Flashing the words “Inspire, Explore, and Create” from a video, Julie Olson of KVAL (Kishwaukee Valley Art League) shared the artists organization’s latest activities during this week’s Sycamore Rotary Club meeting. Founded in 1972, the organization embraces expressions of all forms of arts and crafts. Its premier public event is the Northern Illinois Art Show traditionally held in June on the lawn of the County Courthouse in Sycamore. The Covid-19 pandemic forced cancellation of last year’s event, although Olson said KVAL hopes an event will be possible in 2021.
Olson serves as treasurer of the group. She said it was officially classified as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2015. This opened the door for tax-deductible donations to help their cause, including the opportunity to be part of the ”Give DeKalb County” non-profit fundraiser day on May 6th coordinated by the DeKalb County Non-Profit Partnership through the Dekalb County Community Foundation. Olson herself moved to the area several years ago from Nebraska. She does acrylic painting on wood.
In 2020 KVAL opened the “Gallery on State”. This storefront at 322 West State Street in downtown Sycamore provides space for local artists to display and sell their art works. It also provides a meeting place where members can learn more about various art techniques and observe visiting professional artists demonstrating their unique talents. The Gallery is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday.
Besides being a support organization for the local artist community, KVAL shares its mission of promoting the arts with schools and non-profits. This includes KVAL raising funds to provide supplies to students and adults just learning how to express themselves through art.
Details about KVAL and its programs are available at the organization’s web site: www.kval-nfp.org.