Open Studio Project Joins Forces with Young Evanston Artists

Saturday May 17, 2025

10 am - 3pm

Raymond Park | Evanston

Open Studio Project is thrilled to announce the addition of YEA! (Young Evanston Artists) to its family of creative arts programming. For over 30 years, YEA! has championed arts education in Evanston public, private, and parochial schools and celebrated the creativity of students at its annual community arts event, YEA! Fest.

“I’m incredibly excited to welcome YEA! into our portfolio of programs,” said Open Studio Project Executive Director Rob Lentz. “YEA! will play an essential role in our commitment to lifelong learning, healing, and building community through art.” The nonprofit Open Studio Project has provided educational and therapeutic visual arts programming to thousands of children and adults since opening their south Evanston doors in 2000. The organization’s mission is to bring the transformative power of art directly to individuals for personal growth, social-emotional learning, and community well-being. 

Hope Washinushi has spearheaded YEA! for the last 8 years, and as Open Studio Project’s Studio Manager, she was instrumental in bringing the two organizations together. Washinushi is looking ahead to YEA!’s growth: “With the support of Open Studio Project, YEA! will extend its reach beyond the one-day festival, adding year-round workshops, mentorships, and art pop-up events for young people. In June the introduction of YEA! Summer camps at Open Studio Project will give young artists a chance to get even more hands-on and explore different artistic mediums in our studio.”

YEA! founder and long-time Evanston business owner Harvey Pranian envisioned an art festival that displayed the creative talents of young people and had the support of the local business community. “Every year, District 65 students and teachers look forward to showcasing their art and music for the community at YEA! Fest. We’re excited to celebrate their creativity and recognize the outstanding artists and teachers that spend the year preparing for this event!” said Sherri Kushner, Co-Chair of District 65 Art Department.

Open Studio Project will present YEA! Fest at Raymond Park in Evanston on Saturday, May 17, featuring a dynamic student art exhibition, hands-on art-making opportunities, live music performances, and food trucks.