Womanspace

Specialties

Womanspace offers programs for women, children & men to enhance body, mind & spirit. Areas of focus include the creative arts, holistic health, interfaith exploration, and environmental stewardship. All are welcome on our seven-​acre campus with art studios & gallery, gift shop, beautiful gardens, a pine forest, Anjali Pavilion and a large eleven-​circuit labyrinth on the prairie.

We offer a number of different art classes, including drawing, watercolor, acrylic and oil painting, handbuilt and wheel thrown pottery, art journaling, and crafts. We also offer yoga and meditation, along with other programs designed to inform and encourage thoughtful discussion about a number of timely and relevant topics.

Womanspace seeks to inspire individuals to discover new talents, interests and friendships, and is dedicated to helping people live life to the fullest. Womanspace has touched the lives of more than 20,000 men, women and children and operates as a not-​for-​profit 501©(3) organiza

History

Established in 1975.

Founded by Elaine Hirschenberger and Dorothy Bock, SSSF, Womanspace was originally next door at Mount St. Francis Convent (now Provena Cor Mariae). In 1978, Womanspace moved to its current building and leased it for 21 years.

New Dimensions Studio, a beautiful creative space with an art gallery in the lower level (now the clay studio), was dedicated in 1992. Womanspace purchased the two buildings and seven acres in 1996, creating a campus with several gardens, a pine forest, a restored prairie, and the labyrinth, which was dedicated in 2003. These grounds are our gift to the community and are open to the public during daylight.

Gallery2Go gift shop began in 2007 for members to offer original creations. After winning the Northern Illinois Center for Non-​Profit Excellence (NICNE) business plan competition in 2008, it was expanded and a reception desk was added. Our premier exhibit space, Gallery 1, opened in the Fountain View Room in 2009. Anjali Pavilion was dedicated in 2011.

Meet the Manager

Elaine H.

Manager

As Executive Director and Cofounder, Elaine brings abundant energy and dedication to Womanspace. Her conscientious and sensitive personality makes her a welcoming, hospitable presence. Along with administering the business side of Womanspace, Elaine also uses her considerable talents facilitating some programs special to her, among them the Seekers Group and advanced clay classes. Occasionally, Elaine teaches or facilitates other programs at Womanspace and often exhibits her artwork in New Dimensions Gallery. She works closely with the Grounds Committee, as well as the Finance, Human Resources and Executive Committees of the Board of Directors.

Elaine received her degree in English from Alverno College. She pursued further studies in art and design at College of DuPage, Rockford College and Northern Illinois University. She is an active member of School Sisters of Saint Francis, an international community of religious women based in Milwaukee.