I took a class here as a teenager and it was top notch! I have talked to many students who have…read moretalked classes here recently, and you know what, they can't speak highly enough about it! Yes, the rumors are true! It's just as good now as it was 45 years ago! Hats off to all the great teachers for encouraging all the students from around the world (yes, I knew a young woman from Italy who attended classes back in 2005!). A big standing ovation to all the teachers keeping this great institution world class all these decades later! You are the greatest!

Continuing Ed "intro" courses are not worth it. Don't bother unless you've already mastered the…read morebasics elsewhere because you will not be taught any techniques here.

It's not a 9-5 gallery. Open only during special events, which you can find on their Facebook page…read moreor dnainfo. Love the shows which feature local artists, local foods, and local drinks. There are political statements in more contemporary mediums as well as pieces in classical fine art styles and techniques. Very well curated and the music is great.

Co-Pro is the artist space owned by Ed Marszewski, who also owns Maria's down the street. I went…read morethere for Over the Influence, which was a beer-art show. I honestly had a great time there and I think the space really gave an opportunity for all the art to be displayed, especially the sketches for local beer labels. There was even a weird, alien beer bong which attracted a lot of attention and a keg bottle opener thingy. The space seemed small with a lot of the tables next to each other but it was easy to try everything and talk to the brewers to. The only downside was the line for the bathrooms-which was probably the longest line there.

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

The Academy is not like other art schools. If you're looking for a school where you can slack off,…read moreparty on the weekends, and have a good time learning "art", this is not the school for you. The Academy takes art seriously as a career, and expects you to as well. As a result, they have a really harsh attendance policy, the teachers are strict on turning in your projects on time, and there is a LOT expected of you. Additionally, this is not the school for those looking to go into modern art or "learn how to express themselves" as the Academy assumes you already know how to express yourself and is there to teach you how to draw. That being said, if you actually want to be successful as an illustrator/graphic designer/fine artist (sadly their 3d and web design departments seemed pretty lacking), you WILL improve by going to this school because they will force you to. I was an illustration major, and it was really amazing to see how some of my friends went from not being able to draw anything to having their own unique style. The school is small, but it's really nice because you get way more one on one time with your professors than you would if you went to a university. And for something like art, it's really nice to have your professor come up behind you and tell you you're drawing the head too big before you've already committed to having a ridiculous sized head on your piece. And as one of the other reviewers pointed out, you won't get into your major until your second year. This is because they want to ensure your fundamentals of art--which apply to every field of art--are strong. Just like how a normal college forces you to take GenEds before going into your major. TL;DR The Academy is a tough school. Most people can't hack it expecting something similar to the Art Institute's hands off approach. This is not that. You will work hard, learn, and become a better artist because of it.

School made false promises to help find work. Never helped. Pushed Sallie Mae on students for…read moreloans. Only leave you in a great deal of debt. Worked hard in hand with banks taking advantage of young people with big dreams.

I would like to start with, JAMIE! She is Ah-mazhing!!!! The most patient person you will ever…read moremeet! I was late... (im so sorry) but! She showed me the way! You get to choose from coasters to pots to trays to vases! I chose the coasters,maybe ill use them this time this activity is an absolute must! My friends and i enjoyed breaking tiles and mirrors, if its not perfectly cut, its "organic" i love it! Jamie will show you how to cut and nip the tiles and mirrors into shapes or she can do them for you as well. Tip: time flies when you are having fun!

A really enjoyable evening hanging out and creating with my sister and a friend, and about seven…read moreother nice people. The teacher, Humberto, was excellent, patient and full of good cheer. He explained and demonstrated very clearly everything from breaking the tiles to grouting. We took advantage of the Spring 50% sale for the class. I highly recommend it and would take the class again.

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!

A place for learning to respect all art forms and get creative with all subject matters; a fun way…read moreto expand your mind with the arts.

My daughter has been going here for a couple years and my son will start in the fall. Matvey and…read moreKatya have been great to work with and run a good business. The teachers are all talented musicians and the lessons start and end on time.

Terra Sounds is a great choice for kids and adults, from the complete…read morebeginners to the advanced musicians. I am taking an adult guitar class for 3 months now. Love their friendly, comfortable atmosphere; lessons are fun, but very productive. I am honored to have Sasha Brusin as my guitar teacher, a GREAT musician and a wonderful person. Getting more and more passionate about the guitar and music overall each time I come to the class. Staff is truly helpful and open to questions and suggestions.

Well let's just start by saying I have never been behind a wheel. I signed up and payed for four…read morehours. The first two hours were great. I came back the next day to finish my other two hours and that didn't go well. My instructor Jose seem to become a little aggravated with my about my left and right turns. I told the coordinator I will need a new instructor. That didn't sit well with Jose. The guy called my phone private making jokes. I am to this day still receiving prank calls from him. He has given my number out to people and saying I'm selling furniture. So many people have been calling me prank since that day. I decided to change my number. I wouldn't recommend this place

My driving teacher Julio was the best! He made sure I learned everything and that I was…read morecomfortable! This school gets five stars just for having Julio as an instructor!