When the Homewood Creative Alliance set up a giant loom and taught residents how to weave, they literally and figuratively made art a part of the fabric of life in Homewood.

“We did a community weaving project. It was so wonderful and heartwarming. People were really excited to do it. You have to concentrate and take your time because it’s meditative,” said Jessica Matushek, director of the newly created Homewood Creative Alliance (HCA).

But people were also talking, laughing and connecting, she said of the weaving project, which was a part of Homewood Fall Fest. 

The Homewood Creative Alliance is a new organization of artists from a variety of disciplines whose goal is to connect and showcase local artists and to create and bring art and cultural experiences to Homewood.

“I think the biggest thing was we were surprised at how interested and excited people were. That fueled us,” Matushek said of the weaving event.

HCA Associate Director Karlie Sherman spearheaded building the loom and taught participants how to weave. The loom was 49 inches wide and 57 inches tall, Matushek said. The fabric was donated by Doreen Baird in memory of her mother-in-law, Rose Mary Baird. The finished product will be donated to and displayed at the Homewood Public Library, Matushek said.

It was the organization’s first art project, but it plans to bring many more community projects to Homewood.

“People are telling us that they loved participating in our community weaving at the Fall Fest and are asking for more experiences of that nature. And we are thrilled to provide them,” Sherman said. “There was a particularly strong response to the fact that the project allowed multiple generations of families to work together on something. It seems that we filled a need.”

Matushek, who is an artist herself, came up with the idea for the HCA. She began reaching out to artists she knew and they talked about what they wanted the collective to look like.

And the alliance was born. The group has applied for its 501(c)3 status and has been making plans.

“We received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback following the announcement of our launch. It’s motivating,” Sherman said.

Matushek agrees.

“We just really want to make Homewood’s cultural life reflect the diversity, talent and curiosity of the people who live here,” said Matushek, who specializes in ceramics, pottery and is also a photographer. “We are different from other towns. There’s a reason why people choose to live here. Homewood is unique and special.” 

Both Matushek and Sherman describe Homewood as a community of artists. The alliance brings those artists together.

“Creating art with and for our community strengthens connections, builds community identity, fosters inclusion, increases civic engagement and can drive economic growth,” Sherman said.

In addition to Matushek and Sherman, the Homewood Creative Alliance’s board members are Santyna Pineiros, who is the group’s treasurer and Erica Van Shaik, who is the HCA’s secretary.

Pineiros is a licensed clinical social worker. She sings in the local Bel Canto Choir and enjoys painting and printmaking.

Von Shaik is a painter who has done everything from designing a float for Chicago’s Gay Pride parade to painting murals to creating “spontaneous art installations.” She also prints greeting cards.

“I’m so proud of the board we’ve put together. These women all inspire me and bring so much to the table,” Matushek said. “We are all different and have a diverse range of skill sets and experiences. I think it’s really interesting that none of us grew up in Homewood, but we all found our way here after living in the city for years. I think we bring the perspective of the ‘creative class’ Homewood was targeting in its ad campaigns to get young families to move here.”

The group’s mission statement reflects that sentiment.

“The Homewood Creative Alliance cultivates vibrant community engagement through diverse artistic experiences. We create immersive opportunities for all forms of artistic expression and collaboration, while uplifting and showcasing the talents of artists from within our community.  We strive to foster a supportive collective of local artists, elevate homegrown talent, and embed the arts into Homewood’s cultural identity.”

Sherman “works in pediatric occupational therapy and as a consultant for families and adults who are neurodivergent.” She received her B.A. in theater from DePaul University and worked in theater for several years. She also worked as a talent agent and enjoys making art with her family.

“I have lived in Homewood for 11 years,” Sherman said, who moved from Rogers Park in Chicago. “I met Jessica and Santyna through a choir we sing in. Jessica introduced me to Erica. I was immediately drawn to all three of them because they approach life like artists. They appreciate the beauty in small moments, are driven to create and are seeking genuine connection with others.”

Currently the group consists of 15 to 20 local artists, in addition to the four board members.

But it’s growing. 

“We just really want to make Homewood’s cultural life reflect the diversity, talent and curiosity of the people who live here,” Matushek said. “And we have a lot of plans. We’re highly motivated and eager to do a lot of things.”

The group’s Facebook page features its November local artist, stained glass artist Olga Antonaglia. The feature is all a part of the HCA’s mission of “uplifting and showcasing the talents of artists from within our community.”  

One of HCA’s upcoming events will be a fundraiser at Beyond the Book during Homewood Holiday Lights, Matushek said. Pop Up Portraits, will be held on Friday, Dec. 5, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The portraits are $15. 

This partnership came about when Matushek struck up a conversation with owner Tenia Davis, who was interested in doing community events and the HCA’s mission. 

Sherman said the group is also working on a mural initiative.

“If you are a building owner who would be interested in having a mural on your space, please contact us,” Sherman said. “We envision that strolling through Homewood could be an art walk in itself, by the completion of the project.”

After the holidays, the group is planning an art swap, Matushek said. People often want to refresh their homes in the New Year,  she said. The art swap is a way to be more waste conscious and money conscious, she said. People can bring their old art and swap art with someone else.

Sherman said the HCA is planning an exciting workshop as well that it will be announcing soon. 

Music, dance and theater options are being considered, too. One possibility is an outdoor summer dance class, Matushek said. She said that Homewood also has an abundance of local musicians.

“We’d love to do something with them and for them,” Matushek said. 

A few HCA members are a part of Spotlight Performance Academy and Matushek said they would love to partner with the academy for music offerings.

An evening art market is another project the group would like to do down the road, Matushek said. It would feature art, music and food like the one in New Orleans, she said.

“Art is for everyone. I read a book called ‘Your Brain on Art.’ Art is healing and so beneficial to everyone. You don’t have to be good at it to reap the benefits,” Matushek said. “As humans we are wired for art. The more we immerse ourselves in the arts and aesthetics, the healthier and happier we become.”

She continued, “When people make or witness art, they experience a sense of connection and community. If there was ever a time we needed to connect with our community and strengthen our shared humanity, it’s now, and the arts can do that.”