MC Cord Gallery and Cultural Center

Historic preservation - a very important goal for the founding board is to understand and promote the factual history of the home, the generations of mccord families who lived and worked the once substantial farm, the connell family who restored the home, and the relationship of the home to its community. The research has led to the mccord House being made a historic building in palos park. A community research project organized by the historic preservation commission of palos park, researched by a grad student from loyola university and contributions from locals interested in the history have helped add to the updated history of the home. Historical seminars are held at the mccord House Gallery and Cultural Center in order to share and learn with regional, state, and national historians and organizations. Living history presentations are offered to the community and school groups.

Gallery & exhibits - the Center's educational goals will also be reflected in changing art exhibits, artists demonstrations, and other artistic events, presented by professional as well as docents. The Gallery offers local and regional artists the opportunity to sell their pieces with the Gallery receiving a small commission. The changing shows feature paintings, photographs and various fine arts and crafts for sale. The sale of these items does not serve as the primary function or source of income for its operation.

CULTURAL EDUCATION - EDUCATIONAL CLASSES ARE THE FOUNDATION OF THE MCCORD GALLERY AND CULTURAL CENTER'S OPERATIONS. THE CULTURAL CENTER OFFERS CLASSES IN VISUAL ARTS FOR ALL AGES. A CURRICULUM COMMITTEE CONSIDERS A WIDE VARIETY OF VISUAL ART CLASSES, AND OFFERS NOT ONLY BASIC AND INTRODUCTORY LEVEL CLASSES BUT ALSO ADVANCED LEVEL CLASSES FOR THE MORE EXPERIENCED ARTIST. THE CURRICULUM INCLUDES DRAWING, WATERCOLOR, PASTEL, OIL PAINTING, PALETTE KNIFE PAINTING IN OILS AND COLLAGE TO NAME A FEW. THE MEDIA WILL REFLECT THE CHANGING NEEDS AND INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY. CLASSES ARE HELD FIVE DAYS PER WEEK ALL YEAR AND SPECIAL WORKSHOPS ARE HELD ON THE WEEKENDS. ALL ARE STAFFED BY PAID PROFESSIONALS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE FIELDS. THE ORGANIZATION ALSO OFFERS MUSIC CLASSES FOR INSTUMENTS INCLUDING GUITAR, OBOE, PIANO, SAXOPHONE, TRUMPET, VOICE AND FRENCH HORN. STANDARD FEES ARE CHARGED AND CLASS DESCRIPTIONS CAN BE FOUND ON THE MCCORD GALLERY & CULTURAL CENTER WEB SITE www.mccordgallery.org. HOWEVER IN AN INSTANCE WHERE A STUDENT IS UNABLE TO PAY, SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE. THERE WILL BE NO DISCRIMINATION BASED ON RACE, RELIGION OR INCOME LEVEL IN THE SELECTION OF STUDENTS.

Cultural events - the organization sponsors various educational and outreach events to promote awareness and understanding of the mccord House as a learning Center for the arts, Cultural history and stately reminder of an elegant time gone by.