A guide to art-related spring activities to explore in Evanston, Chicago

File Photo by Camille Haines

Evanston Maker’s Markets are just one of many affordable art-related activities taking place in Evanston and Chicago this spring.

Marissa Fernandez, Assistant Photo Editor

April 8, 2025

With sunsets past 7 p.m., flowers blooming and warmer weather on its way, Spring Quarter is the perfect time to get off campus and explore Evanston and Chicago by taking advantage of affordable art-related activities. From art classes to markets, there’s something for everyone to do this spring.

Maker’s Market

Go visit the 7th annual season of Evanston’s Maker’s Market on May 4. The event is scheduled to take place in the Maple Ave. Parking Garage, which is less than a 10-minute walk away from campus. It will feature homemade goods from a variety of artists. The event is free to the public.

Evanston Parks and Recreation Art Classes

Embark on a spring watercolors hike or learn how to press flowers by taking a class through Evanston Parks and Recreation. The organization is offering a variety of nature-related art workshops this spring, including wreath and seed paper making. If outdoorsy crafts aren’t for you, it also offers arts classes like pottery and painting classes for people of all ages and skill levels. Advance registration is required and prices for classes range from $10 to $30 for individual classes to upwards of $150 for programs that span multiple sessions.

The Chicago International Film Festival

If you don’t have the attention span or patience for full-length movies, try watching short films with The Chicago International Film Festival. The CineYouth 2025 Festival will take place April 25 to 27 at FACETS in Chicago. The event will include screenings of 79 short films made by directors from 21 countries, along with filmmaking workshops. Tickets for CineYouth are free. The Chicago International Film Festival is also putting on film showings and film talks throughout the spring at a variety of locations in Chicago.

Lincoln Park Conservatory

Have time for an adventure into Chicago? Hop on the CTA’s Red Line and visit the Lincoln Park Conservatory. The exotic Orchid House and Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool are just two of the many exhibits guests can explore. The Conservatory also has a spring flower show titled “Spectrum of Spring” that will run until May 11. Tickets for visitors are free and can be reserved in advance, but guests are encouraged to contribute a donation.

ART on THE MART

End a day in the city or make a special trip at night to see ART on THE MART. Contemporary art is projected on the 2.5 acre facade of THE MART, one of the world’s largest commercial building and design centers, from April to December. THE MART has previously displayed work from various artists and partners, including the Art Institute of Chicago and Chicago Public Schools. This year, visitors can expect to see art from Shana Moulton, a digital artist based in California and another collaboration with Chicago Public Schools. According to its website, the projections are best viewed from The Chicago Riverwalk at Wells and Lake Street This year’s shows start April 25. Viewing is free and the projections run for about a half an hour Thursdays through Sundays.

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