I threw my daughter's 6th birthday party this past weekend and everyone had an amazing time! The…read moreinstructor was fantastic with the kids as she taught them how to make slime and was so patient in explaining the ingredients and techniques. The studio has great natural sunlight and the parking in the back is so convenient. We received a lot of great feedback from kids' parents on the party/class. I highly recommend everyone to consider this venue/classes as a party option for kids of any age.

Absolutely wonderful slime class for kids. Presented in such an engaging and fun way. We loved it!read more

I brought my mom to a Basics class at GnarWare for her birthday a little bit ago…read more We thought the space was nice and the class was maybe good for experienced people but not beginners. And we found the instructor oddly rude. In general, the instructor didn't give much feedback to people during the class.. despite it being pretty small group and only a subset of people who clearly needed help (including us). In general, she went through the steps twice. If you got it, you got it. If you don't, sucks for you. More importantly, my mom found the instructor impatient & rude. Whenever mom asked a question, the instructor would respond with "as I said earlier...." or some variation. It resonated as weirdly passive aggressive, condescending, and dismissive - particularly combined with lack of proactive feedback. In short the cycle went, instruction starts - we struggle a bit - no proactive help - mom asks for help - receives condescending response - struggle continues. Mom was annoyed the whole car ride home. I apologized and told her I'd put it in the review.

Perfect place for beginners and oldtimers! Perfect place where everyone is welcome. I highly…read morerecommend doing a workshop if you want to get a feel for ceramics; if you're experienced, you'll feel like you're coming home.

Such a fun and unique experience in Chinatown! Chicago Color Lab is in the cutest little outdoor…read moremall, surrounded by great shops and restaurants. We did the small bear paint pour class and loved it--there were so many fun figure options and colors to choose from. The process is super creative, and the instructors were helpful every step of the way. Can't wait to pick up the final result. Highly recommend!

I don't think we have anything else like this nearby but it was a fun date night activity…read more Angela is really sweet and helpful. Super patient too bc I was making a mess and probably overthinking what colors to use that work together lol. They offer various sizes so there's a little something for everyone's budgets for a day / night out.

I took a Dabble class here to learn sewing machine basics. It was exactly what I had wanted and now…read moreI'm able to use my sewing machine to do basic tasks. they have a more in-depth class that takes place one a week for a few weeks that I'm looking into taking. Fortunately, the Bridgeport Art Center has easy parking, since I'm coming from the Northside after work. They have sewing machines and materials along with great, knowledgeable staff. And the location is super cool to boot. Give yourself a few extra minutes to find their studio and follow the instructions they provide, the place is huge!

I took a beginners sewing class and Michelle was an amazing teacher. She was patient with everyone…read moreand at the end of the 4 weeks we all left with useful sewing skills. I cannot wait to take my next level sewing class

Really great pottery program for any ages wanting to learn. 8 week curriculum for 3 hours of…read moreinstruction time per week + open studio on Saturdays. All supplies included, bring a towel. Would recommend to anyone wanting to take a stab at the wheel. The studio is beautiful and always very peaceful.

Very disappointing experience overall. I took two hand building classes recently. They're 8 weeks…read morelong, but in reality you have 6 weeks of time to work because the first week is the introductory info and the 8th week you're just picking up your glazed work. The teacher, Set, seems nice at first, but there's a lot of gossip about the owner, Jay, and other students. Do I really need to know that Jay lives in the building and is proud that he doesn't have a place to bathe in his space? Initially we were told that her Tues and Wed night students could come on both nights to work if they were interested. She said Jay a didn't know what's going on and if asked, just say you were making up a missed class. She then rescinded that offer when she decided that she didn't like me for some reason. I have no idea what I did to inspire this treatment, but Set told me I was "intolerable" and when I asked what I'd done she claimed I was harassing her. She got upset and said she was going to call the owner to get the police!! I can only think I ask too many questions and asked for her help too often. She tried to draw other students into the conflict by saying "WE". As a former teacher I find that so unprofessional. If I've ever needed to talk to a student about a problem, I ask the student to speak to me away from other students, not try to get them on "my side". I contacted Jay and after talking to her, his response was it seemed she was having a bad day. I'll say! Set knows where her bread is buttered. She is so proud of a huge bust of Jay, the owner, that took her 2 years to finish. We all had to go and look at it. She knows who to pander to. Overall she's a pretty good artist, but NOT A GREAT TEACHER. Never again will I take a class there. It's full of older rich white (suburban) women and those are just not my kind of people. I'm sad that I can't continue taking classes as it's very close to my home.

I've done two cork and canvas classes. Marisa lets you pick what you want to paint and then helps…read moreyou step by step to figure out how to create it. I have zero artistic talent but I've always hung up the paintings I've done in her class for any friends to see!

From the owner: Choate Studios offers a range of artistic services, including: Cork and Canvas, Tutoring,…read moreCommissioned Art, Design Work, and Tailoring/Sewing. A paint and sip class perfect for any occasion and skill level. Enjoy a glass of wine while experiencing art in a new way. Parties can pick between abstract, landscape, or still lives. Step by step instructions and demonstration. Class sizes and times are flexible; contact me to set up a date for a private party or public event.

I've attended two events with friends at Lessie's Art Palette and both of my experiences were…read moregreat! The instructor was very hands on and attentive. He was sure to make everyone feel confident and was very informative on how to properly use the art materials and what the proper names were. I felt like I got my moneys worth! Im not very artistic but coming here has made me want to explore my artistic side a bit more. I also enjoyed drinks and had a great laugh the environment was very welcoming and well put together. Ill defiantly be coming again and highly recommend to others!

From the owner: Lessie’s Art Palette offers the best in art entertainment, for children, adults, and artists alike…read more All entertainment are instructed by artist Lessie Venardo Dixon and these events are based on his methods in classical training. Our guests will learn to channel their inner art bug, while learning about their tools, and on how to apply paint application on their subject. His art palette offers fun in an inspiring space to host the ultimate paint parties, to celebrate birthdays, and any other events.

After 5:00 summer series Wednesday wine down:I recently visited this Little Black Pearl, and I have…read moreto say the energy when I walked in was great. I was surrounded by such positive, welcoming people of all ages. Throughout the night, we sang karaoke, played cards, shot pool and listened to good music. What really stood out to me was how safe, inclusive, and comfortable the environment felt. Everyone was so kind and genuine. But what truly touched my heart was how the community embraced my brother, who is special needs. There was no judgment only acceptance, laughter, and open arms. For the first time in a long time, I didn't feel like I had to be on guard, watching to make sure he was being treated with respect because everyone just welcomed. It was a relaxing night filled with connection and joy. I would absolutely come back and recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, warm, and safe space. Thank you for such an unforgettable expeience.

The organization for which I work recently held an event at Little Black Pearl (LBP). The support…read moreand service we received was beyond stellar! LBP provided the space, catered the food (via their onsite cafe, Carver 47), connected us to amazing balloon and floral vendors, and provided other accoutrements (e.g., tables and chairs, table coverings, a stage, sound and tech support, package management). LBP's one-stop shop especially helpful given that our planning team resided outside of Chicago. There is so much to applaud from the experience: the warm and inviting space exuded elegance; the feast was as beautiful as it was delicious; and the LBP team's interactions with us (from planning to completion) was the epitome of grace and hospitality. They accommodated every request and did so with an exceptional level of excellence. When we asked that the menu include a vegetarian and Halal dish, they ensured guests had multiple options. When we requested assistance erecting our banner, they took on the task of assembling the entire structure, even machine washing and drying it when they noticed a stain. Compared to other spaces we considered (and have used in the past) across the city, LBP's offerings and support stood head and shoulders above and their love was palpable in their attention to details.That they have a heart-centered mission and work in support of youth and community was tasty icing on an already amazing cake. Thank you, Little Black Pearl team, for making our event a world-class experience!

This is a hidden gem in Hyde Park and I'm so glad that I did and I think you would as well…read more They are open 7 days a week and it is free, but they need a small donation or big lol to help keep the doors open. They have a big event starting Saturday September 24th 2022 from 1pm to 4pm. Don't worry if you can't make it this weekend because they have this event every 3 months with different art. Many of the Artist are teen and their work is totally awesome and powerful. They also have another fund raising event coming up now hold your britches the tickets are $750 but remember it's a fund raising event. Now if that is too much for you because I know it is for me. The good news Is they have some $75 doll ar tickets for the after party. Any whoooo I can't wait to go back because they have something for everyone. As always folks.. Be Safe and Enjoy!!! I have no rights to any of the Art work...just sharing the joy!

I live less than a mile from here but so rarely visit. We went to a Friday night opening and…read moreclosing exhibition. Every room had something going on, from crafts, poetry reading, a movie screening, snacks. I love the video projector room, a mixture of hand-made art and larger than life video projections. I envy places that can do free wine, but since the younger-than-21 demographic visits and contributes the art sometimes, it appears alcohol is purchase only. Really great art, coolly presented, check it out!

This is a hub of the community. Come play indoor basketball…read morecourt. Get to know the volunteers and workers in the food bank and meeting areas. Great place to hang out and socialize with the community members.

The Benton House was established in 1907 and is today a private, unaffiliated non-profit…read moreorganization that has provided social services for the Bridgeport community in the city of Chicago for nearly a century. One hundred years later, Benton House continues its tradition by offering a space for the community to grow and change, learn and play through a number of exceptional programs geared towards the needs of Bridgeport and its residents. They offer all kinds of programs from use of their gyms for sports such as basketball to an after school program that focuses on children doing their homework with tutors available. They even have a sound enginering program. There are also programs for seniors as well like yoga and dancersize. This place for over a century has been a great place to have fun and learn. As they enter their second century stop by and check it out.