Art Show featuring works from NISRA, Community Partners, and music by Free Guitars for Future Stars

The public is welcome on Friday, November 1st from
5pm-8pm at Lakeside Legacy Arts Park at the Historic Dole Mansion in Crystal
Lake for a free art show. The November exhibits feature Community Partners, and
work from Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA). The monthly
family friendly art show features visual art, poetry, kids coloring,
appetizers, live music, and a cash bar. Guests are invited to explore the Arts
Park and Dole Mansion while learning about these local organizations. Music at
the November 1st event will be provided by the non-for-profit music
organization Free Guitars for Future Stars. Appetizers are provided by Lakeside
Legacy Foundation. Donations are appreciated at the free event. Contributions
benefit future art exhibits, cover the costs of hosting art events, and
maintain the galleries for community enjoyment.

Lakeside’s Executive Director Siobhan Cottone remarked,
“Lakeside is excited to have MCC’s culinary students assisting in the
preparation of the appetizers at First Friday. The students have done an
excellent job since the September art show, and we love showcasing the talents
of local students.” The November appetizers are being cooked by Chef Pili Rios
who is an instructor at MCC, and offers cooking classes at Lakeside through her
business Confetti Gourmet Academy. The MCC Hospitality Club and Introduction to
Hospitality Class will assist Chef Pili in the kitchen. “The appetizers are a
tasty addition to the art show,” stated Cottone. Registration for the weekly
cooking classes can be found through MCC’s continuing education department or
at wwwconfettigourmetacademy.com. Meet Chef Pili on November 1st, and learn
about the upcoming cooking classes at Lakeside.

The Community Partners for mental health awareness group
recently joined in the merge of several other groups to form the Community
Partners Wellness Network a division of the Mental Health Board. This Network
is a unique partnership of individuals who have used services, their families and
friends, and professionals working together to raise consciousness and
understanding of behavioral health concerns, reduce stigma, and create
opportunities for collaborations to improve behavioral health supports across
the community. The exhibit is open to individuals who have received services
through McHenry County Mental Health Board (MHB) affiliated agencies or
partnerships. Artwork will be produced by individuals, groups, and/or families.

This year, the Behavioral Health Foundation (BHF) will
hold its 5th Annual Visions of Hope Awards presentation at the opening art
reception on November 1st. The BHF awards honor one outstanding volunteer and
one individual or organization for outstanding efforts in raising awareness of
recovery from mental illness. Cottone said, “Each year, Lakeside showcases
artwork from local, regional, and national artists. November is an example of
our commitment to partnering with other local organizations, and how artwork
connects us all.” The other community focused art exhibits include the District
47 Crystal Lake School show and the District 155 High School art exhibit.

For more information on the November 1st art show, visit www.LakesideLegacy.org. Lakeside
Legacy Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization located at 401 Country
Club Road in Crystal Lake, IL. Lakeside’s mission is to protect and preserve
the Historic Dole Mansion and Arts Park for generations to come. Additionally,
the foundation exists to be an innovative community arts center cultivating
creativity for all ages. First Friday art shows are mission centered monthly
events that celebrate visual, performing, and culinary art forms.