About Us

Celebrating 103 years of art in the community.

Education:Year-round Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Classes
Workshops
Lectures
Kids’ ART Camps
Exhibits: Members’ Art Show
Inchworks
Themed Exhibits
Class Shows
Solo Shows
Art Sales
Events: Art in the Village – National Juried Fine Arts Fair
Annual Benefit
Special fine art events

Short history:
Founded by artists who wanted people of all ages in their community to benefit from the arts, the cultural impact of the League continues throughout the North Shore. At the time it was founded in 1924, the League was one of the original arts organizations in the country. Many noted artists studied and taught here -- LeRoy Neiman, Fairfield Porter, Franz Schultz, Abbott Pattison, Audrey Niffenegger and Peggy Macnamara. In Fall 2025 we opened the Poland Studio - a ceramics studio for youth and adult classes.

Looking forward:
Comprised of a vast array of artists, students, art lovers, community and corporate friends, the NSAL community reaches deeply into Chicago’s regional North Shore market. Our students are life-long and active learners, concerned about life and community improvements. We serve over 1,000 students annually, with programs and scholarships