Art and Sculpture
Perspectives on the Optima® Lifestyle
Discover curated stories and insights from life at Optima Verdana®. From design and culture to community and everyday moments, explore what makes our lifestyle truly exceptional.
Discover the Center for the Arts at Wilmette Park District
December 9, 2025
Winter arrives softly in Wilmette. Morning light drifts across quiet streets, lake air sharpens just a little, and ne…
Get Crafty: Exploring The WasteShed, Chicago’s Creative Reuse Studio
October 29, 2025
Nestled in Humboldt Park, with a sister location in Evanston, The WasteShed is a lively crossroads of sustainability …
Exploring “Woven Being: Art for Zhegagoynak Chicagoland” at Northwestern’s Block Museum
March 5, 2025
The North Shore is home to a treasure trove of artistic and cultural venues, and one institution that consistently ca…
Hidden Gems: North Shore Tour of Popular John Hughes Filming Locations
February 10, 2025
Relive iconic moments from John Hughes classics on a self-guided North Shore tour featuring filming sites from Ferris…
Reflecting on Legacy: “Let’s Talk: Remembering MLK” at the Skokie Heritage Museum
January 15, 2025
At Optima®, we are deeply committed to fostering community connections and offering residents opportunities to engage…
A Theatrical Holiday Treat: Every BRILLIANT Thing at the Writers Theatre
December 11, 2024
For residents of Optima Verdana® in Wilmette, the North Shore offers an array of cultural gems, and one of the bright…
Origins: History of Chicago’s The Second City Comedy Club | Optima Verdana
October 14, 2024
Trace the history of The Second City, Chicago’s legendary comedy institution. From its improv roots to famous alumni,…
Art in the Village: A Celebration of Creativity and Community
June 19, 2024
At Optima®, we are always excited to engage with the vibrant arts and cultural events in our communities. This summer…
Great Writers Series: Mary Hunter Austin | Optima Verdana, Wilmette, IL
March 29, 2024
Dive into the works of Mary Hunter Austin with Optima Verdana’s Great Writers Series. Learn about her literary contri…
Exhibitions You Can’t Miss in 2024
February 5, 2024
Scottsdale and Chicago are both cities teeming with culture, arts and experiences, and with the new year comes an abu…
Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park Unfolded
December 1, 2023
At Optima®, our appreciation for public sculpture runs deep.
Visit the Shakespeare Garden at Northwestern University
September 25, 2023
With Optima’s passion for having nature within reach, it’s no wonder that we are drawn to sumptuous gardens in and ar…
Exploring the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian
September 25, 2023
Forever Modern® recognizes the profound significance of Modernist principles, expresses our deep dedication to what i…
Writers Theatre in Glencoe | Local Attractions Near Optima Verdana
July 9, 2023
Discover the Writers Theatre in Glencoe, a cultural gem near Wilmette, IL. Learn more about local attractions that ma…
Wilmette’s Sesquicentennial Photography Project
February 24, 2022
At Optima Verdana, we continue to connect more strongly with Wilmette and its surroundings. We appreciate how special…
