A Weekend of Shared Creativity, Rooted in Community
Saturday,
November 7, 2026
7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Open to all members of the JRC congregation
Sunday,
November 8, 2026
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Open to the public.
Members are encouraged to invite friends, family, and guests.
No fee for entry.
This November, JRC becomes the canvas for a weekend of artistry, connection, performance, storytelling, and shared experience. ArtsFest 2026 is an invitation to explore, participate, create, gather, and discover the creativity already living within our JRC community.
Throughout the weekend, member artists, performers, writers, makers, and creators will help transform the building into a vibrant, evolving celebration of expression and community life.
Confirmed Exhibitors
Tammy Astor — Paper Arts
Jake Chaitkin — Ceramics & Woodworking
Avram Eisen — Crochet
Jayzie Fischer — Jewelry & Crafts
Laura Friedlander — Photography
Sara Friedman — Printmaking
Beverly Friend — Painting
Darlene Grossman — Ceramics & Watercolor
Lee Gundersheimer — Photography & Ceramics
Rebecca Hamlin — Photography
Bob Holstein — Painting
Judy Holstein — Painting
Beth Kaskel — Ceramics
Caroline Legatt — Ceramics
Heidi Levin — Photography
Jil Levin Deheeger — Quilting
Allie Mendelson — Painting
Kim Moldofsky — Books & Publishing
Jonathan Nachsin — Ceramics
Ellie Routtenberg — Painting
Bob Tanner — Photography
Zion Walker — Digital Art
Louis Weiss — Ceramics
Ellen Wertheim — Acrylic Painting
Kathy Wildman — Drawing
Janet Wishinsky — Wall Art
Chai Wolfman — Painting
Artist Spotlight: Avram Eisen
Previous Spotlights
ArtsFest is not simply about showcasing art. It is about sharing something of ourselves, discovering one another more deeply, and creating meaningful connection through creativity.
Like any meaningful community endeavor, ArtsFest will be shaped by many hands.
Artists, performers, writers, makers, volunteers, hosts, helpers, and participants will each contribute something unique to the experience. Together, those individual contributions become something larger than any one of us could create alone.
ArtsFest reflects the spirit of JRC: daring, inclusive, deeply rooted, and joyfully alive; a community where everyone has a place in the story we are making together.
Whether you create, contribute, volunteer, attend, or simply show up with curiosity, there is a place for you.
Be part of ArtsFest.
Interested in getting involved in some way, big or small? Please take a few moments to complete the ArtsFest 2026 Participation Interest Survey. Before you click the button below, we encourage you to scroll down and explore the experiences, opportunities, and activities that will help bring ArtsFest to life.
ArtsFest Experiences
The Gallery
Artwork from JRC members some of it for sale, spanning a wide range of media, styles, and creative voices.
Performance Showcase
Live music, storytelling, spoken word, and performances from across the JRC community.
Creator Conversations
Informal conversations with artists and creators about their inspiration, process, and work.
Makers Studio
Hands-on creative workshops where members can experiment, participate, and make together.
Young Creators
Family-friendly creative activities designed especially for younger participants and families. (SUNDAY ONLY)
Hands Together Project
A shared community art project shaped by many hands over the course of ArtsFest weekend.
Book Launch: Sparks of the Soul
A celebration of JRC Press and its latest community-created publication.
Community Table
Food, conversation, and connection.
The Space Between
Informal moments for connection, discovery, and conversation between exhibits, workshops, and presentations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I become an ArtsFest exhibitor?
If you are a JRC member in good standing and you’re interested in participating in ArtsFest as an artist, teacher, performer, or in some other way, big or small, please fill out this ArtsFest Participation Interest Form. Someone from the ArtsFest Committee will get back to you. Thank you!
Who can attend ArtsFest?
Saturday evening’s event is open to JRC members only. Sunday’s event is open to all—JRC members, friends & family, and members of the community.
Do I need to register for ArtsFest in advance?
There is no need to register in advance to attend ArtsFest. Just come on over! We kindly request that you sign up in advance for workshops and studio experiences so we can anticipate the number of people participating. However, if you do not sign up ahead of time, you will still be able to participate in the experience. A sign up form will be shared once details are finalized.
If you plan on being an exhibitor, performer, or participate in some way, you will need to complete this ArtsFest Participation Interest Form and let us know how you’d like to participate.
Can I bring friends or family who are not JRC members?
Saturday evening’s event is open to JRC members only. Sunday’s event is open to all—JRC members, friends & family, and members of the community.
Is there a fee to attend ArtsFest?
There is no fee to attend ArtsFest or any of its various experiences.
What are the event hours?
Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 7:00–9:30 pm, JRC members only
Sunday, November 8, 2026 | 10:00 am–2:00 pm, open to the public
Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation
303 Dodge Avenue, Evanston
Where can I park for ArtsFest?
JRC has a parking lot across from our main entrance on Mulford; however, it tends to fill up quickly. There is ample street parking in the surrounding area, and additional parking can be found a the Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave.
Will artwork be available for purchase?
Yes, some artwork will be available for purchase. Exhibitors who are selling artwork will be responsible for carrying out their own sales.
Will any of my purchases benefit JRC?
YES. JRC will have its own table with items for sale that have been donated by member artists. JRC will receive 100% of the proceeds from these items.
How can I participate in multiple ArtsFest experiences?
ArtsFest offers a variety of hands-on experiences for all ages. Throughout Friday evening and Saturday all day, you’ll find workshops and studio experiences, ongoing shared community art-projects, .performances to enjoy, and of course, plenty of time to walk around, bump into friends, and experience the scene. Additional details can be found here.
For workshops and studio experiences: we kindly request that you sign up in advance so we can anticipate the number of people participating. However, if you do not sign up ahead of time, you will still be able to participate in the experience. A sign up form will be shared once details are finalized.
Which experiences are designed for children?
Sunday programming will include creative activities designed especially for younger participants and families, inviting children to make, play, contribute, and explore alongside the broader ArtsFest experience. Additional details can be found here.
What are the building's accessibility features?
JRC’s three-story building is equipped with two elevators. Our entrance and bathrooms are wheelchair accessible.
Is ArtsFest for artists only?
ArtsFest is not just for artists. It is for anyone who wants to experience creativity, connect with others, explore something new, or simply show up with curiosity.
Representing a broad spectrum of the arts, ArtsFest is a community-wide celebration of creativity, connection, and shared expression. Member artists will exhibit their work in a vibrant gallery setting. Musicians, writers, and performers will bring their voices to life through music, spoken word, and performance.
Who should I contact if I have questions about ArtsFest?
Email artsfest@jrctogether.org to contact the ArtsFest committee with questions or ideas.
How can I help?
Use our ArtsFest Participation Form to explore opportunities to help out with ArtsFest. Big or small, volunteers are always needed.
Questions? Ideas?
We’d love to hear from you.
artsfest@jrctogether.org.
JRC has always been a place where creativity, curiosity, and connection come together. We hope you’ll join us.
JRC ArtsFest 2026
Come for the Art. Stay for the Connection.
