Standing at an easel Sunday afternoon with a paintbrush and palette of bright colors, Carl Wilson decided to capture plein air — the act of painting outdoors. It was the first of many good things to come for a historic home near 91st Street and Longwood Drive.

Wilson painted the scene as about 150 supporters came to the property for Pike House Fest, an event hosted by the Beverly Area Arts Alliance to raise funds for the restoration of the Eugene S. Pike House as an arts and cultural center.

Constructed in 1894, the building is at 1826 W. 91st St., in the Cook County Forest Preserves’ Dan Ryan Woods.

Wilson said supporting endeavors like the Pike House plan has become even more important at a time when the federal government is ending support for outlets such as PBS.

“There are still g

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