Artists are often depicted as solitary creatures. In media we see them toiling over their work for hours alone in their plant-filled studios, or maybe hidden away in the corner of a coffee shop. While this portrayal isn’t totally inaccurate, many artists greatly benefit by becoming involved with their communities through local artistic groups.
The North Shore Artists League (NSAL) serves as a supportive and educational hub for artists of all skill levels in the area. Scheduled social gatherings, gallery shows, and demonstrations are just a few perks of membership.
“As our vision states, we’re truly ‘by artists for artists,’ cultivating a dynamic, supportive community where artists thrive through collaboration and inspiration,” says James Ellis, the president and chair of the Board of Directors for the NSAL. “We aim to connect artists with their local communities, fostering creativity and engagement.”
The NSAL began as an inspired idea during a strategic planning session between the Johnson Heritage Post and the Cook County Historical Society in early 2019. It’s now a growing, thriving 501(c)(7) non-profit organization, encouraging artists to connect, create, and contribute to the culture of the North Shore.
Ellis joined the League in 2022. “I was searching for the same thing many artists seek: genuine connection and networking with other creatives,” he says. “I knew my personal art journey wasn’t meant to be one of isolation. Instead, I saw it as a path to understanding what it means to be an artist in a broader sense, and how to meaningfully contribute to an art community.”
After a disability changed his relationship with the area, Ellis began painting as a “vital form of therapy,” as many favorite wild places became inaccessible. “My art allows me to continue exploring and interpreting this region’s wild and ever-changing beauty,” he shares.
The NSAL provides opportunities for area artists of all mediums, from potters and poets to jewelers and musicians. Connection is encouraged and friendships are forged through regularly scheduled satellite group meetings called “art pods.”
“An art pod is a gathering of artists in a specific geographical area who meet socially in various venues, offering art-related programming to provide education, support, collaboration, and fun,” Ellis explains.
Since the North Shore encompasses a large area known for inclement weather, it made sense to host multiple regional meets. While officially scheduled monthly from October through May, regional pods may choose to meet throughout the year.
Programming at art pods may include visits to galleries or museums, guest speakers, demonstrations with hands-on opportunities, plein air painting, and more. “There’s no specified structure or expectation of content; the main goal is for artists to connect and support each other,” Ellis says. A league member can attend multiple regional pods if they like, and pods are encouraged to invite non-members to attend the monthly gatherings to help grow the league’s reach.
The entire league gathers together in October for the North Shore Artists League Annual Conference. This year it’s being hosted by Bluefin Waves of Superior in Tofte on October 25. “Attendees can look forward to a series of insightful educational workshops, with Kelly Schamberger as the distinguished keynote speaker,” Ellis mentions. In December, members enjoy a Holiday Tea or Happy Hour. Pods may substitute or hold meets in addition to these special events.
While art pods provide incredible value themselves, membership in the NSAL includes a number of other benefits, all designed to enhance a person’s artistic journey. Creations by members are featured on social media, on the main website, and on their own member pages within the site where they can link to sales. A monthly newsletter helps members stay informed of upcoming pod meets and events, and exhibition opportunities allow members to share their work to wider regional audiences as well as locally in their communities at shows and festivals.
Members come together to “celebrate the diversity of artistic expression, fostering collaboration across disciplines to inspire new ideas and create opportunities for growth,” Ellis says. One way this is accomplished is through the 100 Day Project, a personal art experience that challenges the individual to create something every day for 100 days with encouragement and support from other artists.
Membership is open to all artists who live along the North Shore or adjacent areas, and to those who are inspired by the region. The primary requirement is to have a “genuine interest in connecting with other artists and engaging with our community,” Ellis explains. “While our in-person activities are concentrated along the North Shore, we are exploring ways to better serve members who may live further afield.”
Ellis says being part of the NSAL has been an “incredibly enriching experience” for him. “Personally, I’ve learned that each artist has a unique story to tell, not only through their art but also in expressing who they are and how they got there,” he says. “Motivation is constantly provided by my peers, and despite our different artistic journeys, we all encounter many of the same challenges and triumphs.”
Future visions for the league include a dedicated, permanent physical space that could serve as a gallery, workshop, studio, and retail space, and Ellis also dreams of launching a signature regional art festival.
“Ultimately, I hope the league becomes an even more indispensable resource and source of inspiration for every artist along the North Shore, fostering a truly thriving and interconnected artistic ecosystem,” he shares. “The journey of an artist is often solitary, but it doesn’t have to be. Join us, and let’s grow together.”
Yearly membership starts at only $35 for an individual, and more information is available at: northshoreartistsleague.org.