By Kristin Boza
Andrew Lindstad moved from Logan Square to Beverly/Morgan Park last December to be closer to his passion: His job. Linstad is the Director of Development and Marketing at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., a position he’s held since June 2019. Working in the arts and being a performing artist are important to Linstad.
Lindstad enjoys his time on stage as a choral performer with the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, and he fills the rest of his hours with music and theatre. Some of his favorite musicals include “Rent,” “West Side Story,” and “Avenue Q.”
“My favorite part of singing in a chorus is the community that is built and getting to express myself artistically through music,” he said.
Once the long commute from Logan Square to the BAC got to be too much, Lindstad decided to make his home closer to his work. In the process of looking, he found a welcoming community that he enjoys living and working in.
“I decided to move here for the convenience of the proximity to work, and I like the small town feel of the neighborhood, its safety, the vibrant small business community, and the beauty of the neighborhood,” he said.
Encountering friendly people is part of what makes Beverly/Morgan Park special for Lindstad. “There is certainly a greater sense of community living in Beverly than living on the North Side,” he said. “Neighbors really look out for one another.”
In support of his new community, Linstad makes frequent stops at Two Mile Coffee Bar, the 95th Street Farmer’s Market, Bookie’s, and Beverly Records.
Lindstad’s dedication to his work at the Beverly Arts Center ensures a vibrant artistic scene is available here.
“The BAC is the largest arts organization in Chicago south of Hyde Park. It is truly a beacon for the arts on the far southwest side,” he said. “There are few people that I speak with that have not taken a class, starred in a theatre production, attended a concert or art exhibit at the BAC. The BAC not only greatly enriches the quality of life in the area, but also makes Beverly/Morgan Park an attractive place to live.”
The BAC team is focused now on offering even more community-centered programming that can be accessed during the pandemic, like the upcoming “Santa Sleighs the Holidays” drive-thru visits with Santa this month. For more information on this and other programming, visit BeverlyArtCenter.org.
