The location will provide a “smaller, more intimate space” that is “going to feel a little more welcoming and homey,” Jaster said, adding that wooded areas will be retained on the property to offer opportunities to “incorporate nature and the environment into our lessons.”

The Illinois Art Station Foundation will be responsible for covering the expenses of the facility.

“My vision is that children and teens in all their diversity will join together at Illinois Art Station, reaping lifelong benefits through educative visual arts activities, respectful dialogue, and genuine friendship,” said Dr. Laura E. Berk, president of the nonprofit’s foundation and its founding donor.

Dependent on town approval of the zoning change and site plan, Jaster said construction is expected to start this winter with programs at the site in the middle of 2021.

“COVID-19 really put the brakes on a lot of our programming,” said Jaster. “We plan to jump-start programs in the fall with virtual and digital programming.”