I have taken many classes at The Feltre School and I keep returning because The Feltre School is a…read morewarm, friendly place where people receive a wonderful education.There are not many schools that teach grammar any more. After taking Feltre's course your writing will improve because you will understand the principles of grammar; you have to lay the foundation before you can write well. If you want a more in depth study, there is Latin, philosophy, logic, ethics, and classical literature. I can tell you from first hand experience that it is thrilling to be able to read Latin and know what it means! The Feltre School is a place where people go who like to "think."

The Feltre School is an oasis of peacefulnes and learning right in the heart of the bustling River…read moreNorth neighborhood. The school, housed in a delightful old brownstone building, is a warm, gracious place. The instructors are friendly and polite. The classes are held in cozy classrooms filled with books and artwork; during break, the students cluster in the study downstairs to sip tea, eat cookies, and chat. The noncredit classes at the school encompass several fields of the classical liberal arts: grammar, rhetoric, logic, philosophy, Greek, Latin, and the humanities. Some students attend Feltre to brush up on their grammar and writing skills, but other students attend for the pure joy of learning. In addition to its classes, Feltre presents plays in the charming Library Theater, and also hosts a series of book discussions. In summary, Feltre is a one of a kind, welcoming place for anyone interested in studying the liberal arts.

Why not continue my tradition of reviewing libraries? This time, it's an academic library. The…read moreRichardson library, located on DePaul's Lincoln Park Campus, is beautiful and a really great campus space. It was named after John Richardson, DePaul's president from 1981-1993 and chancellor 1993-2017. There are of course plaques honoring him at the entrance, but perhaps my favorite thing is that there's a framed copy of the title page and first page of manuscript of a mixed voice and instrumental piece that was written in his honor. I'd love to hear it played sometime! The library is very large and its four floors are dedicated to varying activity--the first and second are collaborative floors where you can speak regularly, with the third and fourth floor being quiet floors. Lots of windows let in a good deal of natural light, and there are clusters of comfy chairs scattered around the place. There are a few meeting rooms on the first floor, at least, and of course computer workstations available. There are also a few spaces where students can share their work on a larger screen to work from together. Also really cool is the artwork by the faculty of the department of art, media, and design is installed throughout the library. I'm glad that when I was most recently in the library it was spring break and I was the only one there, so I could look at the pieces without bothering others. Staff are very friendly--librarians love to help! During the pandemic (still, anyway, as of March 2022), you must use your ID card in order to swipe into the library.

This library has been a second home to me since I moved to Chicago. And to be honest, it has a…read morecharm that not a lot of universities offer in addition to its accessibility. The staff has done a great job maintaining this building constantly throughout the day. Although WiFi is not offered to the public, the space enables people to get studying or any sort of readings done in test-like conditions. The hours are very flexible and the lighting is stimulating. I think a lot of students and visitors would agree that this library is SUPER COLD during the summer. I bring a north face or a hoodie to cover my body and sensitive ears. It's understandable that's the case to maintain the books but at times, it is a bit unbearable to keep on working. I love the heat they put on during the cold winters!!

They hold after school matters here too and it is very spacious and it looks very tucked offread more

Finally after so many years our beautiful El Centro campus is complete. Architecturally it is…read moreinnovative and green friendly with its solar panels on the roof. The classes are ample for so many students but if course Northeastern has small classes which tends to give the student a wonderful education that is tailored for them. We still are in need of furniture so as the days go by, this will happen. Industrial cement is all around us and the parking lot bots ample space for over 200 cars. This was well worth it and I am in awe in the structure itself. If you see the building from the I90 you will see out school colors represented on the panels of yellow and blue. NEIU has this satellite and others but of course this is the newest and most innovative structure yet. Chicago is on the map with a new school and we are very proud of what has been accomplished. Visit the school and ask questions, you never know- you may just take classes in this hidden gem! And on te third floor we have an outside terrace overlooking the I90 through glass window panes like in downtown high rises!

After the email exchange I had with Allyson on Wednesday, I feel compelled to write this review…read more First, I will take you back to September of 2010; it was not my finest hour by any means. I had graduated from college that May and had been sitting around the house collecting dust ever since. Once you have been unemployed long enough to see Family Feud go through two hosts, you know that the time had come to once again give your life purpose, so I actively began to tackle items on my bucket list. Through some research on handy-dandy Yelp, I discovered Sweatshop of Love. Last September, I started with Allyson's 'Holiday Present Prep' class (which she is repeating again this year). It is basically the class you make out of it. Everyone in the class contributes to a Google Doc list of homemade gifts that they would like to make for their friends and family. All class participants can access and alter it so everyone can encourage each other and get ideas for their gifts as well. During this 10-session course, I learned not only the knitting basics, but also how to make scarves, socks, mittens, gloves, bags, the ever popular beer cozy, and 80% of a sweater (I ran out of steam on it toward the end; smaller projects provide more instant gratification!). Granted, I was knitting like it was paying the rent and the rent was due tomorrow, but I couldn't believe the quality and amount of instruction I was able to receive for $95. Allyson is so sweet and patient; she will never say anything but encouraging things to you in class. I may not have had a job, but I still had the satisfaction of knowing I could make practical items for myself, which was (and still is) so invaluable. Almost immediately after Holiday Present Prep finished, I landed a job...and started a lunchtime knitting group. The student had become the teacher? Not quite Allyson caliber, but I knew enough to teach a group of ladies at work how to make 'Grandma's Favorite Dishcloth'. I felt like such a proud parent when my coworkers would come up to me on Monday morning and show me the progress they had made over the weekend. Anyway, this Wednesday, Allyson sent out an email regarding her upcoming fall classes, which included another item on my bucket list: learn how to crochet. Nice! If you are not ready to make that 10-week commitment, she also offers a one-night introduction to knitting and individual one or two-night projects you can choose to work on. If you are completely new to this and don't know where to begin, Allyson will also buy your supplies for the first day for an additional fee. So to sum it all up, you can learn some yarn arts at a reasonable price with a friendly group of people in a cozy coffee shop in Logan Square. If you have always wanted to learn how to knit or crochet, this is a great place to start! The only thing you stand to lose is that trip to Target when you need a new pair of socks.

The Sweatshop of Love totally rocks!…read more I had my first class with Allyson last year and she was super patient and understanding with me and my clumsy fingers. After she taught me how to knit, I wanted to take it up a notch and learn how to crochet. I went to her beginner's crochet class with a friend and we had a great time! We all chatted and drank coffee and had so much fun! She always takes the time out to help you and she never makes you feel stupid for not getting something the first (or second, or third) time. BONUS: She always sends detailed notes and instructions following a class so you don't forget what you have learned! I would HIGHLY recommend The Sweatshop of Love for your knitting and crocheting education!

My favorite College Radio station in Chicago. Best website. Best female DJ's. I only listen…read morebetween 1PM-9PM.

I really like the downtown loyola campus because it is so close to Michigan Ave in the beautiful…read morecity of Chicago. Close to all the stores, shops and boutiques. The only downside is that if you attend Loyola University you won't have money to spend it on these stores because of tuition. The school itself is good the buildings are nice and I believe there is a new building now for business majors that will be open soon. The library downtown is really nice, multiple floors with computers on hand. Many rooms with computers to just browse the web or do some homework. The cafeteria is nice with a good assortment of sandwiches, pizzas, breakfast and drinks. This school is close by the red line train and there is also a shuttle that can take you back to the Lakeshore Campus.

Tchad is fantastic. He took the thoughts in my head and he turned him into reality and made this…read morebeautiful pillow for me. I'm now paralyzed in a wheelchair and it's been the best thing I've ever had because it cradles my neck and keeps my head steady, even when my headrest doesn't. It's grateful for travel as well. This man knows his stuff and is the absolute best

I have been attending classes at Tchad for 2 years now and have learned SO SO MUCH! It has gotten…read moreto the point where I am sewing up a storm on my own, and when I'm in class, Tchad is always helping me learn a new technique. I've learned about fabric behavior, pattern-making, drafting, and learning from my mistakes. Tchad's teaching style is very patient, humorous, and kind. He always provides multiple ways to do things so you can try various methods and find what your own personal sewing style is. I love that I can bring him a screen shot of something I've found online, and together we plan and make it a reality whether it's using a pattern or drafting it by hand. It truly is magic and he is the BEST teacher. I will never get enough! Also- his work room is by far a candy land of sewing! He has every tool imaginable, many different types of machines, and an awesome fashion/sewing library. Please check out the photos because all of them are garments that I've made since I've been in Tchad's class. Tchad's studio is my happy place. :)

Toxic place and disrespectful staff as I was a music major there…read more Here's why... 1) When I decided to change my major from music performance to sound engineering, Professor Don Deroche responded to me, "What, you wanna watch VU meters all day?" Pretty snobby comment from staff about other majors at the school. 2) I was kicked out of the DePaul Wind Ensemble by Don Deroche after missing only ONE rehearsal due to illness. Is that even legal? This unprofessional & unethical power trip from staff threatened retention of my music scholarship per its terms, just so he could be an a** - and get away with it as a tenured music school "professor." 3) I used a prior student's essay with an "A" grade for restated content in my essay for Musicianship. I was given a low "C" and had to write it again since I was not a teacher fav, and they, too, could be an a** - and get away with it as a tenured staff. 4) Conducting class gave me a "C" after I aced the final exam as this orchestra "professor" hated on me for no reason - and they, too, could be an a** - and get away with it as tenured staff. 5) The clarinet chair promised me a lunch if I tested out of all levels of ear training. After I did test out of all 6 levels, this clarinet professor reneged on their promise, and instead later chose to chide me for my complaint about it instead of owning up to their actions 6) Most music school staff refuse to maintain contact with graduates with continuing music careers. 7) U of IL offered me a full tuition-free scholarship to play clarinet for them. DePaul only offered a small partial scholarship as they seem to seek buying up property and build new brick buildings all over campus instead of focusing on student needs and talents.

A long overdue facelift to the School of Music, and boy did they pull out all the stops! I went…read moreinto three halls in this facility ranging in size. Great backstage areas with recording capability, practice rooms are well designed and way more 'practice inspiring' then it once was. Serious kudos to the architect and designer for thinking of every possible thing. There are great lounge areas where you can sit and have coffee, or desks on the second floor where you can study. The bathrooms are super nice as well. Bravo!

If you are an aspiring writer looking for a way to nudge yourself to the next level then The…read moreChicago Writer's loft is for you. The curriculum was developed by Jerry Cleaver and taken from his book "Immediate Fiction". Sadly, Jerry is no longer with us but the class is ably and cheerfully taught by Mary Carter. Ms. Carter has published close to a dozen novels and is a former workshop participant. The class is six weeks long. The first class is absolutely free. You pay nothing if you decide not to pursue the course. You do get a free copy of Jerry's book though. Each class goes through the basic elements of good storying writing (WOARS take the class and find out what that means). Each of the five remaining classes provides time at the end to write. The work is read and critiqued at the subsequent class. I think you'll be pleased at the jumpstart your writing projects will receive from participation. I've gotten great help from Mary on my writing projects from both in and outside of class. I'm afraid to take a workshop anywhere else for fear of rank disappointment.