The McCord Gallery & Cultural Center was formed through the interests and hard work of the local community. A passionate group of volunteers assembled by the Village of Palos Park determined the fate of the McCord House…to be an arts center. Incorporated with 501(c)3 status in February 2003, the group took time to develop a fundraising campaign before opening in September of 2004. Palos Fine Arts, Palos Park Women’s Club, and the District 118 [education] Foundation were integral in McCord’s campaign and helped the organization raise over $30,000.

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In 2011, a capital campaign was created to fund the 2017 opening of the Anderson Annex which houses the expanded gallery, classroom, stage, and full kitchen facilities. Since then, we have grown in membership and community involvement.

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Today McCord operates with the Board of Directors and several smaller committees of volunteers for operations and programming. The Executive Director works closely with all committees and oversees day-to-day operations.

 

McCord Gallery is now open six days a week adding more accomplishments to the list each day. In the nearly 20 years McCord has operated, it has become an important part of the community with nearly 120 music students and 100 art students attending each session. McCord’s immediate goals for the future include further development of the volunteer team, increasing community awareness and involvement, and continuing to offer new and exciting artistic opportunities to the Chicagoland’s southwest community. 

 

McCord Gallery has received grants and support from Illinois Arts Council, Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau, Andrew Foundation, Great Lakes Bank, Palos Bank & Trust, Republic Bank, and private donations.