WE BELIEVE IN COMMUNITY CONNECTION
For 50 years, Gorton Center has worked to enrich the lives of our communities through cultural arts, education, and charitable service. As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, Gorton Center relies on the generosity of residents and businesses to help fund the programs & services offered and are grateful for the support received from our community.
Gorton Center presents live music and entertainment, films, and classes for all ages in our historic building. We also house Gorton Children’s Learning Center, a high-quality early education and daycare center that has been in operation for over 35 years. We welcome our community to rent our spaces to host their own events onsite. Additionally, Gorton Center houses the offices of ten other nonprofit organizations on the second floor of our building.
HISTORY
From 1901, when our building opened as a school, to our present, we are filled with culture and history.
CURRENT PROGRAM GUIDE
The Window is published and mailed to Lake Forest & Lake Bluff residents three times a year.
GORTON DRAMA STUDIO
Dedicated to providing Method acting, dramatic writing education and professional caliber performance opportunities on the stage and screen.
STAFF & BOARD
We are engaged and committed to bringing exceptional arts and culture to our community.
2026 Sponsor
2026 Sponsor
2026 Sponsor
2026 Sponsor
2026 Sponsor
2026 Sponsor
2026 Sponsor
2026 Fly FIshing Film Festival Sponsor
Oktoberfest Tent Underwriter
Mountainfilm on Tour Co-Presenter
Mountainfilm on
Tour Sponsor
Performing Arts Sponsor
Arts Programming
First Thursdays
Film Series
Friend of Oktoberfest
Photography Partner
Patrick Marsek
Photography Partner
Michael Delott
Photography Partner
Marcus Norman
Photography Partner
Eric Decker
Landscape Maintenance
Survey Software
Safety Town Sponsor
Safety Town Sponsor
Cornhole Sponsor
Cornhole Sponsor
Cornhole Sponsor
Safety Town Sponsor
Safety Town Sponsor
Safety Town Sponsor
Cornhole Sponsor
Cornhole Sponsor
Safety Town Sponsor
Cornhole and Safety Town Sponsor
Safety Town Sponsor
Safety Town Sponsor
2026 Annual Sponsor
Hammerschlagen Sponsor 2026
WHAT'S NEW
What Dolly Parton Taught Us About the Creative Process
Not every one of us is a songwriter, but all of us have something worth expressing.
Why We Need Each Other: The Science Behind a Great Live Show
The research confirms something we’ve always felt in our bones – that gathering together through the arts isn’t just fun. It’s good for us.
