The First Annual Visionary Outsider Art Show
As part of the organization’s 45th anniversary celebration, Rimland presented its first annual Visionary Outsider Art Show on Saturday October 15. Guests viewed 22 works of art by highly individualistic artists – self-defined as raw, marginalized, outsider, self-taught, visionary, or naïve, including artists who face physical or cognitive challenges.
Guests at the show had the opportunity to be mystified by the sleight of hand of magicians and attorneys Mel Siegel and Fred Lane, a/k/a the Great Fredini. (At 91 years old, Fred Lane still practices law and delights audiences with his prestidigitations!)
Mel Siegel shows his sleight of hand.
The Great Fedini!
Two magicians = double magic!
Guests also witnessed a performance of the group Mother-Daughter Tribal, who performed American Tribal Style belly dance. All told, Nine pieces of art were sold, with proceeds benefiting the artists and Rimland. Thanks to all who viewed and purchased art. We’ll see you next year!
Associate Executive Director Tina Jones and daughter visited the art show.
Art show organizer Kathy Miller (r) and guest.
Our 45th Anniversary Benefit Bash!
It was quite a crowd!
On October 14 Rimland clients, family members, staff, friends, and supporters came together at Rimland’s headquarters to celebrate the organization’s 45th anniversary.
The “red” carpet.
Executive Director Carolyn Keel welcomes guests.
Festivities included a preview of the first annual Visionary Outsider Art Show, a wine pull, a new video about Rimland’s history and programs, upbeat jazz standards by the David Jennings Trio, and a beautifully catered menu of tasty delights.
Scene from a Wine Pull
Previewing visionary outsider art…
Rimland by night.
Master of Ceremonies Judy Hsu (of ABC 7) hosted the evening’s program with skill and humor.
Judy Hsu at the mic.
Judy Hsu with event organizer Kathy Miller.
Rimland CEO Pamela Watson offered words of welcome and gratitude to the attendees, and board member Bill Egan charted the organization’s development over 45 years and shared stories from Rimland’s history.
CEO Pamela Watson
Bill Egan tells Rimland’s story.
Also during the program, Rimland bestowed special recognition on three of the organization’s most faithful associates for their longtime partnership and service: Ann Moltz, a Rimland parent and volunteer who directs Rimland’s art program; Dave Work, a Rimland employee since 1975; and community development partner Lycrecia Parks, Director of Portfolio Management at the Chicago Community Loan Fund.
Associate Executive Director Terrance Wimberly introduces award recipient Ann Moltz.
Judge Martin Moltz and Ann Moltz
Dave Work accepts congratulations from the audience.
Rimland COO Brendy Sims introduces award recipient Lycrecia Parks.
Brendy Sims, Lycrecia Parks, Judy Hsu
And a good time was had by all!
Benefit guests mix and mingle.
Anniversary committee member Nina Yoo takes a selfie with a friend.
All smiles for Rimland!
Standing room only!
With a song (of gratitude) in our hearts
Mike Mann and Friends perform at “Come Together”
The melody lingers on after the smashing success of our September fundraiser Come Together: A Day of Music to Benefit Rimland. Thanks to YOU, our loyal families, devoted friends, and generous supporters, Rimland was able to raise more than $20,000! And we couldn’t be more grateful for the contributions of the wonderful bands that shared the stage at the Old Town School of Folk Music: Beatles Ensemble, Boomerang, Mike Mann and Friends, Blue AdaptOrs, Somethings, FlatTop, North Branch, and Tangent feat. Steve Leavitt. (View more photos from the benefit here.)
If you weren’t able to attend the benefit, you can still make a donation to Rimland. All donations to Rimland are tax deductible and may be sent to Rimland at 1265 Hartrey Avenue, Evanston, IL 60202.
And don’t forget, you can support Rimland when you purchase through AmazonSmile!
Thank you for “Coming Together” to support Rimland!
WE had a blast on Sunday, September 21 at the Old Town School of Folk Music! So many of you came out to support Rimland at our Come Together musical benefit on Sunday, and we are overwhelmed with gratitude for your support. Thanks especially to our featured bands Beatles Ensemble, Boomerang, Mike Mann & Friends, Blue AdaptOrs, Somethings, FlatTop, North Branch, and Tangent feat. Steve Levitt.
Look for a full update on the benefit in our upcoming October newsletter, but in the meantime, here are some photos from the big day:
We had quite a crowd of supporters!
Blue AdaptOrs
The crowd hung on every note!
Mike Mann & Friends
Executive Director Carolyn Keel and CEO Pamela Watson smile for the camera.
Boomerang-rang-rang!
And baby makes three! CEO Pamela Watson with Associate Executive Director Tina Jones and Ella.
Shhh! It’s a silent auction!
Come Together for Rimland this Sunday at 2pm!
Benefit Flyer
Make music while making a difference with Rimland this Sunday, September 21 at the Old Town School of Folk Music from 2pm-8pm! Clap your hands, tap your feet, or simply sing along to the sounds of classic rock and folk bands while you support Rimland Services at Come Together: A Day of Music to Benefit Rimland.
Tickets are just $20 and will be available at the door. For advance tickets or information, please call 847-328-4090, ext. 227.
Check out the schedule of bands and be sure to stay for the silent auction!
Beatles Ensemble – 2:00pm – 2:30pm
Boomerang – 2:45pm – 3:15pm
Mike Mann & Friends – 3:30pm – 4:00pm
Blue AdaptOrs – 4:15pm – 4:45pm
Somethings – 5:00pm – 5:30pm
FlatTop – 5:45pm – 6:15pm
North Branch – 6:30pm – 7:00pm
Tangent feat. Steve Levitt – 7:15pm-8:00pm
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Parking Information: There is metered parking along the street in front of the Old Town School of Folk Music. The closest parking garage is 1840 N Clybourn Avenue, which is a nine-minute walk to the school. All parking in the area is paid parking.
The building is accessible.
Come Together Benefit: Official Schedule Announced!
Benefit Flyer
The schedule of musical acts for our Sunday, September 21 fundraiser Come Together: A Benefit for Rimland has been released!
Beatles Ensemble – 2:00pm – 2:30pm
Boomerang – 2:45pm – 3:15pm
Mike Mann & Friends – 3:30pm – 4:00pm
Blue AdaptOrs – 4:15pm – 4:45pm
Somethings – 5:00pm – 5:30pm
FlatTop – 5:45pm – 6:15pm
North Branch – 6:30pm – 7:00pm
Tangent feat. Steve Levitt – 7:15pm-8:00pm
Tickets are available for a donation of only $20, and may be purchased directly from Rimland by calling 847-328-4090, ext. 227. All donations to Rimland are tax deductible and may be sent to Rimland at 1265 Hartrey Avenue, Evanston, IL 60202.
Come Together Benefit: New Bands Added to Roster!
Benefit Flyer
We are pleased to announce several musical acts recently added to the line-up for our fall fundraiser Come Together: A Benefit for Rimland at the Old Town School of Folk Music on September 21, 2014 from 2:00pm-8:00pm. The exciting roster will feature:
BEATLES ENSEMBLE
BOOMERANG
MIKE MANN AND FRIENDS
BLUE ADAPTORS
SOMETHINGS
FLATTOP
NORTH BRANCH
TANGENT FEAT. STEVE LEAVITT
Tickets are available for a donation of only $20, and may be purchased directly from Rimland by calling 847-328-4090, ext. 227. All donations to Rimland are tax deductible and may be sent to Rimland at 1265 Hartrey Avenue, Evanston, IL 60202.
Thank you for your support, and see you at the benefit in September!
September Songs
Join us at the world-famous Old Town School of Folk Music on Sunday, September 21, 2014, for an entertaining and fun-filled day of music to benefit Rimland. Classic rock and folk bands will perform throughout the day, while supporters can sing and swing to the rhythms of the music, find a bargain at the silent auction, and mingle with friends, family, Rimland staff, and guest artists.
Tickets for Come Together: A Day of Music to Benefit Rimland are only $20. You’ll enjoy sweet sounds and good times while making a tremendous difference in the lives of adults with autism and their families.
For tickets or for more information, contact Carolyn Keel or Tina Jones at 847-328-4090.