There’s a Spot for You at OPAL
If you’ve ever walked past our gallery on Chicago Avenue or attended an event and thought, I’d love to be part of something like that, well this is your invitation.
The Oak Park Art League has been a creative anchor in this community for over 105 years, and we’re ready to grow. As we deepen our roots across Oak Park, River Forest and the surrounding communities, we’re actively building our volunteer family. Whether you have an afternoon a month, would enjoy helping with a specific event or a few hours a week, there is a role here that fits your life and your talents.
Why We Need You Right Now
OPAL runs on people. We have a small, dedicated staff and a big, beautiful mission: to make art accessible, vibrant, and central to community life. Every exhibition we mount, every class we offer, every event we pull off, every garden we tend, it happens because people show up.
We’re in a season of momentum. Our 105th anniversary brought new energy and new visibility. Programs like our BLOOM juried exhibition, Summer Sculpture Exhibition, and Gallery After Dark series are drawing audiences and sparking conversations. The House of OPAL Gala on September 12 is shaping up to be our most exciting fundraiser yet and we hope you can help or attend.
That momentum needs more hands to sustain it. If you live in Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, Berwyn, Chicago, Elmwood Park or anywhere nearby and you care about art in your community, we’d love to have you with us.
The Fun Part
Volunteering at OPAL is genuinely enjoyable. You’ll work alongside artists, neighbors, and creative thinkers. You’ll be part of gallery openings, community parades, farmer’s market bake sale, and gala events. You’ll meet people who care about the same things you do.
Some of our most beloved volunteer memories come from amazing exhibits, classes, community outreach events and bigger efforts like the Annual OPAL Gala and so many large and small opportunities to volunteer that truly helps our community understand, enjoy and appreciate art. There’s real joy in this work and as an added bonus, volunteering is great to your health as many studies have shown.
Where You Can Make a Difference
We have a wide range of volunteer needs, so no matter your background, there’s likely a perfect fit. Here’s where we’d love your help:
Building & Gardens — Help clean our building and beautify our gardens
Communications/Marketing — Create communications and support marketing ideas
Docent — Organize and share the stories and history of OPAL
Event Planning & Host/Hostess— Design and support receptions and social event activities
Education — Support course development and educational activities
Exhibits — Coordinate and help facilitate our ongoing exhibits
Finance — Help with organizing, tracking, and document management
Fundraising — Help design fundraising activities and support events
Gallerysitter — Support OPAL gallery open hours and welcome visitors
Grants — Find and write grant opportunities to fund our programs
IT Support — Help with internal technical needs, email setup, and document management
Membership — Engage members and support membership activities
Social Media/Website — Create social media campaigns and keep our website current
Sponsorship — Find sponsors to fund OPAL programs and events
Volunteer Coordination — Help engage and onboard new volunteers to align with needs
If you see yourself in more than one area, great. We can find a home for a full range of skills and interests.
How to Join Us
Ready to get involved? It’s easy, just fill out our volunteer interest form here to get involved and we will connect you with the right person that handles that area.
Art is more powerful when a whole community is behind it. Come be part of ours.
With gratitude,
Colleen Campbell
Board Member
Oak Park Art League
