ARTEMPLE is a not-for-profit community arts center envisioned to serve Chicago’s South/East side. Planned for 9546 S. Ewing Ave. — the historic St. George church complex — ARTEMPLE aims to create a safe haven and beacon of hope, building  creative community and transforming lives through art. The property is slated for purchase and renovation, marking the beginning of a journey toward realizing this vibrant community space.

Rebuilding the historic church, rectory, and school buildings is a significant undertaking, and we need your support. We’re currently raising funds for the first phase of renovations to bring this vibrant vision to life by early 2026.

St. George Church was a Catholic church and neighborhood anchor between 1903 – 2020. It closed just before the pandemic by the Archdiocese of Chicago. The main sanctuary was expanded in 1925 to create residences for clergy and an 8-room school was added in the early 1960s. Phase 1 renovations are expected to cost $1.5 million to bring the entire campus up to code to safely and appropriately facilitate the activities envisioned.

The plan will occur in phases. ARTEMPLE programming is currently being initiated (using donated space from other community partners).

The three existing buildings will be transformed in phases and opened to the arts and local community.

Check back soon for more conceptual renderings!