Chicago Urban Art Retreat Center

04/19/2026

MEET UP for adults who just wanna have fun! All kinds of projects at Urban Art Retreat. We offer engaging opportunities for people to meet new people at Urban Art Retreat, 1957 S. Spaulding ave. at 21st. We are 2 blocks west of the Kedzie pink line stop. We provide time/place for adults to do an activity and get together in a small group. That way people interact. Sometimes it is outdoors in the garden, or across the street in the Peace Park. Sometimes it is in the art studio where we offer easy program to make art and talk together. Sometimes we have a show and we gather to discuss the art and the state of the nation. Once it awhile we do a carpentry project or a cement project outside. We may also do a gardening project outside. These are innocent chances to meet and talk with other adults. If you would like to get on our email list to find out what is happening, please let me know by sending me an email at [email protected] sincerely, Dianna

04/18/2026

Want to volunteer to help a non-profit this summer? Would you like to be involved in some cool projects using carpentry, or welding, or cement, or other means? Maybe create an art object using assemblage and found objects? Perhaps you want to help paint a mural, or do some gardening in our Florence Garden or the Peace Park across the street. Maybe you like to do collage? Or soak your feet in the pool while you draw or paint? If you are up for soem fun this summer, contact us at [email protected] and find out how to get involved? It is easy!

Want something to do this summer? Set aside an afternoon on a Monday, Wednesday, or Saturday from 1-4p.m. to attend a program at Urban Art Retreat, 1957 S. Spaulding at 21st. Each day is different. We will pick up litter, do carpentry project or mural project or cement project. Plus, we will create art, and do something in the garden! On some of those days, we will have a discussion about social justice issues, have a guest speaker about community policing or immigration issues or restorative justice court. We will have snack and relax in garden! Please RSVP the date you and/or your group would like to attend by sending an email to [email protected]

04/18/2026

Through my art without words, I needed to share with you how I seen myself being attached to a Narcissist. Bare bodied and bonded with baggage that wasn’t even mine. I no longer felt beautiful because he said, “Beauty just caused trouble”. Being polite and speaking became a threat because he said, “I needed attention”. Being blessed with your hands and talents was apart of his destruction. He said, “It made him feel less than, man”. My movement caused unsettlement because there is a difference with being educated and just having the “Gift of Gab”. My life became a lock and only “HE” carried the Key.
Who I was no longer existed, and I became him! I lost my identity, my voice, my freedom and individuality. Everything I did was wrong except, loving him. He required all my attention and me to love him unconditionally. This was expected even though the life he lived was foul play. Every time his mouth opened, he became the bow with the arrow pulled back. His only mission became to destroy the only thing left I had to give…. My HEART! With the hope of me never surviving because without him he said, “I’d have no purpose and would be better off being lifeless” …… ~Narcissism
by Verneen Hill

04/18/2026

Get outside and enjoy yourselves!

04/18/2026

How about this! spring time volunteers!

04/18/2026

Do you need service learning hours or community service hours or just want to volunteer? Non-profit has outside and inside volunteer work to help us reach our goals. We need volunteers to clear the dead vegetation & pull up weeds in our garden/yard. We need volunteers to mow the grass. We need volunteers to sand and paint benches. We need volunteers to help clean and organize our art studio. We need volunteers to paint walls and make minor repairs in our women’s residence. If you would like to find out about volunteering for Urban Art Retreat, please register in advance for an orientation which takes place on Saturdays at 1p.m. by emailing Dianna at [email protected] We welcome your interest! There is no commitment just to attend orientation.

04/13/2026

Hi everyone, hope you’re doing well. I’m reaching out to ask for support for this GoFundMe. Here’s the link: Honoring Unsung Heroes and Ma’at: Over 55 Years of Service. At 78 years old, after more than 55 years of service and no vacation in 47 years, I am now seeking support to honor others through the Culture of Honor Award Ceremony while allowing myself a long-overdue period of rest and restoration.

As of March 22, I am 78 years old. For more than 55 years, I have dedicated my life to serving others—through ministry, community outreach, body scans, nutritional education, healing support, and the arts.

For 47 years, I haven't taken a vacation. My life has been one of continuous service—often placing the needs of others before my own.

This ceremony will honor 22 recipients, including:

* 8 recipients of Honorary Doctorates in Humanity
* 3 remarkable organizations, with special recognition for the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
* Individuals recognized for distinguished service as Community Ambassadors, locally and globally
* Disabled individuals who have overcome life’s challenges and continue to uplift others
* Advocates and heroes who support and empower the disabled community

These honorees represent resilience, compassion, and a deep commitment to service. Many have quietly changed lives and strengthened communities without recognition.

The certificates for this ceremony are being issued through i Change Nations (iCN) and Challenged Champions and Heroes (CCH), organizations committed to honoring humanitarian service and global impact.

I am seeking to raise $9,000 to support two important needs:

$3,000 – Culture of Honor Award Ceremony Costs

* Certificates and honorary recognitions
* Event materials and coordination
* Preparation and presentation of Honorary Doctorates in Humanity

$6,000 – Rest, Accessibility & Health Support
After more than five decades of continuous service—and no vacation in 47 years—I am in need of intentional rest that also supports my health and mobility.

Due to spinal and respiratory disabilities, this is not a typical trip. These funds will help cover essential, out-of-pocket needs not covered by insurance, including:

* Wheelchair-accessible van rental
* Accessible hotel accommodations that support proper rest and mobility
* Organic vegan meals aligned with my health requirements
* Alternative and supportive treatments for my spinal and respiratory conditions

This is not simply a vacation—it is a necessary period of restoration, accessibility, and care so that I may continue serving others.

As I reflect on my 78th birthday, I am filled with gratitude for a lifetime of service and community.

03/28/2026

Most people would never harm a pup. Yet every day, we eat baby animals.

In the meat and dairy industry, many of the animals consumed are killed when they are still extremely young.

Male chicks in the egg industry are killed within hours of being born because they can’t lay eggs. Most pigs are slaughtered at around 3–6 months old, even though they can live 15 years or more. Chickens raised for meat are killed at 6–7 weeks, while their natural lifespan is 8–10 years. Lambs are typically slaughtered at 3-10 months.

These animals are still babies.

Globally, over 80 billion land animals are killed for food every year. Many of them never experience a natural life, sunlight, or the chance to grow.
When we begin to see animals as living beings instead of products, our choices start to change.

Compassion doesn’t require perfection. Even choosing more plant-based meals, questioning where food comes from, or learning about the system can make a difference.

Save this. Share it. Start the conversation. Awareness is the first step toward a kinder world.

Source: Vegan FTA

02/17/2026

Artist, Dianna C. Long, is currently open for new adults to to join her art sessions for her teaching method You Art. Ms. Long developed this teaching method for herself when teaching at the State University of N.Y. at Buffalo. She especially enjoys leading art workshops for adults who have little formal art experience & would like to make art and learn about art making supplies.

Over the decades, Ms. Long has led art making sessions with adults on both coasts. She has found a great deal of satisfaction helping people to find confidence and learn more about themselves through the art-making experience.

If you might be interested in taking art sessions with Dianna C. Long there will be some openings during afternoons beginning in March/April 2026. For an invitation to attend the free "EVEN YOU ART Philosophy" to see if it will be for you: Please send request to EVEN YOU ART invitation to [email protected]

The series of EVEN YOU ART experiences will take place at Chicago Urban Art Retreat Center in the North Lawndale neighborhood. 1957 S. Spaulding Ave. Open Saturdays 1-4 p. only. 2 blocks west of the Kedzie pink line stop

RSVP for CUARC organization orientation on Saturdays 1-2p.

02/16/2026

by artist, Cesar Ceballos of Nevada. My energy is focused on advocating for an equitable and diversified human unity through Art! As a part of the Brown and Black Artists Together show in Chicago this is a building block toward that goal. After living, working, and having friends in Chicago, my experience has played a pivotal role in my art journey.

As an artist, part of my purpose is to explore and share my artistic journey as a voice of advocacy for racial unity and oneness, which overlaps with the human environment.

01/25/2026

Join us for the Annual Dinner for Newcomers at Lou Malnati's on January 31st at 2 p.m., where you'll connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for social justice and personal growth. Urban Art Retreat invites you to experience a welcoming space where creativity and conversation come together to inspire positive change.

Enjoy a delicious vegan meal, explore new interests, and build meaningful relationships in a supportive community. Each guest will receive a special gift, and your $10 contribution will help make it all possible. Consider joining the after-party at Urban Art Retreat, 1957 S. Spaulding Ave., for drinks and dessert. RSVP to [email protected].