Artwork Pick-up
Retrieve work from the previous exhibit and drop off for the next one during weekend gallery hours, 1-4pm.
Breaking the Silence Opening Reception
Join us for the first night of a month-long exhibition of veteran-made work. Come see the show and meet the artists who made it.
Saturday Aug 8, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Artist Talk & Poetry Reading
Join us for an afternoon of artist talks, a chance to hear directly from the veterans whose work fills the gallery followed byOPAL’s poetry reading, open to all.
Sunday, August 16 | 12–2 PM Artist Talks, 2–4 PM Poetry Reading
Is Summer Over Poetry Reading
Transitioning from summer to fall—harvest poems, endings and beginnings
Our seasonal poetry readings invite Oak Park and Chicago area poets to share their work in a welcoming, creative environment.
Gallery After Dark: Artist Workshop, Drawing from the Exhibition
OPAL’s Gallery After Dark, welcomes professional and veteran artist Michael Bever gets you started on the basics of observational sketching, then set you loose. Choose a piece in the show that pulls you in, find a spot, and sit with it. No group pace, no shared subject, just you, a sketchbook, and whatever in the room speaks to you.
A special thank you to Wounded Warrior Project for partnering with us on this event.
Thursday Aug 20, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Breaking the Silence Closing Reception
A month ago, Breaking the Silence opened its doors for the first time. Since then, veterans, families, and visitors have walked through this gallery and sat with the work. Join us for one last evening with the exhibition at the @oakparkartleague before it comes down.
Sunday Sep 6, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
House of OPAL
The Oak Park Art League is rolling out the red carpet again this year for HOUSE of OPAL 2026,
our fashion themed fundraiser, this time at The Nineteenth Century Club!
We are taking last year’s theme further down the runway and hosting a bigger fashion show as the centerpiece of the evening. Expect good food and drink, silent auction and raffle as well as a chance to dress for fashion week in one of our three categories
Fall Artist Member Exhibition-open reception
Celebrating 105 years of venerable history and five generations of Oak Park Art League Artist Members, this biannual exhibition presents a curated showcase of work by OPAL's current membership.
BARELY THERE: micro art showcase—Open Reception
Honoring OPAL’s 105th anniversary we proudly host our micro show! This unique exhibition is timed so that tiny art can be purchased as holiday gifts and will feature individual mini solo shows in box galleries, micro collections for the wall and a TINY TIN community art salon.
THANKFULNESS Poetry Reading
Reflections on gratitude in any measure—poems of appreciation and wonder
Our seasonal poetry readings invite Oak Park and Chicago area poets to share their work in a welcoming, creative environment.
Poetic Actions Workshop
Inspired by the poems of Aldo Roda (Homage to Joseph Beuys, 20th Anniversary of the Defense of Nature) and the visual poetry of Mirella Bentivoglio, this experimental workshop uses poetry as a bridge between our bodies and the environments we live in. The main goal is to step closer to nature and create our own living poems.
FREE to participate, please register for a spot.
Gallery After Dark Plastic Free July & Crochet Coral Club
Thursday July 23, 6-8pm
Join us to learn about transforming everyday plastics into art with artists Bryan Northup and Linda Dunbar. This is part talk, demo and hands on maker session. We’ll revisit our 2025 series and see what we’ve been up with our current exhibit at Maze Library for the month of July.
BAKE SALE @ OP Farmer's Market
The Oak Park Art League will be at the Oak Park Farmer’s Market, holding a Bake Sale fundraiser on JULY 18, 2026.
Help bake or assist the day of the event. Thank you!
Oak Park 4th of July Parade
Happy Birthday USA! Sport your patriotism by joining OPAL in marching in this year’s annual 4th of July parade. Bring good walking shoes, water, and a love of ART!
OPAL Gallery CLOSED
In observance of Independence Day OPAL gallery will be closed on July 4 & 5
OPRF Garden Walk
OPAL is on the walk! Come see our outdoor courtyard and juried exhibition Bloom: Art of Flowers, Foliage & Fruit
Current Exhibition OPENING RECEPTION - BLOOM: Art of Flowers Foliage & Fruit
Join us to meet the artists and see the exhibition.
Day in Our Village
We will be at Scoville Park with live figure model drawing and art making activities. Stop by and share the fun!
OH MOTHER Poetry Reading
Celebrating mothers in all forms—poems of gratitude, memory, and maternal bonds
Our seasonal poetry readings invite Oak Park and Chicago area poets to share their work in a welcoming, creative environment.
Current Exhibition OPENING RECEPTION - HOME: Art of Architecture Everywhere
Join us to meet the artists and see the exhibition.
CLOSING RECEPTION - OPAL Member Show
Join us to meet the artists and see the exhibition.
Artwork Pick-up/Drop-off
Retrieve work from the previous exhibit and drop off for the next one during weekend gallery hours, 1-4pm.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE : BLOOM Art of Flowers Foliage & Fruit
SUBMISSION DEADLINE APRIL 30, 11:59pm
Spring Studio Sale
Saturday April 25, 9-11am
Come to the in-person sale at OPAL to shop what’s left and the items not listed online.
Current Exhibition OPENING RECEPTION - OPAL Student Showcase
Join us to meet the artists and see the exhibition.
Artwork Pick-up/Drop-off
Retrieve work from the previous exhibit and drop off for the next one during weekend gallery hours, 1-4pm.
Gallery After Dark
Meet OPAL's resident artist Elise Holowicki
Join us Thursday April 2, 6-8pm for an introduction to multidisciplinary artist Elise Holowicki and chat about her workshop series culminating in a public art mural in OPAL’s courtyard to help mark our 105 anniversary
Join us for this free artist talk. No charge.
Gallery CLOSED
In Solidarity with NO KINGS protest we will close for the day.
Go make your voice heard!
Gallery After Dark
Make your protest sign for No Kings!
Thursday March 26, 6-8pm
We are hosting a get together to create a new or another protest sign to use at the upcoming No Kings Protest on Saturday March 28.
Join us for this free maker meet up. Free to attend Materials provided. Donations are welcome. RSVP
OPAL Sip & Paint
Thursday March 19, 6:30 - 8:30pm
with Eleana Daniel
Join us for a delightful two-hour painting session led by a talented OPAL artist instructor. Immerse yourself in the creative process of finishing a themed work of art while enjoying your favorite beverage. Open to all experience levels. Make new friends or bring your crew!
Current Exhibition OPENING RECEPTION - OPAL Student Showcase
Join us to meet the artists and see the exhibition.
Gallery After Dark
Art Therapy: A Discussion and Demonstration
with Kathy Osler
Thursday March 12, 6-8pm
Join us for a discussion about the intersection of creativity, visual arts and emotional health.We’ll learn about art therapy practices and try some hands on exercises.
Artwork Pick-up/Drop-off
Retrieve work from the previous exhibit and drop off for the next one during weekend gallery hours, 1-4pm.
Gallery After Dark
Digital Marketing for Artists & Crafters Workshop
with Dave Palomares
Thursday March 5, 6-8pm
Discover how to grow your creative business without breaking the bank! This workshop is tailored specifically for artists and crafters who want to reach more customers and sell more work online.
$10.
Register Here
Gallery After Dark
Cosmic Art Tour with Jim Sweitzer, PhD
Thursday Feb 26, 6-8pm
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit the incredible things our most advanced telescopes have discovered? Or maybe you’ve dreamed of capturing the beauty of outer space with your own art? Join Oak Park’s very own PhD astronomer - artist on an interstellar aesthetic adventure in immersive 4K Ultra-HD!
Register here
OPAL Sip & Paint
Thursday February 19, 6:30 - 8:30pm
with Eleana Daniel
Join us for a delightful two-hour painting session led by a talented OPAL artist instructor. Immerse yourself in the creative process of finishing a themed work of art while enjoying your favorite beverage. Open to all experience levels. Make new friends or bring your crew!
AFTERGLOW Poetry Reading
Join us for post-Valentine's Day reflections on love, longing, and the lingering warmth of connection.
Our seasonal poetry readings invite Oak Park and Chicago area poets to share their work in a welcoming, creative environment.
Current Exhibition OPENING RECEPTION - Being Human: Figure & Portrait
Join us to meet the artists and see the exhibition.
OPAL @ 105 - Member Meeting
Wednesday February 11, 6-8pm
There are changes coming and we have news to share!
Everyone who engages with OPAL, regardless of their member status encouraged to attend to meet the OPAL Board of Directors and Staff and learn what is in store for our 105th year.
Join us for important updates on ongoing projects and share your thoughts, held in person at OPAL. RSVP here