Support CHAOS
CHAOS of Ottawa Illinois, site by AJ Hauser and the Hauser Design Group

We need your support!

One of the primary objectives of CHAOS is to make outstanding arts experiences accessible to all members of the community.

We will do this by keeping class fees affordable, and offering scholarships or "in kind" exchanges for those who qualify for assistance, or wish to give back to the center through volunteerism, mentoring or teaching.

To provide materials, keep our instructors coming back and ultimately, a roof over our heads, we need your support!

Levels Of Giving

Mentoring Mozart: $10-$25

Provides a registration scholarship for one class or workshop.

Monet's Artbox: $30-$75

Aids us in the purchase of art materials and supplies for classes.

Robert Service: $100-$200

Provides utilities for CHAOS.

LaTrec Starving Artists: $200-$500

Offsets fees/costs to bring in artists and workshop presenters.

Artists' Muse: $500-$1000

Provides studio space for our artists to be inspired and work.

Shakespeare's Rose: $1000 and up

Supports building ownership goals and restoration costs.

*Please write "CHAOS Donation" in the description line!*

CHAOS is a sponsored project of the New Millennium Theatre Company, a registered 501 (c) (3) as such, your donation may be tax deductible.

Open Call For Artists

Are you an artist looking to exhibit your work, teach or hold an open house to show and sell your work or craft?

CHAOS is available for your event!

Volunteer

CHAOS is always looking for community members and volunteers to teach, mentor, assist with classes and help at events!

(PSSST - Hey! Volunteer and Get Credit for Classes!)

about CHAOS

ABOUT US

Community House of Arts in Ottawa

[ CHAOS In The News ]

“All creation begins with a little CHAOS”

The Goals of CHAOS are to:

  • Make fine arts experiences available to the community, visitors, and returning residents through both short- and long-term programming.
  • Make a variety of arts experiences accessible to local artists and community members year-round by offering classes, workshops, gallery exhibits, performances, and work studio space in an affordable central downtown location; providing scholarships to individuals with talent and need.
  • Mentor and foster art experiences across ages from preschoolers to older adults.
  • Provide a creative outlet to nurture local youth and young adults
  • Create a venue to support community development and cultural tourism by supporting local arts and art history, setting Ottawa apart as a city with a rich creative culture.
  • Provide a vibrant center that engages the schools by supporting the cultural and recreational heritage of Ottawa.
  • Encourage patronage of independent, locally-owned downtown businesses.

CHAOS is a sponsored project of New Millennium Theatre Company

Current Members

caryn leake

Caryn Brieschke was raised in a Western Suburb of Chicago and started her theatre career in the Children’s Theatre of Western Springs. She holds a B.S in Theatre from Illinois State University, and a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre for Youth from Arizona State University. She returned to Illinois to join the theatre faculty at I.S.U. where she taught Creative Drama, Puppetry, and Acting. She served as the Creative Arts Coordinator for the Center on Deafness. When not teaching or interpreting, she enjoys hand beading jewelry, writing, gardening, and storytelling. She and her three children reside in Ottawa.article end

Mary Olson

Mary Olson was born and raised in Chicago. She graduated from DePaul University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and certification to teach 6-12th grade. She has taught at Maria High School and worked for the Hyatt Regency Chicago for over ten years, ultimately working as the Administrative Assistant to the Controller. Being a stay at home mom of two children and married to an Ottawa Fire Fighter, she has a vested interest in the educational and cultural growth of the children and adults of the City of Ottawa. She believes CHAOS can provide a welcoming home for the exploration, observation, and enjoyment of visual and expressive arts, foreign language, and music.article end

Wendy Frick

Over the years Wendy Frick has shared many aspects of the Book and Paper Arts at the elementary and secondary levels, vocational schools and community colleges, businesses and The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing with an art minor from Minnesota State University. She received her Masters of Education degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and has completed two years of study in the Book and Paper Arts at Columbia College Chicago. Wendy is currently teaching at St. Patrick Elementary School, and she lives in Marseilles, IL with her husband and their two children.article end

elizabeth

Elizabeth Mackey is a local artist who has done work in the areas of painting, sketching and photography. Her most recent work was painting a fiberglass top hat for Ottawa’s “Hats Off! To Abe and Steve.” She chose the Underground Railroad theme because of her interest in local history. She has enjoyed working in many musical theatre productions, especially in the areas of makeup and set construction. Liz has a great deal of experience working with children. She managed horse programs for 2 different children’s camps and started and managed the horse stables at Fox River Resort in Norway, Illinois. She is a member of the Horse and Pony Committee for the LaSalle County 4-H Fair. Liz lives on a farm near Grand Ridge with her husband, Craig and their 3 children.article end

Founding Members

Caryn Brieschke Mary Olson Wendy Frick Elizabeth Mackey
caryn leake Mary Olson Wendy Frick elizabeth
Patti Good Suzannah Walter    
patti suzannah    
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