Winter Center For the Arts programs are now online for viewing!
Registration begins at 10 am on Tuesday, December 6 for Wilmette Residents, and the 13th for non-residents.

The Center for the Arts at the Wilmette Park District offers a well-rounded curriculum including dance, music, theatre and art. Through classes, workshops and special events, the Center for the Arts provides ample opportunity for individuals to express ideas and emotions that cannot be communicated with language alone. The Center for the Arts is located in the Community Recreation Center at 3000 Glenview Road, Wilmette.

View the tabs below for Center for the Arts department information and seasonal programs

  • Art Department General Information

    Wilmette Park District strives to provide a comprehensive art program by offering classes for all ages and media. In addition to our regular weekly classes, we offer:

    • Family workshops
    • Seasonal theme workshops
    • Adult workshops
    • Art birthday parties
    • Ceramics classes
    • Hybrid classes (such as Gym & Art)

    Art Department Programs

    Winter 2023 Art Programs

    Art Department Staff

    Michael Rose: Pinterest art, art club, painting, science & art, drawing, family art nights, early childhood arts

    Nancy Rose: Pinterest art, art club, painting, watercolor, sewing, drawing

    TJ Nakano: ceramics

    Anko Chang: ceramics, gym & art

    Sarah Ortielb: ceramics, early childhood art, gym & art

  • Announcements:

    Congratulations to the Wilmette Dance Team on their successes at the Dance Idol competition in February! Our talented team dancers took home:

    • 6 Gold Medals
    • 7 Silver Medals
    • Top overall placements

    Dance Department General Information

    Wilmette Park District strives to provide a comprehensive dance program by offering classes for all ages and styles of dance. In addition to our regular weekly classes, we offer:

    • Dance workshops
    • Dance birthday parties
    • Annual Nutcracker Production
    • Annual Spring Dance Recital
    • Competitive Dance Team
    Dance Coordinator: Kirsten Markham
    Tel: 847-920-3930

    Dance Department Programs

    Winter 2023 Dance Programs

    Wilmette Dance Team Information

    The Wilmette Dance Team is a year-long program with auditions during the summer. Dancers who missed the summer audition and would still like to join the team are encouraged to contact Dance Coordinator Kirsten Markham.

    More information will be posted about the 2022-2023 season. All Dance Team inquiries can be directed to:

    Dance Coordinator: Kirsten Markham
    Email: kmarkham@wilpark.org
    Tel: 847-920-3930
    Our Dance Team instructors are Alex Goodreau and Christa Hamran.

    Dance Department Staff

    Kirsten Markham: move with me, creative dance, hip hop, pre ballet, ballet, jazz, tap, dance club

    Alex Goodreau: dance team

    Christa Hamran: hip hop, dance team

    Jamie Horban: ballet, contemporary, hip hop, tap, meet me at the barre

    Jenny Mitchell: pre hip hop

    Cassiday Zins: pre ballet, ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary

    Ruben Zapata: ballet, jazz

  • THEATER DEPARTMENT GENERAL INFORMATION

    Wilmette Park District offers a comprehensive children's theater program by offering group and private acting classes. In addition to our weekly classes we offer acting workshops and various performing opportunities such as:
    • Fall and Spring Children's Theater Performances for grades 5 - 8
    • Spring Mini Show Performances for grades 1 - 4
    • Annual Nutcracker Performances
    • Spring Student-Directed Show Performances
    • Improv Troupe Performances
    • Broadway Bound Summer Camp

    Theater Department Programs

    Winter 2023 Theater Programs

    Wilmette Children's Theater

    WCT Minis are open to children in Grades 1-4
    Regular WCT programs are open to children in Grades 5-8

    Purchase tickets online here, when they're available

    2022-23 Season

    High School Musical, Jr.
    		 Willie Wonka Kids Frozen, Jr.
    		Alumni Student-Directed Shows
    Performances:
    October 14-16 & 21-23
    		 Performances:
    February 10-12 & 17-19, 2023
    		 Performances:
    March 10-12 & 17-19, 2023
    		 Performances:
    May 5-7, 2023

    For more information, please contact:

    Ann Marie Shipstad, Recreation Supervisor
    Tel: 847-920-3927 | Email: amshipstad@wilpark.org

    Theater Department Staff

    Wendy Avon: Director of WCT, Play in a Box, Little Imps, Scene Study, Theatrical Study, Improv Troupe Director, Alumni Theatre Director & Private Acting Lessons

  • MUSIC DEPARTMENT GENERAL INFORMATION

    Wilmette Park District offers a comprehensive music department by offering group and private classes. We offer private piano, guitar, ukulele, voice and violin classes. We also have group lesson opportunities such as:
    • Wilmette Children's Pops Chorale
    • Family Fiddle

    Music Department Programs

    Winter 2023 Music Programs and Private Lessons

    Music Department Staff

    Paula Eatman: violin (Thursdays & Fridays)

    Dan Chase: piano (Mondays, Tuesdays, Saturdays)

    Emily Shankman: Family Fiddle & voice (Tuesdays, Wednesdays)

    Thomas Hart: Piano (Wednesday, Thursday)

    Ultimate School of Guitar: guitar (Tuesdays & Saturdays)

    Wilmette Pop's Children's Chorale: pops chorale (Wednesdays

  • Art & Dance Parties

    Looking to plan a party with an Art or Dance theme? We've got you covered! Learn all the details on our Parties page!

    PARTIES