CHICAGO (WLS) — What was once an old Chicago fire station is now a vibrant space that exposes kids to art and its expression while providing a safe space for their families in the neighborhood.
Art now truly imitates life as the Yollocalli fire station blazes a new path in the city’s Little Village neighborhood as the new home for its namesake arts reach program.
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Vanessa Sanchez is the director of education for the well-known free community arts and cultural initiative.
“We really understand the culture,” Snachez said. “We really understand the importance of the arts, and that’s why we’re really excited to have the space for the community.”
The program is part of an initiative by the National Museum of Mexican art and remains a critical resource for the community, where access can sometimes be limited.
The museum acquired the decommissioned fire house located at 24th and Whipple Street in April of 2024. The multi-million dollar facelift included students’ design ideas as the two story, 8,600 square foot building was restored. The firehouse itself dates back to 1907.
It’s been repurposed into a facility for the decades-old award-winning youth initiative program as a part of the museum’s “Arte for All,” uniting people from neighborhood to nation campaign.
“Art is a tool and so when a young person is able to not only understand that their voice is powerful, but that they can use that and support of their community,” said Lala Bolander, National Museum of Mexican Art associate director of community arts education.
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The effort serves teens from 13 years old to young adults up to 24. Organizers hope the larger space will allow them to double the roughly 300 students they serve every year along with some paid participation through a partnership with the city’s after school matters program.
“We’re also excited some of our programs that we’re offsite now have a home here,” Sanchez said.
Yollocalli means house of heart, in the indigenous Mexican Nahuatl language. The arts reach program began in 1997 and has been house at the museum offering free arts and culture programming ranging from fine arts to digital media. The program also offers street art and radio journalism classes.
The Yollocalli Arts Center officially opens Friday at the new location.
The space is not only for students, but the community as well. The hope is that eventually be programs for younger kids and seniors alike.
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