Northbrook Artists Tour

Every fall, Northbrook artists open their home studios for tours. The entire community is invited to view these creative spaces and get a personal look at our local art scene. The 2022 event is being held on Saturday, November 5, from noon-4pm. Download the flyer here.

For a map of locations, click here.

Culinary Arts Event: Roll with the Northbrook Arts Commission

Join the Northbrook Arts Commission and Northbrook restaurant Kamehachi for a new culinary arts event on Sunday, October 9, from 2-4pm. Participants will get an opportunity to learn from a professional sushi chef and make their own creations. Space is limited!

More details:

• Please arrive at least 15 minutes early
• Appetizers and tea will be provided
• Participants will learn to make two rolls and nigiri
• Participants can eat on-site or take their creations home
• Free giveaways include a Kamehachi headband and sushi rolling mat, along with recipes
• Kamehachi's chef will show off some fancy knife tricks
• Winners will be awarded after for most professional, most creative, and best effort!

Safety & Allergies

If you have any seafood allergies, please email pr@northbrook.il.us prior to the event. Participants will need to sign and bring this waiver with them. If you do not have the waiver, copies will be available at Kamehachi. 

Tickets

Tickets are $44 per person. Only 24 spots are available for this exclusive event, so get a ticket while you still can! All attendees must have their own ticket (i.e. a group of three people must have three tickets).

Tickets will be available until sold out or up to 30 minutes before the start of the event. This event is open to all ages; participants 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent.

Purchase tickets online here 

Library Exhibits

Calling all Northbrook Artists

Are you an artist living in Northbrook? The Northbrook Arts Commission wants to hear from you! The Commission is currently accepting applications from artists interested in exhibiting at the Northbrook Public Library. Artists must be over the age of 18 and must live in Northbrook. To get your name on the list, fill out this form. 

Note: Artists selected for an exhibit will be contacted by the Arts Commission. There is no further action needed unless contacted. 

Northbrook Originals Art Show

On view in April/May at the Northbrook Public Library. Opening reception featuring refreshments and art tours. Every year, Northbrook Artists are invited to submit original artwork for this community exhibition. Co-sponsored by the Northbrook Library.

Artist In Residence

Artwork by Northbrook Artists on view at the Northbrook Library during various showings throughout the year. The artwork is displayed on all three floors throughout the Library.

Plein Air Photography Festival

Update: The photo submission period for the 2022 event is now closed. Thank you to everyone who participated! 

In "plein air" style, participants will be asked to photograph around Northbrook with fresh eyes and a new perspective. Approximately five photo challenges will be released each week on Mondays at 9am. Contestants will have one week to submit one entry for each challenge. Contestants can enter a photo for as many or as few of the challenges as they like, but only one photo per challenge will be allowed.

This event is open to all ages and abilities. Participants do not need to be Northbrook residents, but all photos must be taken in Northbrook. Photos can be taken with any type of digital camera, including cell phones. 

Winning photos will be selected from each challenge, and winners will receive gift cards to Northbrook restaurants. New this year: there will be an overall award for "best in show" out of all photo submissions. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will receive a cash prize. 

Note: By submitting photographs for the Plein Air Photography Festival, you are granting the Village of Northbrook and Northbrook Arts Commission permission to use your images in Village publications and other communications pieces. Ownership of photos belongs to the photographer.

Questions? Email pr@northbrook.il.us. 

2022 Winners:

• Round 1 Winners
• Round 2 Winners
• Round 3 Winners
• Overall Winners

Artist Workshops

The Northbrook Arts Commission hosts professional artist workshops for Northbrook residents and those interested in learning. 

Plein Air Painting Festival

Up to 50 Midwest landscape painters bring their talents to Northbrook as they create unique pieces inspired by our beautiful community. The artists complete all of the work outdoors "plein air"  in Northbrook and prizes are awarded by a jury. This festival culminates in a daylong art show at Village Green Park featuring live music, a “quick paint” event, painting demonstrations, and a chance to purchase original art painted in Northbrook. 

Village Gallery at Northbrook Village Hall

Visit Village Hall for pop-up exhibits featuring artwork by local artists in the Sandra "Sandy" Frum Board Room.