Maywood Fine Arts

  "Our goal is to bring art education to all children and make it affordable," say Lois and Ernie Baumann, founders of Maywood Fine Arts Association. Lois and Ernie have been teaching art education in Maywood, Illinois since 1966. Their not-for-profit organization, Maywood Fine Arts Association provides a safe and nurturing environment where children can develop their skills and gain an appreciation of the arts. Many former students have become notable professional artists: Craig Hall, Soloist New York City Ballet; Devin Pullins, Choreographer; Purdie Baumann, New York Radio City Rockette; Chris Jackson, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; Anthony Williams, Actor -‘The Color Purple’; Erica Cobb, Actor and Radio DJ; and many more. About 700 children per week are now involved in MFAA programs. MFAA’s unwavering commitment towards improving the lives and futures of children has enriched and revitalized entire Maywood community - reminding everyone that the power for positive change lies in each of us, and proving once again that the arts are a uniquely powerful force for that change.

Le Tour de Shore History

   In early 2004, after ten years of driving cars to family vacations in Union Pier, Michigan, good friends and average cyclists, Lois and Ernie Baumann, and Kay and Steve Coughlin, challenged each other to ride their bicycles from Chicago to Union Pier. So, in June 2004, with scant maps and no cue sheet, our baby boomer foursome discovered a 80 mile, 2-day scenic adventure. The thrill of this accomplishment (plus saddle sore amnesia) inspired the creation of Le Tour de Shore.

:Le Tour de Shore is a Charity Bike Ride supporting Arts for Kids at Maywood Fine Arts, Maywood, IL.

Since 2005 thousands of cyclists. have enjoyed the lakefront and duneland trails of the Chicago, the Indiana Dunes National Park, and Michigan Harbor Country. Due to COVID-19, there was no ride in 2020. In 2021, 535 cyclists participated in Le Tour de Shore. Our 2022 ride limit is 720.