I started my year with a little art in Evanston. It was my first time attending a First Saturday Evanston Art event.

Hosted by The Lisa D Show, Evanston Made and 1100 Florence, First Saturday Evanston Art events showcase the Evanston art scene. There are indoor art exhibits, art displays in shop windows and art sales in other shops.

Evanston Made is a nonprofit arts advocacy organization, open to artists and art lovers. 1100 Florence is home to art and events. The Lisa D Show is a podcast featuring conversations between Lisa D and creative folks. Together, these hosts hold monthly events throughout Evanston, creating engagement between Evanston’s visual arts community and the public. It’s free to all, but reservations are required for the indoor displays.

I focused mainly on the Art Under Glass portion of the event. Evanston storefronts featured dozens of beautiful art pieces. It was a little walking, a little driving and a lot of incredible art.

On my time at my pace, I saw so much art I never otherwise would have seen. Because I went early, I was mostly alone as I viewed window after window, but occasionally I shared the view with other observers, sometimes sharing our thoughts.

This is such a cool concept. I would think other areas would copy this idea. I am happy any time more art gets in front of new eyes, especially my eyes.

— John Wroblewski, online writer