munson with Awakenings poets, artists, musicians, and supporters. Awakenings fans, family, friends, and Denny's regulars attended, and 10% of the price of all meals purchased between 4 PM and 10 PM was donated to The Awakenings Project. Great food, great fun, excellent company. Thank you, Denny's!

December 12 (The Awakenings Studio, Elgin, Illinois): The Awakenings Project participated with the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin in their Window Wonderland Event. We made lots of ornaments for kids to paint.
November 14 (The Gail Borden Library): We were invited to decorate a tree at the Ecker Center's Festival of Trees. It was called Awakenings' "Artistree" and it sold at auction.
November 7 (The Awakenings Studio, Elgin, Illinois): Fabulous reception to honor the winners and all contestants in the PhotoVoice contest, held in conjunction with Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital.
October 16-17 (Itasca Westin Hotel): During the NAMI-IL Conference, Awakenings held a statewide art show with work by artists from Antioch to Zeigler and all points in between. We also presented at a break-out group on Saturday October 17th.
October 8 (Gail Borden Library): As part of National Depression Screening, and in conjunction with Provena St. Joseph's, Awakenings artists Joel Munson and Irene O'Neill told their recovery stories, focused on the use of non-traditional methods, along with several other professionals on a panel discussion.
September 1-27 (Oak Park Public Library, Oak Park, Illinois): Awakenings exhibited in the elegant gallery of the Oak Park Public Library, showing a wide variety of artists' works, with emphasis on one of Awakenings' founders, William Alexander, long-time Oak Park resident. There was a fabulous reception on Saturday, September 26th, with great music and poetry.
September 12-13 (Indianapolis, Indiana) We were invited to have an exhibit at the national DBSA Conference. We met lots of supportive people from around the country.
August 22-23 (Glen Ellyn, Illinois) We participated in the Glen Ellyn Festival of the Arts, sponsored by the Glen Ellyn Lions Club, at Lake Ellyn Park.
August 14 (Bundles of Books & Gifts, Glen Ellyn, Illinois): A group of poets and musicians performed at Bundles of Books & Gifts, led by Joel and Lori Munson, including Awakenings poets, other local poets, and three musicians. The event was attended by an incredible combination of Awakenings fans, supporters, and bookstore regulars.
August 1-2 (Art and Soul, Elgin, Illinois): Awakenings had an information-only booth at Art & Soul. We met a lot of people who learned more about what we do and who we are. We had a great raffle with lots of happy winners.
July 25-26 (Indie Designer Market, Chicago, Illinois): Several Awakenings artists participated in the Indie designer market—a high energy, colorful environment where you can buy directly from the designers themselves! With participation and assistance from the School of the Art Institute in creating this showcase and selecting artists, the Indie Designer Market presents an exclusive exhibition featuring some of the most original and provocative talent Chicago has to offer.
July 19 (The Josselyn Center CLR Drop-In-Center): A group of Awakenings artists visited the CLR Drop-In_Center, bringing art materials and leading workshops in jewelry making, poetry and music.
July 10 (Elgin Mental Health Center, Elgin, Illinois): A group of Awakenings artists collaborated with Elgin Mental Health Center, exhibited and sold artwork, read poetry and played music in the Frederick Wines Auditorium, Rehabilitation Building on the Elgin Mental Health Center Campus.
June 27-28 (Indie Market, Chicago, Illinois): See Indie market above.
June 27 (Awakenings Studio): Awakenings hosted another National Day of Service for Mental Health—Awakenings Style (National Health Care Day of Service). You can see the collage we created by clicking here.
May 17-June 20 (Steppenwolf Merle Reskin Garage Theater, Chicago, Illinois): At the invitation of Tara Mallen, the women of Awakenings Project displayed artwork through the end of the play "The Walls" —a play about women and madness and the link of madness to creative genius.
May 2-31 (Community Resource Center of Hanover Township Mental Health Board, Streamwood, Illinois): The Hanover Township Mental Health Board hosted a month-long exhibit, with a networking event at the Community Resource Center on Monday evening, May 4.
May 14 (Flourish Studios, Chicago, Illinois): Awakenings held an exhibit with Erasing the Distance (the company formerly known as Cheryl's Dreaming Big) as they introduced people to their new theatrical productions for 2009 in their Spring Showcase. Awakenings' internationally acclaimed Awakenings Review journals were also on sale.
April 1-30 (The Gail Borden Library, Elgin, Illinois): Awakenings held an exhibition in the Library's "Movies, Music and More" section.
April 24, 2009 (Gallery 200, West Chicago, Illinois): Awakenings held a Poetry Reading during National Poetry Month, led by a variety of Awakenings poets and other local poets and writers, and celebrated the release of the latest Awakenings Review journal. Music was provided by Mark Hull, guitarist extraordinaire.

Kurt Taecker plays guitar at 2009 cookout

November 8 (Marriott Hotel, Schaumburg, Illinois): Awakenings exhibited at Ecker Center's Festival of Trees.
October 15 (Hemmens Centre, Elgin, Illinois): As part of the Recovery Conference, a panel of Awakenings artists discussed Creativity and Recovery and answered questions from the audience.
October 11 (COD, Glen Ellyn, Illinois): NAMI-DuPage presented Pamela Spiro Wagner and Carolyn S. Spiro, M.D., authors of Divided Minds. Awakenings sold artwork and books, and met the authors!
October 10 (Good Samaritan Hospital, Downers Grove, Illinois): Cheryl's Dreaming Big performed Erasing the Distance. Awakenings exhibited alongside them.
October 4 (Palmer House Hilton, Chicago, Illinois): Art exhibit at Celebration Recovery, presented by The Irwin Foundation and co-hosted by Thresholds and DBSA.
September 27 (The Awakenings Studio, Elgin, Illinois): The Awakenings Project's opening reception at its new studio.
September 20 (NAMI-DuPage Run/Walk, Danada Forest Preserve, Wheaton, Illinois): Artwork and copies of The Awakenings Review were available for purchase.
August 23-24 (Glen Ellyn Festival of the Arts, Lake Ellyn Park, Glen Ellyn, Illinois):
Sponsored by the Glen Ellyn Lions Club.
July 14-18 (James R. Thompson Center, Chicago, Illinois): "Arts & Access 2008—Live the Dream," celebrating the 18th anniversary of the Americans with.Disabilities Act.
July 12 (Railroad Days, Reed-Keppler Park, West Chicago, Illinois): Several Awakenings artists painted "rain barrels" for auction.
June 16-19 (U.S. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association Conference, Lombard, Illinois)

November 30 (Gallery 200, West Chicago, Illinois): Poetry Readings led by award-winning poet Laura Pickard and Music provided by Mark Hull and Mandy Rakow. Artwork by John & Mandy Rakow and John's parents.
August 25–26 (Glen Ellyn Festival of the Arts, Glen Ellyn, Illinois)
July 2007 (Gallery 200, West Chicago, Illinois)
May 18–June 30 (Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Chicago, Illinois)
May 12 (Gallery 460 at Pilgrim Congregational Church, Oak Park, Illinois)
February 12 – March 2 (New Trier High School, Winnetka, Illinois): In conjunction with Erika's Lighthouse
January 5 (Gallery 200, West Chicago, Illinois): Poetry readings led by award-winning poet Laura Pickard and music provided by Mark Hull and Mandy Rakow. Artwork by various Awakenings artists.

New Trier High School exhibit (Erika's Lighthouse)

Art Show at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

October 27 (Gallery 200, West Chicago, Illinois): Live poetry readings as part of the ArtoberFest
August 18 – September 17 (Open Studio Project, Evanston, Illinois)
September 10 (Arabian Knights Farms): Celebration Recovery—Chicago Area's second major event celebrating the recovery of persons with psychiatric illnesses featuring an Awakenings art exhibit. Awakenings was awarded for "Outstanding Contribution to Recovery by a Not-For-Profit Organization".
June 1 (Equip for Equality, Chicago, Illinois): Another Awakenings silent auction and great open house was held at Equip for Equality.
May 4–31 (Madison Center and St. Joseph County Public Library, South Bend, Indiana): Commemorating Mental Health Awareness month
April 30 (Aurora Public Art Commission, Aurora Illinois): A panel discussion of Awakenings Artists as part of Bodies of Work: The Chicago Festival of Disability Arts and Culture.
March 28–May 31 (Aurora Public Art Commission,Aurora, Illinois)

Awakenings Project exhibit, Aurora Public Art Commission

September 30-October 21 (Lake Point Tower, Chicago, Illinois): Exhibit with Lucid Artist Cooperative
June (Janet Wattles Center, Rockford, Illinois): "The Healing Arts"
June 23 (Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, Downers' Grove , Illinois) – Celebration of Awakenings' first mural at. Opening Reception was held as part of the Brighter Beginnings in Mental Health Program sponsored by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals
June 11-May 22 (Aurora Public Art Commission, Aurora, Illinois): "The Untrained Eye and the Visionary Spirit - An Exhibit of Folk and Intuitive Art"
June 1 (Equip for Equality, Chicago, Illinois): Silent auction and networking event

September 26 (Arabian Knights' Farms): Celebration Recovery, The Chicago area's first major event celebrating the recovery of persons with psychiatric illnesses
September–October (Dunham Gallery, Aurora University, Aurora, Illinois): Exhibit
April 9 (Sears Headquarters, Hoffman Estates, Illinois): Exhibit sponsored by Chicago Business Leadership Network
October 15-17 (NAMI-IL Conference, Lisle, Ilinois)

October (Illinois Valley Community College, Oglesby, Illinois)
May 31-June 1 (Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago, Illinois): Mental Illness: Congregations Responding in Faith—Creating Places of Hope for Persons with Mental Illness
May 24 (Benedictine University, Lisle, Illinois): Schizophrenics Anonymous Conference
2003 (Oak Park Art League, Oak Park, Illinois): Month-long art show

October 18-20 (NAMI-IL Conference, Lincolnshire, Ilinois)
October (Faculty Recital Series, Wheaton College Conservatory of Music, Wheaton, Illinois): "Awakenings: Composers 'Touched by Fire" (Art exhibit in lobby before and after recital)

October-November (Ben Gordon Center, DeKalb, Illinois): Month-long exhibit
October 3 (Consumer Family Forum, Rockford, Illinois):
October 19-21 (Crowne Plaza Hotel, Springfield, Illinois): Exhibit at NAMI-IL Conference
2001 (Oak Park Art League, Oak Park, Illinois): Month-long art show

September–November (Aurora, Illinois): Exhibit sponsored by the Aurora Public Art Commission
May (Wright College, Chicago, Illinois): Month-long exhibit in conjunction with the play “Standing on my Knees”
2000 (Border's Books and Music, Wheaton and Geneva, Illinois)
May 19-21 (Lisle/Naperville Hilton, Illinois): NAMI-IL Conference

1999 (Oak Park Art League, Oak Park, Illinois): Month-long show at the Oak Park Art League
November 12 (Veteran's Day) (Washington, DC): Art exhibit in lobby of concert hall during a veteran-sponsored concert
July (Chicago Hilton and Towers, Chicago, Illinois): Week-long exhibit at NAMI-National Convention
May 15-16 (Crowne Plaza Hotel, Springfield, Illinois): NAMI-IL Conference

September (ARC Gallery, Chicago, Illinois)
April 18-19 (Lisle/Naperville Hilton, Illinois): NAMI-IL Conference

May 3-4 (Lisle/Naperville Hilton, Illinois): NAMI-IL Conference

Past Events and Venues

Past Exhibitions, Conferences, Conventions, and Special Events