VIDEO: Lemont Center for the Arts Celebrates Grand Opening

Lemont artists now officially have a place to call home.

The village's Arts and Culture Commission celebrated Saturday the opening of its new Center for the Arts in the Lemont Village Square Plaza.

"We're terribly excited," said commission member Emily JB Christian. "It really came together beautifully, and it's something the whole village can be proud of."

The grand opening event featured artwork from several local artists, as well as hands-on activities, raffles and refreshments.

"We had so many artists contribute such wonderful work for this opening, and we're so grateful," said Mona Perry, chairperson of the Arts and Culture Commission.

The space for the new facility was donated to the village by a developer who wishes to remain anonymous. In the future, the center will feature permanent art displays, as well classes and special events.

The event Saturday also included a presentation by Mayor Brian Reaves, who surprised the commission with a special award. Lemont, he announced, was named by the Arts Alliance of Illinois and Illinois Municipal League as the President's Choice winner for the Illinois Arts Friendly Community Awards.

The award will be presented to the village of Lemont at the Municipal League Conference on Saturday, Sept. 25.

For more photos from the grand opening of the Lemont Center for the Arts, make sure to visit our special photo gallery.