Side Street Studio Arts celebrates 12 years with art and live performances
Side Street Studio Arts in downtown Elgin is celebrating 12 years on Friday, March 7, with an evening packed with visual art, live performances, hands-on artmaking, and more. The event runs 6 to 10 p.m., with a $5 suggested donation at the door.
Founded in 2013 by Elgin residents Tanner Melvin and Erin Rehberg, the organization advances engagement in the arts by providing inclusive access to exhibition, performance, education, and advocacy resources.
“Making it to 12 years feels like a gift. It’s proof that the work we’re doing matters, and that our community is here for it,” said Jess Rocha, director of operations. “Being part of Side Street means constantly growing, experimenting, and connecting with people who are just as passionate about creating something meaningful. I can't wait to see what the next year brings.”
The Year 12 Anniversary Exhibition will be on display in the gallery and theater, located at 15 and 15½ Ziegler Court. It features work from over 45 artists, including Adam Fruendt, Amanda Rivera, Andres Dominguez Fernandez, Anna Lentz, Brad Cahill, Buddy Plumlee, Eli Tatosian, Kitt Beier, Lissette Tellado, Steven Kroiss, Zoe Kollias, and many more.
Throughout the evening, attendees can vote for their favorite pieces, and a panel of guest judges will select additional winners. Audience voting closes at 8:30 p.m., and winners will be announced at 9 p.m. Cash prizes and prize packages will be awarded to the selected artists.
Year 12 guest judges are artist and educator Marisol Cervantes, Elgin City Councilman Corey Dixon, Going Dutch artist-in-residence Abby Franke, and Elgin Cultural Arts Commission chair Kevin Kearney.
The celebration also includes live performances:
• 7 and 8 p.m. — Self Xplanatory, a Hip Hop dance crew dedicated to keeping the art of breakin' alive and sharing its essence with new generations.
• 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. — X etc., a collaborative performance by Luiza Moraes and G. Heintz, blending music and dance to explore the concept of crossing — into, through, and from.
These performances are supported by a Healing Illinois grant as part of Side Street Studio Arts’ Explorations of Equity in the Arts in Elgin project.
In the theater, Franke will be leading block printing of her original “Year 12” logo design. Bring your own item to print on ($10) or purchase a shirt or apron on-site ($15). Preprinted items will also be available for sale in MADE.
Meanwhile, in Backspace, SSSA is offering a special First Friday Drop-In from 6 to 8 p.m. It’s a “Drop Off & Date Night” opportunity for families. Young artists in kindergarten to sixth grade can enjoy creative time with artist educators Ivette De Santiago and Lentz, making yarn crafts, floral collages, and more. Parents can drop off the kids and take advantage of a night out in downtown Elgin, with plenty of walkable bars and restaurants nearby. The drop-in is $10 per student, and registration is available at sidestreetstudioarts.org/drop-ins.
The Year 12 exhibition will remain on display through Saturday, March 29. For more information on any of Side Street’s programs, email info@sidestreetstudioarts.org, call (847) 429-2276, or visit sidestreetstudioarts.org.
This event and exhibition are supported in part by the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Illinois Arts Council Agency, and Martini Room.