Your Neighbor

AMERICA 250 | Open Call For Young Artists To celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Side Street Studio Arts invites Elgin youth under 18 to imagine The Future of America through original artwork. One selected design will inspire a permanent public sculpture in downtown Elgin, unveiling in 2026 as part of the America 250 celebration. 🇺....

The call is out for young artists (under 18) to help imagine what the future of America looks like—and one of those ideas will become a permanent public sculpture right here in downtown Elgin as part of the America 250 celebration.

Everything you need is here 👇
https://www.sidestreetstudioarts.org/america250

We need the optimism of young people. We need their ideas, their honesty, and the way they see possibilities that the rest of us sometimes lose sight of. This is about giving those voices space—and making sure they’re visible in our community in a real, lasting way.

Side Street is hosting two free open studio days if you need space to create:
April 4 (11:30–1:30)
April 11 (2–4)

We can’t wait to see what young artists come up with ❤️
Your Neighbor
Elgin Cultural Arts Commission
Illinois Arts Council

A few spots are open for Mom's Cooks this weekend. Sign up to learn, and
Make food from another culture, while building a community with your Neighbors.

🍽 Moms Cook is back on Sept 27! We’ll cook something meaningful, share stories, and celebrate culture—one dish at a time. ✨ And no, it’s not just for moms! If you love food, connection, and community, you’re welcome at the table. Seats are very limited (ages 14+), so RSVP today to be part of the table! 📅 Head to our events page to save your spot #MomsCooks #elginil #CommunityTable #FoodBringsUsTogether #CookWithLove

A Community Cooking Experience—Limited Spots, Sign Up Now! 👩‍🍳✨

Experience the first in a special three-part series called "Mom's Cooks"!
Each session features a mom sharing her culinary wisdom, teaching you to cook meaningful dishes while exploring the history and stories behind the food and ingredients.

Marietta Wimms will lead us through classic soul food recipes cherished in the Black community. The menu features black eye peas & smoked ham hocks, green beans, cornbread, fried pork chops, and strawberry shortcake. 🥘🍗🍓

This FREE event is limited to 25 participants—if interest exceeds capacity, we’ll use a lottery to select attendees. Everyone will be notified via email whether or not they’re selected.

Don’t miss your chance: Sign up here: https://tally.so/r/mOyvzY 🎟️

Moms Cooks Community Cooking Class at Hemmens Cultural Center - Explore Elgin Area Moms Cooks Community Cooking Class at Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin to feature a hands-on cooking experience.

https://instagram.com/p/DKpGvroxlHd/

We are back! It’s been some time since our last event, but we are back in the community to build community with you! Moms Cooks Is a free event! Partnering with Side Street Studio and arts, Hemmens for housing this event. Sign up here http://yourneighborelgin.org