Urban Art Retreat

UAR provides a safe, comfortable place for non-artists and artists to make art together in peace & harmony.
We provide opportunities for people who are different from each other to come together and learn from each other.

UAR believes that everyone can make art and benefit from art making. We believe that artmaking can be a way of relieveing stress, can be used as a tool to decrease oppression, and as a form of expression.

This non profit, 501 (C)3 organization was originally formed in 1982. We began programming in Chicago in 1991. First located on the northside in Andersonville and Uptown, we worked primarily with C.H.A. residents and especially children. We also maintained an art gallery and women's residence on northside. In 2003 we moved to our current site in an attempt to reach people who really need support and encouragement. We landed in the N. Lawndale neighborhood. Since here, our served population has widened to include a seniors program, adults with severe disabilities (primarily mental health issues)program, an increased women's residence, and a broader scope of volunteers.

All year round we offer an adult art studio program for adults with and w/o a mental health issues, and art shows in our on site art gallery every 1-2 months. In additon, our off site program called Have Studio Will Travel has provided numerous programs for seniors in C.H.A. high rise building, provided years of programs for adults with mental health issues in a large residential building called Sacred Heart Home, and safe housing and guidance for women staying in our residential on site program called Sisters' Place. We have networked with professionals in the area, provided an annual spring/summer program for children up to 13 yrs. old, a program for youth 16-21 yrs. old, an older adults program in downtown Chicago, and many events & actities for various underserved populations such as low income people, women, people of color, lesbians & gays, plus more.

URBAN ART RETREAT was formed by the people, for the people, and about the people. Artist/activists formed an organization to catch the people falling through the cracks. Many people just don't respond verbally, art can help them to express themselves. Often people attend activities thinking they will interact with people and enjoy themselves- just to find there are too many people and no one even says hello. Often people are afraid they won't be accepted and UAR works to make sure that all people who enter are accepted for who they are and supported in their goals. Many people would like to try art making but are intimidated by art professionals. That never happens here- we create a supportive environment where everyone can make art. Today's society/world moves at a fast pace and often people are very stressed out and don't know what to do. UAR offers art experiences that can help relax even the most uptight person and help them enjoy an activity w/o fear of not being good enough. Many people are amazed when the art making time is up because they are able to relax into the art experience and forget time and troubles. Art is a good way to point out social ills and to reflect the times we live in. Most art organizations are really geared to art professionals and others are wary of trying to participate for fear of feeling inadequate as an art maker. Not at UAR. Here we go out of our way to help each participant to feel comfortable and wanted. Where do people go if they want to broaden their horizon and meet new people and make friends with people who are different from them? Urban Art Retreat is the kind of place people can go and be a part of of an easy activity and meet new people, and learn from those who are different from them. For people feeling under served and like there is no place for them to be a part of...UAR is for them. All people are welcome and facilitated conversations help everyone be a part of things and feel included.

We also support and help emerging artists to make and reach goals through consultation experiences and exhibition opportunities. Artists can show their art, lead a workshop, receive career counseling, and more through UAR. People who want to volunteer are usually amazed at how many volunteer opportunities there are at UAR. Volunteers get to do more than just do work for UAR. They are eligible for free lessons in painting and become part of the large number of people who have painted on the walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture at the Urban art Retreat. A great deal of positive energy is brought to the UAR by those who volunteer here. We are an all volunteer staff and very dedicated to help people find their way to us and enjoy the activity they participate in.