Alice Skilling

“Art is humanity’s essential, most universal language. It is not a frill, but a necessary part of communication.”
Ernest L. Boyer, former President, Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching
(from the International Children’s Art Exhibition catalogue).

To make a pledge to support residencies at Ogden School in Alice’s honor,
please contact Maureen Mizwicki in the A.R.T. development office at 312.788.3373 x17.

In February 2008, A.R.T. lost long-time Board member Alice Welsh Skilling. Alice joined the A.R.T. Board in 1988 and contributed a great deal to A.R.T. over the years. She hosted many events and served on numerous committees. Alice demonstrated a passion for the organization as a whole—its staff, board and artists. In 1994, to commemorate A.R.T.’s 100th Anniversary, Alice conceived and implemented the idea of the International Children’s Art Exhibit. This important year-long program and exhibition, on view at the Chicago Cultural Center and in England, paired students from 19 Chicago Public Schools with students from 14 international schools through the Sister City Program. Alice visited many of these international schools and worked tirelessly on this project as she did on all projects with which she was involved for A.R.T.

In 2002, Alice received A.R.T.’s First Annual Arts in Education Award honoring her outstanding contributions and advocacy for arts education for schoolchildren.

In honor of Alice’s deep devotion to A.R.T. over the past two decades, William B. Ogden Elementary School is receiving A.R.T. residencies. Ogden, a Chicago Public School on the city’s near north side, was selected for several reasons. Ogden School draws many of its students from Cabrini Green where Alice began her art teaching career in the 1960s. Additionally, Ogden School has an international component wherein students can follow a track of international studies. This international aspect represents Alice’s love for travel. Lastly, Alice lived nearby and had a nephew who attended the school. Alice’s family, friends, fellow A.R.T. Board members and Chairman’s Council members have made donations to fund these residencies which will reach hundreds of students.