Founder, Rae Ann Cecrle (center) planning ahead with two of the first members of EAIM: Tracy Poyser (left) and Dorothy Mason (right)
​Edgewater Artists in Motion received 501(c)3 status in 2014 and is jointly sponsored by the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce and the SSA #26.

How It All Began...

It’s January 2009, and the nation is gripped in one of the deepest recessions of modern history.  Walking past a cold wintry corner of a busy commercial district in Edgewater, Rae Ann Cecrle, neighborhood resident and property owner, stood looking at three dark and ugly storefronts.
The newly vacant storefronts told the story of a troubled economy. Many businesses were moving elsewhere from the once bustling area of Broadway Avenue. Without leases renewed, these vacancies were beginning to negatively impact existing businesses.
Concerned, Rae Ann decided to contact the owner of the vacant storefronts, a friendly gentleman with a deep love for the community. She asked the storeowner about installing art. With the idea that the art installations would help him rent his property quicker and bring more foot traffic to nearby businesses, the storefront owner accepted the lady’s proposal.
From there a small flyer was placed in the window of the empty storefronts asking for local artists. Three artists responded to the call and met the woman at a local coffee house.
And thus, Edgewater Artists in Motion was born.

Early Accomplishments
Soon after the initial meeting, both art and photography were installed into empty storefronts. The feedback from the community was almost immediate! Edgewater residents were thrilled to see the art and the beautified neighborhood.
Two years later, EAIM had displayed artwork in 32 vacant storefronts with 67 artists.
We had also become part of You Neighborhood Network (a televised advertising program) and participated in (then) State Representative Harry Osterman’s neighborhood safety initiatives by hosting art-themed events and classes on Thorndale Avenue every Thursday in June, July, and August 2010.
The artists exhibiting in the storefronts began to report successes and increased visibility, from sales to solo gallery shows in local venues.

A Labor of Love
Since its inception, Edgewater Artist In Motion (EAIM) has attracted a wealth of talented people. And due to the strength of our highly talented core of volunteers, we have been able to forge ahead with resilience in the pursuit of our mission:
  1. To enhance Edgewater’s appeal as a vibrant, pedestrian friendly commercial district to assist existing business and attract new business;
  2. To showcase original art in Edgewater, for the enjoyment of the entire community; 
  3. To establish Edgewater as a premier cultural destination in Chicago, for the long-term benefit of the community.
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Open to Artists and Art Lovers: Help us make an even bigger impact for our community, our artists, and the Edgewater businesses.  Get involved in different aspects of our operations, like events planning,  public art projects, and more.

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Edgewater Artists in Motion is partially supported by a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.