Kid's birthday party with an amazingly creative project that really engaged the children. The…read morepottery maven was kind and happy and really knew how to work with kids. I want to make a turtle now!

My mother in law bought us a private pottery lesson! We had a great long two hour session, with an…read moreaaaaaamazing instructor, Carrie. 10/10 would recommend going and signing up for ANYTHING she teaches! This place rocked my socks off I had so much fun I'm prolly gonna sign up for regular classes starting in April I think she mentioned!! Go! Call! Reserve a spot! You won't be disappointed!

I have been going to the Mosaic School since January 2025 and have taken 3 classes. The teachers…read moreare great, the atmosphere is welcoming, and I tell all of my friends and family about this place! Nowhere else in the U.S. is there an art school that has such a focus on mosaics. I've learned so much -- they provide the materials and the expertise. I've met some really wonderful people and friends and am already signed up for their stained glass class in September!

Just spent the most amazing weekend at the Chicago Mosaic School. I traveled over 500 miles to get…read morethere and it was well worth my time and effort. I felt the atmosphere to be warm and accepting, accommodating those with little experience and those who spend their lives being creative. It was a perfect balance of informational, historical and hands on Glass work. All my questions were thoroughly answered and I left feeling inspired and eager to utilize what I learned. I would recommend this school to any and all. An added bonus is the eclectic neighborhood, warm and charming teacher, Lydia, inclusive atmosphere and creative vibe that persisted throughout the class.

Highly recommended for artists of all ages, all levels. I've been attending the Guided Open Studio…read moreclass for adults/late teens and it is wonderful. Beautiful, spacious rooms, well lit, peaceful and friendly atmosphere, and parking! Students in my adult class range from me (beginner) to really accomplished artists, all working on their own pieces. Not having been in an art class since age 13, I was a bit nervous, but Mary completely put me at ease. For example, she helped me through a first project step by step - a still life chalk pastel. I had no concept of the method to the magic of making something look on paper. Meanwhile, while Mary circulates, I overhear her giving calm and thoughtful guidance to others working in pencil, acrylic, oil, charcoal, etc. I'm very glad I found this spot!

We had my daughter's 10th birthday party at Insight Fine Art Studio and the girls all loved it!…read more Mary created a special painting for my daughter and her friends to make. It was completely customized to what my daughter wanted and the kids all did an amazing job creating it. Mary and her husband were so nice, they helped us set up and ensured every detail was just right. Thank you for making this such a special birthday for my daughter!

Cuuuuuute alert! For all you artsy crafty mavens out there, this is your stop. It's a shop filled…read morewith a well-curated selection of paper goods, books, coloring books, custom art, fabric lamp shades, and gifts in varying price points. From the second I walked in, I was engulfed by a most delightful smell, perhaps a candle burning somewhere? I was greeted by the owner's assistant, Kate, who gave me an overview of the shop and some of the classes they offer in the back, like coptic bookbinding, collage, crafting, and self-motivation classes. They also have a meet up group called The Grown*Up Girls Club where you can meet up with other like-minded individuals and explore new art/craft/maker techniques. The Club meets the second Sunday of every month. The Collage Cafe is a newer business located in an adorable corridor mixed with other art-inspired shops. You can go door to door and visit each one while you're at it! Can't wait to stop back in. But, as I'm writing this, when I go back I realize the selection is too overwhelming for my taste (in a good way of course) because I want one of everything.

One day my young daughters and I where walking by and came in into this beautiful place, what a…read morewonderful store! The owner is such a great lady, great host, kind and knowledgeable. I scheduled a coloring evening for a group of friends from church. We had a delightful experience! The place was set up with a wide variety of water colors, wood colors pencils, markers, etc. the pages provided were also varied, from really intricate to more simple so we were all able to pick something that suited our taste and level of artistry. We already scheduled another event and are looking forward to it. Definitely a great place for gifts, classes and more.

Lillstreet Art Center is a magical place, it has a little bit of everything!…read more I've taken everything from pottery classes to jewelry workshops to textile classes here. They really have a wide selection and great time options in the evenings for those who work 9-5. 12 years later I still use the garlic grater I made in a sculpting class. Prices are expected, but reasonable for what you get. Teachers are awesome and work with you to help you learn, even if working with clay isn't your thing (I learned quickly it wasn't my thing). But it's still fun to try something new! In the heart of Ravenswood easily accessible by the el, and they do have parking if you drive. Definitely check out this gem if you haven't yet.

As described in the Lillstreet Art Center website, it was "founded in 1975, Lillstreet is a…read morecreative workspace for artists of all levels, from first-timers, to professionals. No matter how you define yourself, you belong here!" When Daughter told me that she had just registered for a "Beginning Wheelthrowing" class at Lillstreet, I did not know the art center. However, I had always been curious about wheelthrowing and wanted to finally learn about it, so I registered too! We both registered for a 10-week class that met once a week in the weekend. It had been a fun 10 weeks! Well, we had missed 2 classes for our unexpected trip to Europe, but we were fortunate that we could make up work by going to "open studios" that are available only to current students. Our teacher Jen FitzGerald has 25 years of experience in ceramics. Both Jen and the class assistant, Kim, are very kind, welcoming, and encouraging. Jen always has solutions to whatever problems that we might have. After she made a demonstration throwing on the wheel, she would go around the classroom to see how everybody was doing with her own work. It was especially helpful during the first couple of classes that Jen came by me and helped me one-on-one to overcome the hurdles that I had. After I "mastered" the techniques, wheelthrowing is relaxing and fun. Glazing pottery has been a lot of fun too! Looking for our fired glazed work on the common shelves is like Christmas! There have been nice surprises of how the glazed work turned out! Now both Daughter and I have made a bunch of cups, mugs, and bowls that we are proud of. Like a lot of the students at Lillstreet, our passion for ceramics have been ignited, this class won't be the last! Lillstreet Art Center not only offers a lot of different art classes for all levels, it also hosts private events like birthday parties, and one-time workshops that you can test the water and have some fun. There is a gallery/gift shop that features a lot of one-of-a-kind creations from teachers and students, most are really sophisticated and professional, and inspirational too! There is a small café that you can enjoy local baked goods. We had tried the almond croissants which were very good. Our teacher Jen is having a Lounge Show "Mudweaver Ceramics" in the cafe, from November 1 to 30, 2024. The show showcases some very amazing ceramic art that looks like woven baskets! Come see the show if you can! Closing reception is on Friday, November 29 at 6:00 PM.

I took the Nuno felting all day class with a friend. It was wonderful. Ausrine is incredibly…read moreknowledgable, patient and encouraging. We came home with our own finished scarves and can't wait to take more classes with Ausrine! Highly recommend!

A few weeks ago I went with my mom for our Groupon felting class. We went there, not knowing what…read moreto expect. Our teacher Ausrine welcomed us in her well organized, beautiful studio. I was impressed with how well she explained the process of wet felting and gave us excellent support as we got to try to do this on our own. My mom and I had a great time and ended up with a lovely memento of our time together. Ausrine's class was also very inspirational. I loved it !!!! I look forward to going back, to learn more!!!

Wife and I have been customers of Paint-n-Party for a while and we tried the boards. Great…read moreexperience, the whole process is made easy and fun. You select a stencil/design, apply it to the boards, and then peel it away as you paint. Even on our first time the result was great and clean looking. Highly recommend this.

Recently visited Paint N Party which shares creative space with Paint N Party (ceramic painting)…read more I believe the mother daughter duo own and run both businesses. They are both really kind and helpful. It is a large space with lots of tables to work on your creations. My daughter & I brought some Prosecco and spent a fun Tuesday afternoon painting our ceramic serving platters together. Highly recommend checking it out!

Took a stained glass level 1 class here and it was so fun! Nik is a great teacher, with clear but…read moresimple step by step instructions. Highly recommend for a fun family or date activity!