Originally known as the South Chicago Art Center, SkyART began in 2001 with one employee who taught 18 students two days a week in a small rented studio. Over the years, the organization has grown. But we have never forgotten the commitment made during that first year: to provide young people with quality programming in a safe, accessible space. That commitment, shaped by an abiding responsiveness to community needs, has guided our growth and positioned SkyART as a trusted center for creativity and community.
Growing Programs & Artist Garden
Stretching outside the studio in 2002, we initiated programming at two nearby schools, with whom we still work today. In 2003, we established our own independent non-profit status and founded our 15,000 square foot (four city lots) Artist Garden. The Artist Garden is an outdoor studio space for program participants and a community garden for our neighbors. In 2006, we expanded our reach beyond South Chicago to include programs at schools in neighboring communities.
The BIG JUMP
Our biggest jump yet came in October 2015, when we changed our name and moved our headquarters into a newly refurbished 6,000 sq ft studio facility. SkyART’s main studio in South Chicago includes three multi-purpose art spaces, a state-of-the-art computer lab equipped for a variety of digital media applications, a sculpture studio, a kitchen studio and a gallery space. Following the move to our new space, in the fall of 2017 we successfully completed our $2,500,000 Campaign for Limitless Potential. Fulfilling and developing our mission through a rich variety of programs, partnerships and initiatives, active in over a dozen South Side neighborhoods, we are now in our 20th year of operation and still the only free visual arts program of our kind in the entire City of Chicago.
Project Impact
SkyART West
First Class began. The Art Center was open two days a week and started with 18 students.
2002
Responding to the needs of the community, we expanded our schedule and open doors 5 days a week. Started teaching at two local schools
2003
Started the Artists Garden
Acquired our own 501(c)3
2005
Started paid internship program for teens
2006
Artist Garden wins 1st Place in Mayor Daley Landscape Awards
2009
First Annual “I ❤️ Art” Fundraiser in Pilsen neighborhood
2010
Received grant from the Field Foundation of Illinois to serve every grade of Gallistel Elementary School, where we continue to serve today
2011
Began Strategic Planning and decided to expand to a new facility in the South Chicago neighborhood
2013
Campaign for Limitless Potential Kickoff
2014
Moved into SkyART Studios
2015
Grand Opening of SkyART Studios and 15 year Quinceañera
Sarah Ward is awarded the Norm Bobbins Leadership Award
2016
First 3 Corners Fest
Jeff Zimmerman Mural
2017
SkyWAY & Project 3rd Space begin
2018
Just-Us Programs Start
Mexico City Cultural Exchange (staff)
Purchase SkyART Van
2019
SkyART studios sees record one day attendance of 73 participants
Mexico City Cultural Exchange (participants)
Teens from Project 3rd Space win Project Innovation “Best Art Exhibit”
Project 3rd Space exhibition at DuSable Museum of African American history
2020
SkyART announces plans to expand to Chicago’s West Side
Delivered more than 1,000 free art kits during the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic
Created Project Impact
Expanded Just-Us program
2021
Renovation of SkyART west begins
West Side School Engagement Grant
SkyART provides 50 devices for youth to participate in virtual programs
SkyART delivers more than 2,800 art kits in FY21