Our History
Formation of an Arts Council research committee was initiated by unanimous Crystal Lake City Council vote in December, 1980 under the direction of Mayor Carl Wehde. After three years, in May, 1983, the Community Arts Council was established as a fully-sanctioned City Commission, with representatives appointed from the City, the Crystal Lake Park District, the community at large, local service organizations, visual and performing artists, and the corporate community. In addition, a separate group was designated to be comprised of representatives from local arts organizations.
The Arts Council was based in City Hall, acting as liaison to coordinate activities of various arts organizations in the community, promoting interest in programs in all phases of the arts, and aiding in program development. Steps were taken in 1991 for the Arts Council to become a separate nonprofit organization.
We grew from a clearinghouse for publicizing events in the area to a facilitator for initiating broad-based arts programming, community outreach, and scholarships for the entire area. Members joined from McHenry, Kane, Lake, DuPage and Cook counties. The Community Arts Council became a non-profit organization and adopted its current name, The Northwest Area Arts Council (NAAC), in September, 1994, to reflect the impact and goals of the evolving organization.
In recent years, NAAC has successfully completed a number of art exhibitions and programs at the Old Courthouse Arts Center in Woodstock and surrounding McHenry County art venues. Most notably, our key exhibition, Women's Works, celebrates 25 years in 2012.
Our Structure and Direction
NAAC is a fully qualified 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our membership is comprised of various arts organizations, working artists, photographers, writers, their families and organizations that support and appreciate the arts. Artist members of all disciplines share the beliefs and values of the Council. We are partially funded by the Illinois Arts Council, although this support has waned in recent years.
Our programming reaches out to the entire McHenry County area and beyond, with major events and activities in Woodstock, McHenry, Algonquin, and Crystal Lake. NAAC is operated by volunteers who serve as a working Board of Directors. The same group includes our President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.
Our Board plans coordinates exhibitions and programs, organizational relationships, and funding connections to continue our arts advocacy efforts.
Our Mission
The Northwest Area Arts Council is a volunteer agency dedicated to connecting artists of all ages with the community at large and to fostering creativity in all areas of life. NAAC accomplishes this by educating, informing, and inspiring the community through programs and events that encourage appreciation, participation, and support of the arts.
Our Goals
- to encourage the coordination, promotion and development of educational and
cultural activities among various area arts organizations - to enhance the cultural climate in the greater McHenry County area
- to offer opportunities for people of all ages to showcase their artistic talents
- to organize and promote programs to enrich and strengthen families through the importance of the arts in their lives
- to value the artistic and creative expression of our young people