Bright Friday

I’m happy to be partnering with Glade^® to turn Black Friday into Bright Friday! Together, we’re going to encourage people to spread moments of joy that can often be overlooked during the holiday season.

For some, the holidays can feel overwhelming. According to a survey conducted by Glade^®, Chicagoans are 15% more likely than the average American to say the holiday season is busier than the rest of the year. This is the time to step back and think about what really matters, which is why I’m joining Glade^® and four other bloggers around the country to find areas in our cities that could use an extra boost of joy this holiday season.

As you probably know by now, I love all things that support the arts. I was recently in the Ravenswood neighborhood and stopped by Lillstreet Art Center. It’s a creative space with an incredible mission to cultivate and support the arts through its education program, artist residencies, gallery exhibitions and retail sales opportunities, studio rentals, and arts=based professional development.

Lillstreet Art Center offers classes in the arts for kids and adults. It holds workshops and courses on painting, drawing, ceramics, photography/digital art, bookmaking, and textiles. It even teaches metalsmithing and offers classes on working with glass! Lillstreet is also home to ArtReach, a sister nonprofit organization providing arts education to Chicago communities that don’t have a lot of resources for creative programs.

This is a fun space that draws a lot of people to the neighborhood, so I’ve worked with Glade^® to bring a little joy to the Lillstreet Art Center this holiday season with a light installation that will turn Black Friday into “Bright Friday.” Sometimes the holidays can feel hectic and overwhelming, so Glade^® is reminding people that joy is the greatest gift this holiday season. And everything always feels a bit magical when holiday lights go up, right? So what better way to bring joy?

Lillstreet Art Center
4401 N. Ravenswood
Chicago, IL 60640

I can’t wait to see the lighting display, which will be there from Friday, November 27 through the holiday season. I know Glade^® will create something amazing — something to help us all spread and feel moments of joy this holiday season. I’ll be sharing it here soon! Check out feelingsofjoy.com and don’t forget to share your joyful moments, using the hashtag #FeelJoy.