The Dole Mansion is one of the most notable historical structures in the Crystal Lake, Illinois region. The estate has been managed by the Lakeside Legacy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non profit organization since 2002. The foundation oversees the mansion, grounds, and several additional buildings. Lakeside Legacy Foundation has further served the community by converting the mansion’s former bedrooms into studio residences for local artisans and creative arts professionals. Creative Arts Studio, Inc., a creative arts nonprofit for young children, also uses the studios.
Creative Arts provides more than 40 art classes each week. Students range in age from adults to children as young as 4. Popular classes include Digital Art and Stained Glass, and the studio also provides traditional painting and drawing classes. Instructors strive to help students develop artistic skills while at the same time nurturing their overall creative spirit.
In addition to weekly classes, the nonprofit provides services such as a school break day camp for students ages 6 to 17. Other services range from paint parties for private groups to community art events. Students experiencing financial difficulties can contact Creative Arts to discuss scholarship opportunities.
Creative Arts is not the only artistic community to find a home at The Dole. Clicks Web Design, Inc. is a work-from-home online development team maintaining a photo and video studio at The Dole. The group is dedicated to providing patrons with aesthetically pleasing, professionally designed digital assets, focusing on branding. Clicks offers diverse design services beyond branding and website development, including podcast support, video production, and headshots.
Erin Reed Photography is one of several resident businesses occupying studios at The Dole. Reed’s photography services emphasize photos of newborns, senior portraits, and sports photography using green screen technology.
Moth and Moon, Co., is another resident business at The Dole. Owner and artist Sara Jean Stevens produces a variety of murals and other interior paintings, as well as handcrafted goods.
Nancy Merkling Photography Productions excels in commercial photography, including headshots and digital assets for websites. The business is unique because the owner, Nancy Merkling, also offers photography lessons in group and one-on-one settings. Beyond her Dole residency, she conducts travel workshops throughout the United States, from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to Lake Tahoe.
Dole residencies are open to artists of all kinds, not just those involved in the visual arts. Guitarist and vocalist Cathy Grochowsky regularly performs at local churches and fundraising events. While she has recorded several pieces of music, she is more interested in sharing her music with people in live performances. Her residency at The Dole allows her to connect and collaborate with other performers throughout the northwest suburbs of Crystal Lake and perform before various local audiences.
In addition, The Dole has extended a residency to artist Bill Gotfryd, known for his watercolors. Gotfryd’s art has been displayed as part of exhibitions such as Art of the Land, a fundraiser hosted by The Land Conservancy of McHenry County. More information about the Bill Gotfryd Fine Art studio at The Dole can be found online at thedole.org.The Dole
