Specialties
Womanspace offers programs for women, children & men to enhance body, mind & spirit. Areas of focus include the creative arts, holistic health, interfaith exploration, and environmental stewardship. All are welcome on our seven-acre campus with art studios & gallery, gift shop, beautiful gardens, a pine forest, Anjali Pavilion and a large eleven-circuit labyrinth on the prairie.
We offer a number of different art classes, including drawing, watercolor, and acrylic painting, handbuilt and wheel thrown pottery, art journaling, and fine crafts. We also offer yoga, meditation, dance and movement, along with other programs designed to inform and encourage thoughtful discussion about a number of timely and relevant topics.
Womanspace seeks to inspire individuals to discover new talents, interests and friendships, and is dedicated to helping people live life to the fullest. Womanspace has touched the lives of more than 20,000 men, women and children and operates as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
History
Established in 1975.
Founded by Elaine Hirschenberger and Dorothy Bock, SSSF, Womanspace was originally next door at Mount St. Francis Convent (now Cor Mariae). In 1978, Womanspace moved to its current building.
New Dimensions Studio, an inspiring creative space with an art studio in the upper level and clay studio in the lower level, was dedicated in 1992. Womanspace purchased the two buildings and seven acres in 1996, creating a campus with several gardens, a pine forest, a restored prairie, and the labyrinth, which was dedicated in 2003. These grounds are our gift to the community and are open to the public during daylight.
Gallery2Go gift shop began in 2007 for members to offer original creations. After winning the Northern Illinois Center for Non-Profit Excellence (NICNE) business plan competition in 2008, it was expanded and a reception desk was added. Our premier exhibit space, The Loretta and William Reif Gallery, opened in the Fountain View Room in 2009. Anjali Pavilion was dedicated in 2011.
Meet the Manager: Nicole L.
Nicole assumed the role of Executive Director at Womanspace after the retirement of Elaine Hirschenberger, co-founder, in August 2025.
Nicole earned her BA degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois Springfield, with double minors in Visual Arts and Women & Gender Studies. A Rockford native and CAPA graduate from Auburn High School, she also spent two years as a Resident Artist at 317 Art Collaborative.
Blending her background in psychology, art, and women’s studies, Nicole brings creativity and heart to her role as Executive Director. She is passionate about building community, sparking collaboration, and creating spaces where women and girls feel empowered to discover their own voices and leadership. Nicole thrives on connecting people and ideas in ways that inspire growth and possibility.
“The people are what make this place special and magical, and what inspires me to bring all of myself—my creativity, curiosity, and commitment—to advancing the mission of Womanspace.”