Lillstreet Celebrates a Decade of Art and Learning in Ravenswood

Lillstreet Art Center is more well-known around the country than in the small community of Ravenswood it calls home. But that's ok with owner Bruce Robbins. 

The community of artists and students is still relatively new to the neighborhood and will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this August. 

Four events will commemorate Lillstreet's connection to the Ravenswood, starting Friday. From a block party to coffee, every resident is invited no matter their level of art appreciation. 

"Lillstreet is about taking someone that knows very little about art and getting them obsessed with it," Robbins said. 

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The center's humble beginnings began with a ceramics lover and a vision. 

Robbins bought a clay baking business from one of his professors at Lake Forrest College, where he was an art history major. In 1972—the first year of ownership—he grossed a mere $7,000. But in that year, he dreamed about a ceramics studio and classroom space.

In what he called a "charming dump," artists gathered at 1021 W. Lill Ave, near the intersection of Lincoln and Sheffield. 

The center began with one classroom and eight students in 1975. Now, Lillstreet boasts 23 classrooms with 2,200 students in eight different art departments. 

"We didn't have a 5-year plan, we didn't have a five week plan," Robbins said. "We've always been a mission-driven business."

When Lillstreet outgrew its Lincoln Park home in the early 2000s, the owner began looking for another space. 

Ravenswood in 2003 was an industrial corridor, home to tech-start-ups, mattress warehouses and raw materials manufacturers. The art center moved into the first floor of 4401 N. Ravenswood Ave. and tenant by tenant, Robbins took over the rest of the building. 

Over the last decade, the ceramist said he's watched the neighborhood change into a more social space. 

Art and yoga studios took over the warehouses and restaurants like Fin Sushi and Spacca Napoli moved into the area. 

"Some people give us credit for that change, but I don't know about that," Robbins said. "For us it's been great—we wanted to be in this neighborhood and love this neighborhood."

Aside from regular classes, the center has expanded to include studio rentals, a cafe, nonprofit organization and private event space. 

Their summer program includes more than 3,000 aspiring artists making anything from movies to metal work. 

Kids are able to learn from people like cartoonist Greg Reynolds. The Boston resident travels to Ravenswood for two weeks every summer just to teach at Lillstreet. 

Classes fill up quickly for the four-week camp where kids learn to draw superheroes. 

While some teachers spend a short time at the center, others show up one day and stay for years. 

Camille Canales arrived at Lillstreet in 2009 as part of the resident artist program. Graduates receive a free studio in exchange for teaching one class and mentoring students. 

Two years later, she found herself managing the textile department. 

"I came in not knowing anything about the art center and was swallowed by the community," she said. "I'll never let them get rid of me."

Canales also has a hand in the center's expanding projects, building a project space on the rooftop. 

Continuous expansion and change is exactly what Robbins has planned for the next 10 years at Lillstreet.