Illinois Institute of Art opens in Tinley Park

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Updated: August 4, 2011 4:20PM

Creative people often have to sacrifice their passion for art and accept a career that offers more financial reward and enables them to better support themselves and their family.

But if Donna Gray and the staff at the Illinois Institute of Art-Tinley Park have anything to do with it, such frustrated artists will be finding creative and fulfilling careers in the arts.

“This is where the practical side of art and the creative side meet,” said Gray, referring to the school’s Tinley Park campus that opened for classes April 4.

Gray is the campus director and is excited to be in on the ground floor in establishing the new branch. The Tinley Park campus, 18670 Graphic Drive, will serve residents of the Southland and Northwest Indiana.

Gray’s enthusiasm was evident as she recently took me on a tour of the new school.

“We want students to know that they can be successful in their careers,” she said. “There are many varied careers in the arts industry, and upon graduation the Illinois Institute of Art will assist students with their job searches.”

The 23,000-square-foot building is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, affording students the opportunity to learn on the same technology that industry professionals use.

The school focuses on the areas of graphic design, interior decorating, digital photography, media arts and animation and fashion marketing and merchandising.

The institute held an open house April 16 where visitors were able to tour the school, learn about its programs and even get on-the-spot evaluations of their academic transcript. The event was well attended.

The Tinley Park campus will hold its grand opening on May 17, and I’ve heard that in lieu of a ribbon cutting, there will be a paint-splattering ceremony. I, for one, don’t want to miss seeing our mayor and trustees flinging paint at a canvas.

The Illinois Institute of Art -Tinley Park appears to be a real asset to our community. Our creative students now have a place in their back yard in which to pursue an arts career.

You can contact the school at www.artinstitutes.edu/tinley-park or call (708) 781-4200.