A Place to Dream, Create & Thrive

While artists make new creations at Little City, Little City is creating something new for them. 

Donors, families, and participants gathered at Little City’s Palatine campus on August 2 to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Bell Family Arts Center. This newly renovated space will be the new home of Little City’s award-winning arts program, built with purpose and promise. 

Designed with creative exploration in mind, the Bell Family Arts Center will include dedicated studios for painting, textiles, digital art, and more. It will also feature a public-facing art gallery and café – allowing visitors to connect directly with the incredible work and vision of Little City artists. 

Julie Bell, a longtime Little City Board Member and sister of renowned Little City artist Andy Bell, was joined by family at the ceremony. What began as a tribute to her father’s legacy has blossomed into a full-circle gift for generations to come. 

“We cannot thank Julie enough for this gift that will give Little City artists a life-changing experience for decades and decades to come,” said Rich Bobby, Little City CEO. “Julie has such a love and care not just for her sister but everyone at Little City and continues to inspire us all to keep working toward making the best future for those we serve.”  

For many, the newly renovated space opens a door to a passion that has been limited ever since COVID first shut down the art program in 2020. 

Julie said the Bell Family Art Center is a dream that is years in the making. The idea started as a way for Julie to honor her father when he passed away, but has continued to grow over the years and is now near completion. She said the center is a way to help other families enjoy the enriching and fulfilling experience her sister Andy has enjoyed for more than 60 years at Little City.  

“Always have a dream,” Julie said. “It means so much to me my family [was] here because they are the next generation that can carry on this legacy and see how Little City can help so many.” 

Little City would like to thank Julie Bell for her leading support, Illinois State Rep. Michelle Mussman for a generous grant that made construction possible, and IKEA for an above-and-beyond donation that will furnish the entire facility.