We've been to the Old Town School many times, but not for several years now. A close cousin was…read moreplaying, who teaches at the school. We had tickets to see him play. Not reviewing his music (which was fantastic), but the venue. The room we were in was like a black box theater. The room was fairly small and intimate. It was open seating and when we arrived it was pretty full. We were very fortunate that there were two seats open in the third row. The room is acoustically sound (pun intended)... Seriously, being small, they really don't need to amplify the sound, even though they did have a microphone set up. As we were leaving, we got to roam the halls around the school. There were a lot of fun, vintage posters that were a lot of fun to look at. We met quite a few people who either had been students there, or were current students who had nothing but good things to say about the caliber of the educators and the Old Town School. Based on the performances we've seen there of students and faculty, I'd say we agree.

This update is regarding a visit to OSF was to attend their Wiggleworms open house. I've left the…read moreoverall rating the same because OTSFM is still great for a lot of reasons, but the Wiggleworms class isn't one of them. I've heard of the class before and always thought if I had a kid I'd take them, but I think the age range starts at 6 months so we started with a class with a different provider, Music Playhouse of Chicago. I'm glad we came to this one to try it out. While the kids seemed to be having fun, I didn't like it as much as the Music Playhouse class. Wiggleworms doesn't seem to have a developed curriculum. This was just an activity where the kids can grab shakers and toys, and the leader will sing what they want or take requests from the kids, but not a class that has any kind of particular learning outcomes upon which children build. Maybe it was different because it was an open house but I'd have expected they would showcase what an actual class was, and I think it's just not what I prefer. There are some pluses, though. They have weekend classes, which can be hard to find with other music classes for kids. I think it may also be significantly less expensive than the one I take my kiddo to. And they may have a few more babies-only classes than where we go now, which usually has only one of any (depending upon enrollment). I didn't realize before I had a child but there's a huge difference between children of 0-18 months and those beyond, so mixed age classes wasn't my thing at the time. So Wiggleworms has its pros, but overall I'd visit Old Town SFM for the classes and concerts but choose another children's music class.

I love making things with my hands; I love the sense of accomplishment it gives me. My grandmother…read moretook up upholstery in her 70's and made some beautiful pieces, one of which I inherited. The fabric on the piece isn't really my style and I decided that if it was going to be re-done, I wanted to be the one to do it. There aren't many places to learn upholstery. I am lucky to live a few blocks from the shop; my classmates weren't so lucky, they all lived at least 20 miles away. I wasn't sure what to expect with the beginner's class, so it's worth noting that in the beginner class you most likely won't work on an actual piece of furniture.* What you will do is complete four projects that give you the skills to move on to actual furniture. The class is very hands on, you will thread a machine and start sewing in your first class. There are no prerequisites for this class; half of us hadn't used a sewing machine before. Owning a garment machine, there were a few things that took getting used on upholstery machines. There are two instructors; Jeff, the owner, taught my class and one of his staff taught the other. I can't speak to the other teacher's style, but Jeff is very laid back and a firm believer of learning by doing. Jeff is very generous with his time, knowledge, tools and materials; many students don't finish all of the projects in the allotted class time, but you're welcome to come back and finish after your session is complete (provided there's room). You're always your harshest critic, but I was so flattered when the manfriend thought my final project was something I had bought. I really loved this class and can't wait to start the intermediate class. The intermediate is like an independent study, you bring the piece you want to work on. If you've meandered by and seen the work in the window on Lincoln, those are student pieces. * One project is a bar stool cover. If you've got a piece to work on, you can use it. TIP: There's a lot of close work in the class and it's easy to get into a groove. Wear comfortable clothes you wouldn't mind getting dirty and bring your glasses, water and a snack.

I just took the "Beginners' Upholstery Class" with Jeff Kraut and LOVED it!…read more The class covers upholstery techniques that can be applied to automotive upholstery, furniture upholstery, and bag making. It is taught on industrial sewing machines (no previous sewing experience necessary). I already knew basic sewing and I definitely picked up lots of new tricks/techniques. Some of the topics we covered: * setting up the machines and basic sewing. * quilted stitching on vinyl (like on the back of a car seat or stuffed chair) * adding piping trim * zipper installation and sewing a small case * stapling construction and making a panel (like recovering a chair seat or a car side panel) * beginning pattern making and making a seat cushion Projects might vary a little from class to class. I've posted photos of my work. The class was Mon & Wed, 7-9pm for 5 weeks. It's located just down the street from Trader Joe's on Lincoln. Easy parking & near the El. You can get more info from Jeff at canvasboss@yahoo.com. I'm looking forward to the advanced class!

Been fighting myself either to take a CNA class or just take my nclex exam but taking the CNA class…read morewith our very humble Clinical Instructor Ms Candice has been the best decision I made in my nursing career. She's an experienced nurse and doesn't hesitate to share the good and bad side to mold us in this career. She teaches so much more than the text book and thats what makes her so unique.She also teaches us in a way that makes it easy to understand the material. I have gained so much knowledge within this short period of time. I'll definitely recommend the school and all. Thank you Ms Candice

I went through this top notch program a few years ago when my Dad suffered a debilitating stroke…read more Completely prepared me for the home health environment. Their holistic approach equips you with the know how as well enabling you with the professional compasion to provide exemplary patient care. Their program gave me the credentials needed to land a great job at a physical rehabilitation hospital even though I lacked clinical experience. The program also gave me a complete foundation to build toward an RN-BSN. I would highly recommend the program at Career Training Center of Chicago. It's afforadble - with flexible payment options. It's a concise, concentrated program that will get you quickly into the medical field. It's in depth, high quality, and comprehensive which will put you a cut above other CNAs. And it provides a great foundation to build from if you wish to pursue nursing or other allied health fields. They easily earn 5 stars.

Our daughter started at MGP (Lincoln Square location) a little after turning 3 years old. We have…read morehad nothing but positive experiences thus far. We love that each class has a spanish and mandarin teacher and our daughter recently learned to sing a song in Mandarin! Also, the test prep for SEES (Selective Enrollment Exams) has been immensely helpful so far in preparing our daughter. The teachers, principal and entire staff are always accommodating. Top notch Montessori education. Highly recommend!

We've been at MGP for a year and a half and our child is very happy. Any concerns or challenges…read morewe've had have been met with open communication. We really appreciate the access to additional learning and enrichment opportunities, as well as the community there. The teachers are all lovely and knowledgeable and our child has been supported in his development.

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.

This place rocks. Ian rocks. He walked me through everything, pointed me in the right direction,…read moreand was knowledgeable. Love to see such an incredible family business and very happy this place exists. Give them all your business!!!!

Friendly people working here. They even baked some cookies for patrons visiting the store so that…read moreyou could snack while shopping (this was right before Christmas). I found the prices to be a little on the higher end, but it's also nice to support local businesses. Kudos to the older lady/mom of one of the owners who graciously wrapped the gifts I was getting for someone... and she did it complimentary.

Wow, a lot I didn't know about printing! Attended a free holiday public gathering with reasonable…read moresales of many artists, using various methods to achieve unusual results! Selection was all over the place, but traveling makes it difficult to get in suitcase. Very interesting!

So amazing!!! The people, the art, the mission all add up to a wonderful place to explore and…read moresupport...

I have been seeing Jeremy for about two years now and I can not recommend him enough. I initially…read morewent to see him because I was struggling with intense neck and shoulder pain that no other method could fix. The morning after my consultation, was the first time in a year that I woke up pain free. Jeremy is incredibly kind and warm and his work space is clean and inviting. Every session is accompanied by enlightening (almost therapeutic) conversation. I visit Jeremy whenever my busy life of overwhelm leaves me stiff, tight, or unable to move freely. I always leave feeling lighter and in less pain. His rates are incredibly reasonable and you are guaranteed to leave feeling wonderful.

Kayla was a conscientious, skilled colorist. She was caring and enthusiastic. Her work was…read moreamazingly skillful. The instructor was so helpful. The salon was tidy and well appointed.

I was really excited to try this salon. I've been wanting to get my hair cut for a while, and since…read moreI live nearby, I thought I'd give this place a try. I had a 9:30 a.m. appointment. When I arrived I checked in, shortly after a gentleman mentioned that they were having some technical issues. I was understanding and patient, but after waiting an hour, I asked how much longer it would be until I would be seen. At that point, the person at the front desk told me that the stylist who was supposed to do my hair didn't show up and asked if I could wait another hour for someone else. Unfortunately, waiting two hours for a scheduled appointment was not reasonable for me. I ended up leaving without being seen. I understand that things happen, but better communication would have gone a long way. I was really disappointed with the experience.