I had an amazing experience creating my pop art self portrait at the AART WERK studio, our instructor which is also the owner was awesome! Very talented artist from New York she made us feel at home in her beautiful studio. Although you can bring your own wine and snacks she also provides cookies and tea in the most beautiful tea cups lol our paintings were very time consuming because of the details but she let us stay in her studio until 1am! Until we completely finished our painting drinking wine, eating chocolates and cookies, listening to music and getting to know each other, it was simply a great time. I highly recommend AART WERK studio to everyone from date nights and girls nights out to private parties ( they also have kids and teens project days!!). Will definitely be back to create more art soon! read more

I highly recommend the Aartwerk studio and Ms. Biljana, the art teacher. I am finishing my 3rd class at the studio and intend to keep taking them! I've taken drawing I, drawing II, and painting I. We just had a party and student exhibition and the talent that Biljana (She goes by "B") brings out of people is amazing. The classes are both serious and relaxed. She actually teaches you the fundamentals of drawing and painting fairly quickly (I would take drawing first!), then watches you work and teaches you what you need to know as you need to know it, as it naturally comes up in the process of what you're working on. The atmosphere during classes is festive. People often break open a bottle of wine and everyone is funny and supportive. It's really just a great place. read more

The owner and instructor B is a gift to Chicago! I took a couple of her painting courses when we both lived in New York City, and then I was thrilled to learn she had also relocated to Chicago to set up a studio here! I studied studio art in undergrad, and was really impressed how B pushed me to develop and grow in a fun and casual environment. Not only was I thrilled with my work, but I had a wonderful time along the way! Since she opened her studio in Chicago, I've already gone to two paint and sip events and have had a blast! I love the adaptations of famous pieces, the vibe, the wine, the snacks, and the proximity to the El. Definitely check out Aartwerk if you are looking for a great date or a fun night/brunch out with girlfriends! read more

Aartwerk is FANTASTIC!! As one of those devout couch hugging homebodies, I can't tell you (wait... Yes I can!) what an amazing time I had getting in touch with my inner artist at Edgewater's newest art school/social spot Aartwerk! This cool, modern, concept space offers professional art/painting instruction in a fun relaxed setting. It caters to serious minded and social artists alike. The owner "B" (an accomplished artist in her own right) clearly loves what she does and it translates completely, in the effortless way she shares her extensive knowledge and love of art with all in attendance! Do yourself a great favor; skip the movies, forget the mall and indulge your creative desires for an afternoon or evening with B at Aartwerk! read more

I planned a little bachelorette evening that started at AartWerk. We had a blast! B, the instructor and owner, was patient, funny, kind and encouraging. We all walked away with a momento from the evening and THEY LOOKED GOOD due to B's instruction! She worked with me to accommodate our party of six for a very reasonable price, allowed us to pick the painting in a public night. And even though EVERYONE showed up late due to random unforeseen reasons she was vary calming and cool about it. Which was very nice given that it was a meaningful night that I really wanted to be a special memory for the bride. Thank you for a lovely evening B! read more

This place rocks! B owns the studio and really makes sure you feel comfortable and at home. She is professional, incredibly funny, and talented. We got painting with a canvas that she set up ahead of time for us, complete with smocks, paints, and brushes. The hours honestly flew by and the group I was with had a great time painting and hanging out with B. This studio is phenomenal for birthdays, gifts, or even a rainy Saturday night with some buds. B also teaches classes here, (drawing, still life, the necessary mechanics), and I'm heavily considering signing up. Go here, you will not regret it! read more

B is awesome. She is organized and so aesthetically gifted. She is generous with her time and expertise, and she is really, really good with big groups. She run a 2-hr workshop for 44 family medicine resident physicians, faculty and staff, and everyone had a great time, made some beautiful and unique art work, and it all went so smoothly (no accidents - there was no alcohol, this was a work retreat, but she said she has done well, even with some wine lovers). You have to give it a try, everyone can paint with the right teacher, and B is that teacher. Thank you B. I will be back. read more

I have attended classes here for the past year and a half and find this place particularly nurturing to emerging talent. B is an excellent coach and meets each student where they are, then takes us to a safe place where we can explore what we are capable of. I had never really put paint on canvas, other than the sip and paint events at other places. Within the very first session I created pieces I was truly proud of. It is diverse with regard to age, ethnicity, gender, and preferred medium. It has become a really special artist community! read more

I tried painting for the first time at a BYOB painting class with B at Aartwerk Studio. The class was great and the results were shocking! B truly is a talented teacher! The studio has such a fun, creative vibe to it. B is a sarcastic, easy going artist that really loves what she does. I had no idea I could paint and have often declined invites to events like this thinking it would be silly because I'm not an artist. B proved me wrong. I can't wait to buy some supplies and continue learning! Thank you so much!!! read more

This studio is FANTASTIC! The owner, B, is so nice and so helpful. She really knows what she's doing and she'll never steal you wrong. This studio won't send you home with some blurry diy that you'll throw out as soon as you leave. The project we took home from the Pop Art Selfie workshop was absolutely gorgeous. We got so many compliments on it and everyone wanted to know where we went to get it done. I HIGHLY recommend this studio for your next birthday, team building, or like we did, a fun night out! read more

Visited this place on opening night and had a blast. Its not too often that you encounter someone with a natural talent to share their skill with the general public. I felt like we were standing infront of someone who selfless gave the auidence her talent for hours. Very accomidating, conveniently located and reasonable priced. We will definitely be back when we have family come in from out of town. Glad to have a place like this in Edgewater/Granville Business Corridor. read more

This place is undiscovered. B (the owner and aartist) is soo new to the area, that the classes are still so small. Only people who have followed her from New York, or like myself, just walked past it the other day, know it's there. The studio was beautifully and thoughtfully thought out by B. This place is going to get hot, but right now, B is a gem undiscovered in Edgewater. Make sure you call the studio for disounts and promotions before you register! read more

Had a great time!!! Probably one of the best date ideas. My wife surprised me with this because I've been wanting to do a paint night for the longest time. It was amazing. An art party where no artistic experience is needed. Wine and painting was very fun and relaxing. I'd definitely recommend this studio and the teacher Biljana- she is so free spirited and knows just how to inspire the creativity in people. I'm looking forward to doing this again! read more

This is the most amazing place that I have visited lately. I came here on the opening night for some fun quality time with my husband. The studio was completely full when we were there. The owner Biljana is the most fun and cool artist I have ever met. She really cared about teaching art and excelled at being patient and gave clear instructions. If you love to paint and want little guidance and just a place to paint, this place is for you! read more

This place is fantastic. B is a great teacher and it's such a fun place to relax and learn how to paint. The other students bring a sense of community and it's a great place to meet new people! It's right off the red line Grandville stop so it's very easy to get to. Prices are affordable, the paintings are fun and easy and everyone always seems to have such a great time. 10/10 would definitely recommend! read more

My friends got me to go to this art thing and while apprehensive, I went and I am so glad I did because our host "B" made the event a laid back, creative and fun night. She broke down the steps and my painting turned out much better than I could have expected. I would highly recommend and look forward to going again. B is a gracious and welcoming teacher and overall it was a very enjoyable experience. read more

The Aartwerk is a special place. It's a gem of Chicago! Biljana is incredibly kind and supportive - and our nigth was very entertaining and enjoyable. Space is lovely, we felt very comfortable from the moment we entered. All materials were prepared and she was very helpful through the entire process. This is the place to go if you want professional guidance and lovely, peaceful evening. read more

Aartwerk is incredibly fun!! It was my first visit to Chicago and a friend recommended this place to me as a "must do experience". I have no practice in painting but the teacher was very helpful, patient and fun to be around - I did a painting worth of hanging :D. I totally enjoyed my time here and when I visit Chicago again, I will definitely go back. No, I mean it- I'll go back! read more

B was an incredible host for a fantastic evening. Wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but the entire experience was fun and delightful. She broke down complex art concepts into simple steps that anyone could follow. Would highly recommend for individuals, couples, an groups looking for a unique creative experience. Looking forward to more art sessions in this fun and relaxed space. read more