BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Gorton Center - ECPv6.15.17//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Gorton Center
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://gortoncenter.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Gorton Center
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Chicago
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20250309T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20251102T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20260308T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20261101T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20270314T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20271107T070000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260512T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260512T193000
DTSTAMP:20260422T091531
CREATED:20260224T165819Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T175323Z
UID:20007063-1778608800-1778614200@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Art Impact Project: Tulip Paintings
DESCRIPTION:Tulip Paintings \nCelebrate spring and sharpen your still life skills in this hands-on painting class. Paint with acrylics on canvas and create your own vibrant floral artwork. We guide you step by step\, so you feel confident from the first brushstroke to the final detail. \nYou don’t need any experience to join. Beginners build skills in a supportive setting. Experienced artists explore fresh techniques and enjoy a relaxed\, creative space. Our wellness-focused art program encourages you to slow down\, connect with your creativity\, and have fun. Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or returning to a favorite hobby\, you’ll leave with a beautiful painting and a renewed sense of inspiration. \nAll supplies provided.  Ages 11+ \n \nThis class is free\, but spaces are limited and participants must pre-register.  \nCelebrating their tenth anniversary\, Art Impact Project is a local 501c(3) with a mission of enhancing emotional wellness through creative expression.  They partner with organizations such as schools\, treatment facilities\, libraries\, and other community spaces throughout Lake County\, to facilitate art programming with a focus on better mental health.  Providing a supportive\, small group setting\, Art Impact Project guides participant step-by-step through the creative process so everyone can experience the benefits of art. \nWant to take this class but can’t make this date? Check out our Art Impact Classes on Tuesday April 14 or Tuesday June 9!
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/art-impact-project-tulip-paintings/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Art,Classes,Wellness,Youth
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Art-Impact-Project.png
GEO:42.2506703;-87.8374004
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Gorton Center 400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest IL 60045;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=400 East Illinois Road:geo:-87.8374004,42.2506703
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260513T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260513T173000
DTSTAMP:20260422T091531
CREATED:20260310T193015Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260317T191625Z
UID:20007095-1778688000-1778693400@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Great American Flag Art Project with Vee Gunn
DESCRIPTION:Do you want your child to be part of something big\, bold\, and proudly American? \nJoin us at The Gorton Center for a special 3-week creative workshop. Young artists ages 8–13 will help build a giant recycled canvas collage of the American flag to celebrate 250 years of American Independence. \nIn this hands-on art experience\, children will explore many materials. They will work with recycled fabrics\, paper\, found objects\, and textured pieces. They will discover how everyday items can become meaningful art. Local artist and Gorton Center teacher Vee Gunn will guide them through the process. Students will practice creativity\, teamwork\, and artistic expression. \nAt the end of the workshop\, we will display the finished collage on the walls of The Gorton Center. Each child will see their work become part of a public art installation for the community to enjoy. \nSpace is limited\, so sign up early. Let your child’s creativity become part of something special. Come create\, collaborate\, and celebrate with us at The Gorton Center.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/great-american-flag-art-project-with-vee-gunn/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Art,Classes,Youth
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Great-American-Flag-Art-Project.png
GEO:42.2506703;-87.8374004
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Gorton Center 400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest IL 60045;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=400 East Illinois Road:geo:-87.8374004,42.2506703
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260513T191500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260513T211500
DTSTAMP:20260422T091531
CREATED:20251218T193913Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T155823Z
UID:20006872-1778699700-1778706900@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Do Not Submit-Lake Forest
DESCRIPTION:Storytelling Open Mic-WALK-INS WELCOME\n  \nDNS takes place the second Wednesday of every month. No Cover Charge!\n  \nDo Not Submit Lake Forest takes place in a cozy room at Gorton Center in Lake Forest. Each month\, it opens the door to a welcoming storytelling open mic. From the start\, the atmosphere is enthusiastic\, supportive\, and free from pressure\, judgment\, or scoring. \nBecause of that\, no experience is required. Instead\, everyone is encouraged to join in or simply listen. \nTo participate\, arrive at 7:15 pm to sign up. Then\, when your name is called\, you’ll have up to seven minutes to share. You can tell\, read\, tap dance\, or perform in any way you like. The story can be personal\, fictional\, essay-style\, or even about proper flossing. Throughout the evening\, all language and content are welcome\, with the exception of hate speech. \nFinally\, there’s no cover charge. Plus\, beer\, wine\, and nonalcoholic beverages will be available for purchase\, making it easy to relax and enjoy the night. \nHosted by Jasmin Rodriguez\, Suzie Garfield & Lisa Parr \nAbout Your Hosts:\n  \nJasmin Rodriguez is a trained actress with over a decade of experience spanning stage\, commercial\, film\, and storytelling work. Most recently\, she appeared in commercials for the Illinois Lottery and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Her film credits include several independent projects\, such as Market Value and Faithful Disappointments. She also served as a stand-in and double for the dynamic Miranda Mayo—known for her role as Stella Kidd on Chicago Fire—during Seasons 5 and 6\, where she gained extensive on-set training and professional production experience. Jasmin completed her acting training at Second City\, Vagabond\, Wheaton Drama\, and Gorton Drama Studio. Known for her dedication\, strong work ethic\, and commitment to continual growth\, she is always seeking opportunities to sharpen her craft. Currently\, Jasmin works as an MC for DO NOT SUBMIT – Lake Forest Open Mic\, where she shares heartfelt—and often quirky—stories that energize and engage audiences. Outside of her creative work\, she enjoys power walks by the lake\, bike riding\, active involvement with St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Evanston\, and traveling throughout Europe. \nLisa Parr: Lisa taught studio art and art history before launching an international business restoring historic landmark carousels. Her expertise in original paint and early design also serves legal and insurance clients in the art world. Fascinated by ancient myths and Celtic traditions\, she conducts on-site research in Scotland. In recent years\, Lisa has added storytelling to her list of creative pursuits\, performing in Lake Forest\, Highland Park\, and beyond. For fun\, she restores antique toys and vintage sports cars—and yes\, she drives them\, too. \nSuzie Garfield: Suzie believes that everyone has stories worth telling—many of them. Her own path has included raising two sons\, working in tech and education\, and diving deeply into lifelong learning. Now retired from traditional work\, she stays busy exploring opera\, theater\, museums\, and\, of course\, storytelling. Her passion for storytelling continues to drive her to seek new experiences and share them with others.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/do-not-submit-lake-forest-29/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Do-Not-Submit-2026.png
GEO:42.2506703;-87.8374004
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Gorton Center 400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest IL 60045;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=400 East Illinois Road:geo:-87.8374004,42.2506703
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260514T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260514T203000
DTSTAMP:20260422T091531
CREATED:20251031T194344Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251230T151950Z
UID:20006762-1778785200-1778790600@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Choir!Choir!Choir!
DESCRIPTION:Why see a show when you can BE the show!?\nChoir! Choir! Choir! is the fully interactive\, participatory show that turns audience into performer! So get ready to laugh\, dance and SING! your hearts out with hundreds of other music-lovers just like you. It’s like a big birthday party for the greatest songs of all time and you’re invited! \nSo grab a friend (or ten)\, and come out ready to GIVE IT ALL YOU’VE GOT! – all voices welcome\, no experience necessary. They Teach\, You Sing! Everyone Wins! \nThis time\, Choir!Choir!Choir! Presents: We Will CHOIR! You!: An EPIC QUEEN Sing-Along \nWhen it comes to EPIC anthems\, it doesn’t get BIGGER than Queen! And nothing feels better than belting out their biggest hits with a room full of Queen fans! So unleash your inner Freddie Mercury\, grab your best friends and frenemies\, and create harmonies that will blow the roof off the place! We Will CHOIR! You! will be the most fun you’ve had in years… \nSince 2011\, Choir! Choir! Choir! directors Daveed Goldman + Nobu Adilman have blurred the lines between performer and audience\, traveling the world to create harmony with strangers and friends alike. They’ve collaborated with renowned artists like Patti Smith\, David Byrne\, Brandi Carlile\, Rick Astley\, Rufus Wainwright\, and even Kermit The Frog at New York’s Lincoln Center\, creating memorable videos that have garnered views in the millions. Now it’s your turn to SING!\, so grab your friends\, get your tickets and we’ll C! you there! #NeverStopSinging \n \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/we-will-choir-you/
LOCATION:Gorton Center – John & Nancy Hughes Theater\, 400 E. Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events,Live Music,Performing Arts
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Choir-Choir-Choir.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260514T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260514T213000
DTSTAMP:20260422T091531
CREATED:20260401T182830Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T182830Z
UID:20007151-1778785200-1778794200@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Take Your Painting to the Next Level
DESCRIPTION:Ready to take your painting to the next level?\nThis class is ideal for artists who already have some experience painting in Oil\, Acrylic\, Gouache\, or Pastel and are ready to grow their skills further. If you’ve been wanting to turn a photo into a painting or have started a piece but feel unsure about how to move forward\, this is the perfect opportunity to get expert guidance and renewed inspiration. \nEach student brings in either a reference photo or an unfinished painting to work on during class. From there\, artist and instructor Michael Latala provides hands-on\, individualized instruction to help you make confident artistic decisions. First\, he’ll show you how to evaluate your photo reference—guiding you in choosing what elements to include and what to leave out. Then\, through clear demonstrations\, he’ll help you resolve common issues like washed-out highlights or areas that have gone too dark to read. \nThroughout the class\, Michael gives each student personal attention. If you’d prefer to keep your canvas untouched\, he’s happy to demonstrate his suggestions digitally using Procreate on his iPad Pro. This digital approach allows you to visualize changes before applying them\, which can be especially helpful when exploring different color choices or compositional edits. \nImportantly\, this class is all about progress at your own pace. There’s no pressure to finish quickly. Instead\, you’re encouraged to slow down\, focus on what you’re learning\, and enjoy the process. With consistent support and practice\, you’ll discover how to turn your ideas into beautiful\, well-executed paintings—just the way you imagined them. \nThis series runs on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month: \n\nMay 14 & 28\nJune 11 & 25\nJuly 9 & 23\nAugust 13 & 27
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/take-your-painting-to-the-next-level-may-14/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Art,Classes
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Michael-Latala.jpg
GEO:42.2506703;-87.8374004
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Gorton Center 400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest IL 60045;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=400 East Illinois Road:geo:-87.8374004,42.2506703
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260515T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260515T120000
DTSTAMP:20260422T091531
CREATED:20260409T192911Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T192911Z
UID:20007184-1778839200-1778846400@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Open Play Mahjong
DESCRIPTION:Please plan to arrive early\, play starts promptly at 10am!\nCalling all Mahjong enthusiasts. Join us for Open Play Mahjong\, a relaxed and social way to enjoy the game you love. These sessions are for intermediate to advanced players who already know the rules. No instruction is offered. \nBring your strategy and a little friendly competition. Connect with other experienced players. Open Play is a great way to practice\, stay sharp\, and enjoy the challenge of Mahjong. \nWe provide all Mahjong sets. Please bring your own Mahjong card. \nPre-registration is required. Drop-ins can’t be accommodated\, so be sure to register early to save your spot. \nWe look forward to seeing you at the table.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/open-play-mahjong-may-15/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Classes,Games
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Mahjong-USE.jpg
GEO:42.2506703;-87.8374004
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Gorton Center 400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest IL 60045;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=400 East Illinois Road:geo:-87.8374004,42.2506703
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260515T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260515T200000
DTSTAMP:20260422T091531
CREATED:20260407T192001Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260410T154005Z
UID:20007170-1778868000-1778875200@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Cookie Decorating: Ladies Night
DESCRIPTION:Gather your favorite gals for a cozy\, creative night of cookies\, conversation and frosting fun. This hands-on class is the perfect way to unwind. It’s also a great chance to connect and try something new. Whether you’re planning a girls’ night out\, celebrating a special occasion or simply gathering for fun\, this experience is all about creativity and connection. \nFirst\, you’ll learn cookie decorating basics. Then\, you’ll practice piping techniques\, icing consistency and simple design tips. Next\, you’ll decorate a beautifully themed set of sugar cookies. Step-by-step instruction makes the process easy. Even beginners will feel confident. \nAlong the way\, you’ll pick up helpful tricks for decorating at home. You’ll also gain plenty of inspiration for future creations. As you decorate\, sip your favorite drinks and enjoy snacks. Meanwhile\, relax in a warm\, laughter-filled atmosphere. \nBy the end of the night\, you’ll leave with beautiful hand-decorated cookies. More importantly\, you’ll take home sweet memories made with friends. No experience is necessary. Just come ready to have fun and get a little frosted! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n*THIS CLASS IS BYOB! \nElizabeth Lindberg— Lindy City Bakes Beth Lindberg is the owner and creative heart behind Lindy City Bakes\, a whimsical\, sugar-inspired business that brings joy and artistry to the community through in-home cookie decorating parties and custom cookie bouquets. With a passion for creativity and connection\, Beth transforms cookies into edible works of art\, guiding people of all ages to decorate\, laugh\, and make memories together.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/cookie-decorating-ladies-night-may-15/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Classes,Cooking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/adult-cookies.png
GEO:42.2506703;-87.8374004
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Gorton Center 400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest IL 60045;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=400 East Illinois Road:geo:-87.8374004,42.2506703
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR