The Village Gallery at Pines Village Retirement Communities is a nonprofit art gallery dedicated to showcasing the works of regional artists and fostering artistic appreciation within the community. Established in 2009, the gallery provides 575 square feet of exhibition space designed to highlight the talents of artists from Chicagoland and beyond.

Exhibitions rotate every eight weeks and are open to the public free of charge. Each new exhibition begins with a “Meet the Artist” reception, allowing visitors to engage with the creators behind the art. Artists can exhibit and sell their work with no commission fees, ensuring they receive full recognition and support for their talent.

The Village Gallery is open to the public Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information or to connect with The Village Gallery, email thevillagegallery@pinesvillage.org.

CURRENT EXHIBIT

NORMA ARMSTRONG
Exhibit Opening Reception:
Sunday, MARCH 29, 2026, 2 PM
Exhibit DATES
March 29, 2026 - May 21, 2026

Born in Bluffton, Indiana, and raised in a family of educators, Norma Armstrong spent much of her life teaching before fully embracing her lifelong love of art. After earning her teaching degree from Ball State Teachers’ College and a master’s in education, she taught in Michigan and later in northwest Indiana, where she spent the majority of her career at Liberty Middle School in the Duneland School System.

When Norma retired in 1992, her husband encouraged her to explore a new hobby. A visit to a local art studio led to lessons, supplies, and the beginning of a dedicated artistic journey that continues more than three decades later. What started as a post-retirement pursuit quickly became a meaningful and lasting passion.

Norma works primarily in oils, though she has also explored watercolor, colored pencil, acrylic, and other media through classes at local art centers and national workshops. A lifelong maker, she has created quilts, crafts for church bazaars, and even woven rag rugs on a century-old loom. Now in her 90s, she continues to take art classes through the Pines Village community, a reflection of her belief in lifelong learning.

Inspired by nature, gardening, rural landscapes, and travel, Norma’s work often evokes a sense of nostalgia. While she values developing technical skills, she believes creativity begins with learning to truly see. Noticing shapes, light, and color has enriched both her art and her experiences, with travel and painting continually inspiring one another.

The Village Gallery is honored to showcase a collection of Norma’s work that reflects decades of curiosity, dedication, and joy in the creative process.

UPCOMING EXHIBITS

EMILY BLOSSOM
Exhibit Opening Reception:
Sunday, MAY 24, 2026, 2 PM
MAY 24, 2026 - July 16, 2026

Growing up in Chesterton, Indiana, just minutes from the shores of Lake Michigan, Emily Blossom developed a deep and lasting connection to the natural world. The ever-changing blues of the lake, the quiet strength of the dunes, and the intricate beauty of native birds and insects continue to shape and inspire her work today.

She has been painting for as long as she can remember. Art has remained a constant thread throughout every stage of her life. Through her paintings, Emily seeks to capture the stillness, movement, and quiet wonder found in nature, particularly within the landscapes and wildlife of the Lake Michigan region.

A teaching artist since 2012, she has shared that passion with students of all ages. Teaching allows her to nurture creativity in others while continuing to grow and evolve in her own practice. Whether in the studio or the classroom, Emily is committed to fostering observation, expression, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.