● About us
Creativity belongs to everyone.
The Oak Park Area Arts Council (OPAAC) believes the arts are essential — for connection, for growth, for thriving communities. For 50 years, we’ve worked to make sure the arts are not just present, but accessible, celebrated, and woven into daily life across Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park.
We invest
Offering grants, scholarships, and funding to help artists and organizations flourish.
We advocate
Championing public art, arts education, and the cultural life of our tri-village area.
The Story of OPAAC
Promoting lifelong learning and championing the value of the arts in everyday life.
Partner Organizations
We work with and support a diverse network of local arts groups, including:
Oak Park Art League
Madison St Theater
Chicago a cappella
Terrain Exhibitions
Compound Yellow
…and more than 30 annual ArtsFunds recipients.
● Our Staff
Meet the people who bring our mission to life.
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Camille Wilson White
Executive Director
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Jaime Garza
Program Coordinator
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Taz Stahlnecker
Program Coordinator
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Kaidrea Stockman
Arts Advocate & Outreach
● Our Leadership
Board of Directors
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Emad Mahou
Board President
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Bill Sullivan
Vice President
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Kathleen Hepburn
Secretary
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Craig Failor
-
Yves Hughes, Jr.
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Amir Mohabbat
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Sam Montiel
-
Joel Richter
● Impact
Art that grows community.
Every grant awarded, every mural painted, every performance shared has a ripple effect — sparking connection, supporting creativity, and enriching everyday life.
$85k
32+
in ArtsFunds awarded annually to local artists and organizations
partner groups supported each year
50yrs
of championing the arts in Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park
Plus countless workshops, exhibitions, and performances that bring neighbors together.