The Art Center Highland Park

What The Art Center Highland Park does

The Art Center Highland Park (TAC) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit visual arts organization founded in 1960 and headquartered at 1957 Sheridan Road in Highland Park, Illinois. It serves Chicago's North Shore region through four primary program lines: over 400 visual arts classes and workshops annually across mediums including ceramics, drawing, painting, jewelry, metalsmithing, mosaics, sculpture, mixed media, photography, and film; contemporary art exhibitions rotating approximately every 6 weeks in museum-quality galleries (Main Gallery, Cindi Elkins Gallery, Claire Cortesi Gallery); community-building events including the Draw Together festival, Recycled Art Sale, Late Nights in the Gallery concert series, and CommUNITY Dinners; and facility rentals for weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings accommodating up to 250 guests. The organization is led by Executive Director James M. Lynch, supported by 8 staff and an exceptional faculty of 32+ practicing artists, with governance from a Board of Directors including President Dave Wigodner, VP Elizabeth Tenner, Secretary Paula Winter, and Treasurer Laurence Segil.

The center monetizes through five revenue streams: donations and contributions (over 25% of annual budget), tiered membership subscriptions ranging from Student/Senior $45 to Family $95 and the premium Affiliate Circle at $175-$250, class and workshop tuition, facility rental fees, and gift shop sales of artisan items created by faculty, members, and exhibiting artists. Student scholarships ensure no applicant is turned away for budget reasons. The customer base spans six segments: children and youth (ages 5-18), adults of all skill levels, seniors, event hosters, local emerging and established artists, and school groups.

Recent strategic positioning includes a health and wellness curriculum partnership with NorthShore University HealthSystem (scaling from 3 to 9 classes), a Mural Projects and Commissions service line with Collect with Lulu and Silvertuna Studios, and a 'Seeking Out the Other' diversity initiative with Highland Park Library, Highwood Library, and The Justice Project. Marketing leverages website content, multi-platform social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok), email newsletters, community events, TAC Talks video series, and The Knot wedding-venue marketplace. Distribution channels are predominantly regional and direct: in-person classes, facility rentals, gallery exhibitions, school group tours, gift shop, and online registration via the imperisoft.com platform.

Name

The Art Center Highland Park

Legal name

The Art Center Highland Park

Website

https://theartcenterhp.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1960

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Art Center Highland Park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit visual arts center founded in 1960 in Highland Park, Illinois. It offers 400+ annual classes, museum-quality exhibitions, community events, and tiered memberships serving over 2,400 children, teens, adults, and seniors on Chicago's North Shore.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Arts Education and Community Programming

NAICS

Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (712), Museums (712110), Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (7121), Museums (71211)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Cultural Centers & Community Cultural Organizations (BPAGAHAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Arts Education & Community Arts Programs (BPAGAHAC), Cultural, Arts & Humanities Community Education (Museums/Arts Councils) (EDAAAFAD), Museums & Heritage Sites (History, Science, Specialty) (BPAGAHAA), Cultural Centers & Multidisciplinary Arts Institutions (THAJADAJ)

Keywords

• Visual arts education
• Community arts programming
• Art exhibitions
• Event venue rental
• Arts scholarships

Headquarters

HQ city

Highland Park

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 36-2464960), The Art Center relies on donations for over 25% of its annual budget. Donations support general operational funds, student scholarships, exhibitions, and event sponsorship.
2. Membership Fees: Annual membership fees at multiple tiers: Individual $55, Student $45, Senior $45, Family $95, and premium Affiliate Circle memberships at $175 (Individual) and $250 (Household).
3. Class and Workshop Tuition: Revenue from over 400 visual arts classes and workshops offered annually, serving children, teens, adults, and seniors at all skill levels.
4. Facility Rentals: Rental of gallery spaces, main gallery, and facility for weddings, corporate events, private parties, and other gatherings. Rental items include tables, chairs, sound system, projector, and kitchen facilities.
5. Gift Shop Sales: Artisan items sold through the on-site gift shop including ceramics, jewelry, apparel, photography, prints, and more, crafted by faculty, members, and exhibiting artists.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Art Center Highland Park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization that delivers visual arts education through more than 400 annual classes and workshops in ceramics, drawing, painting, jewelry, mosaics, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. It operates museum-quality galleries hosting rotating contemporary art exhibitions, offers memberships and scholarships, rents its facility for weddings and corporate events, and runs community cultural events serving over 2,400 children, teens, adults, and seniors annually.

Product overview

The Art Center Highland Park is a non-profit arts organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of visual arts programs and services. The core offerings include over 400 annual visual arts classes and workshops across various mediums (ceramics, drawing, painting, jewelry, mosaics, mixed media), contemporary art exhibitions in museum-quality galleries, and student scholarship programs. Additional programs include community events such as the Draw Together summer festival and Recycled Art Sale, a retail Gift Shop featuring artisan goods, and facility rentals for events accommodating up to 250 guests. The organization provides tiered membership programs from Individual ($55/year) to premium Affiliate Circle ($175/year), and partners with NorthShore University HealthSystem for Health and Wellness programming including The Joy of Creativity, The Art of Play, Your Brain Your Art, and Life Rhythms. Educational outreach includes school group gallery tours, mural commission services, Late Nights in the Gallery concert series, Arts in Action diversity initiatives, and virtual gallery access.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Classes and Workshops Visual arts classes and workshops for children, teens, adults, and seniors across all skill levels, covering ceramics, drawing, painting, jewelry, mosaics, sculpture, mixed media, photography, and film. Taught by an in-house faculty of practicing artists.
• Student Scholarships Financial assistance programs that enable individuals in need to attend classes, workshops, and summer art camps, ensuring accessibility regardless of budget.
• Contemporary Art Exhibitions Rotating contemporary art exhibitions in museum-quality galleries featuring emerging through established artists, with shows refreshed every six weeks and free or low-cost public access.
• Membership Programs Annual memberships at multiple tiers (Individual $55, Student $45, Senior $45, Family $95) providing discounts on classes and workshops, gift shop discounts, early registration, members-only exhibition previews, and opportunities to exhibit in the annual 'In View' show.
• Affiliate Circle Premium Membership Premium 12-month membership ($175 individual / $250 household) offering at least three exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences per year, $20 discount on every class, $10 discount on workshops, opportunity to exhibit in 'In View', and partner discounts.
• Facility Rentals Rental of gallery spaces (Main Gallery, Cindi Elkins Gallery, Claire Cortesi Gallery) and supporting facilities including tables, chairs, sound system, projector, and kitchen for weddings, corporate events, private parties, galas, and benefits accommodating up to 250 guests.
• Gift Shop On-site boutique featuring artisan items including ceramics, jewelry, apparel, photography, and prints, crafted by faculty, members, and exhibiting artists.
• Health and Wellness Classes Curated wellness-focused curriculum including The Joy of Creativity, The Art of Play, Word Play, Sketchbook Journaling, Your Brain Your Art, and Life Rhythms Drum and Singing Circle, developed in partnership with NorthShore University HealthSystem to connect creative expression with health and wellness.
• School and Group Gallery Tours Docent-led gallery tours paired with a 30-35 minute hands-on art activity for school groups and organizations of any age, priced at $20 per student with all materials provided, accommodating up to 30 participants.
• Mural Projects and Commissions Large-scale mural curation and commission services for suburban cities and communities, connecting clients with world-renowned muralists and street artists for interior and exterior mural commissions in partnership with Collect with Lulu and Silvertuna Studios.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2400+ individuals served annually through educational programming
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Curt's CafeminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2020Local not-for-profit with ties to the arts community. TAC faculty created an 8x8' mural entitled 'Rise Up' during COVID-19, with brainstorming sessions involving Curt's Cafe students who added their own brushwork to the piece.
• NorthShore University HealthSystemcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealth and wellness curriculum partnership expanding programming from 3 to 9 health and wellness classes. Joint initiative connecting creative expression with wellness for the aging population, including classes like 'The Art of Play', 'Word Play', 'The Joy Project', 'Your Brain, Your Art', and 'Life Rhythms Drum and Singing Circle'. NorthShore's Healthy You initiative complements TAC's expanded curriculum.
• Collect with LuluminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMural curation partner for suburban city gallery transformation projects. Collaborates with TAC on connecting clients with world-renowned muralists and street artists for interior and exterior mural commissions.
• Silvertuna StudiosminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMural curation partner alongside Collect with Lulu for connecting clients with world-renowned muralists and street artists for large-scale mural commissions.
• Highland Park LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborating partner in the 'Seeking Out the Other' community-building initiative series, working together on diversity and inclusion programming.
• Highwood LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborating partner in the 'Seeking Out the Other' community-building initiative series, working together on diversity and inclusion programming.
• The Justice ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborating partner in the 'Seeking Out the Other' community-building initiative series, working together on diversity and inclusion programming.
• Highland Park Community HouseminorOthersShared parking lot neighbor. TAC shares a parking lot with the Highland Park Community House, with reserved parking spaces along the north wall of the building.
• Booth Hansen AssociatesminorOthersAward-winning architectural firm that designed the beautifully renovated rental facility space.
• Crossing Borders MusicminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMusic ensemble partner for the Late Night at the Galleries summer concert series, featuring performances celebrating diverse musical traditions including Haitian, Cambodian, and Black American composers.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves1 record

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• School of the Art Institute of Chicago: Major Chicago art school and museum with overlapping visual arts education and exhibition programming. Operates at much larger scale and as a degree-granting institution, but competes for the same students and exhibition audiences.
• Art Institute of Chicago: Major metropolitan art museum with adjacent art education programs. Overlaps with TAC's museum-quality gallery and exhibition mission but at vastly larger scale and budget.

Direct peers

• Elmhurst Art Museum: Suburban Chicago art museum with rotating exhibitions, art education, and community programming. Comparable suburban museum-quality gallery model with strong educational programming.
• Bridgeport Art Center: Chicago art center combining artist studios, gallery exhibitions, classes, and event venue rentals. Comparable mid-scale Illinois arts center with event rental as a meaningful revenue contributor.
• Torpedo Factory Art Center: Historic converted facility hosting artist studios, galleries, classes, and community arts programming. Shares the multi-purpose arts center model with exhibitions, education, and event rentals.
• Lillstreet Art Center: Chicago-based nonprofit arts center offering classes, workshops, galleries, and ceramic/visual arts programs. Comparable scale, revenue model (tuition + memberships + events), and education-led mission.
• GoggleWorks Center for the Arts: Large community arts center offering classes, exhibitions, artist studios, and event rentals in a converted industrial facility. Comparable multi-use arts center model with diversified revenue streams.
• Evanston Art Center: Community arts center serving the North Shore of Illinois with visual arts classes, exhibitions, and community programs. Closest geographic and structural peer to TAC, serving overlapping North Shore audiences.
• DuPage Art League: Suburban Chicago art organization offering classes, exhibitions, and community programming. Similar community-led arts education model serving the western Chicago suburbs.

Regional players

• The Hyde Collection: Regional art center with museum-quality exhibitions, art classes, and community programming in a different geography (upstate New York). Comparable model of combining a historic gallery collection with active arts education.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@theartcenterhighlandpark5387
• Facebookfacebook.com/theartcenterhp
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-art-center---highland-park
• Instagraminstagram.com/theartcenterhp
• TikToktiktok.com/@theartcenterhp.il

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Art Center Highland Park