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.

No strings attached, no questions asked. Come in, pay 15 bucks and you get 3 hours with a…read moreprofessional model, good light and very nice atmosphere. You can bring any type of tools you want, have any skill level and do whatever you want; as far as unstructured figure drawing sessions it doesn't get better than this. The place provides benches but no tools so make sure you bring your own. Also be ready to be impressed by the very good artists that practice here. If you want you can also take a lesson but those cost more and are on tuesday and thursday I believe.

This is the best drawing class I've ever attended. The instructor is extremely thorough and…read morehelpful. If you want to improve your artistic abilities you need to take classes here.

My daughter has been taking classes here for a few weeks and is really loving it! She's learning…read morethe basics of form drawing while also getting to experiment with different materials in a supportive environment. I highly recommend StudioUs!

Studio us is an amazing art studio located south of Andersonville. Rachel is the owner and…read moreinstructor and has an absolute magical way with children. She employs technology to help kids learn to draw one line at a time. She also holds amazing workshops for $10 an hour where kids can do special art projects. Classes are maxed at 6 kids, most have around 4 so your kiddos get lots of attention. Best art studio in the city.

Ingrid is an amazing artist and very insightful teacher. She has helped me grow in my technique…read moreand find my own artistic vision with my work. I particularly love her Monotype class, which I have taken twice! Ingrid really understands the principle of creativity and passion being at the root of art with technique serving that creativity. I highly reccommend her classes to anyone!

From the owner: Ingrid's Originals Inc. is a gallery, classroom and studio where continuing adult art classes are…read moreheld in watercolor painting. They are scheduled quarterly and run for 8 weeks, with a two week break between sessions for Open Studio Wednesdays. The weekends will have occasional workshops in Collage, Creating ON Water, Suminagashi, or Monotype, given either by Ingrid or visiting artists from across the country. The gallery is available for rental exhibitions or other events.

DO patronize this place. I've been coming here for a bit over a year and have had a wonderful time…read moredoing so. I've learned how to make figures, mugs, bowls, vases, and how to glaze them in so many different ways. The owner Meg will be sure to show you physical examples and lend you books if you have an idea of a piece you want to do or a color you want to try, and she'll talk you through the steps but still say it's your piece to do what you want with! They also have a wonderful scholarship program that I've been able to utilize from time to time and if you buy a mug from their wall it goes towards that fund. I am so grateful to have found this community and to be able to learn in this kind and open space.

After reading a recent review by Rianna D., I had to check out the windows. I must say I was QUITE…read moredisappointed by the terrible inaccuracies of Rianna's review. I did not see any violence and there was not a single ERECT PENIS to be found. What I did see was a most varied collection of distinct and unique art that clearly represented the artists that work from their most welcoming space! I have worked out of several studios, and have to say Lincoln Square Pottery & Learning Center has been the most welcoming, supportive and generous art space I have been a part. If you are looking for interesting gifts and unique ceramics, come on by. If you are looking boring, uninspired, slap it in a frame and call it art art, just keep walking. If you a re looking for ART, something that might challenge you, or perhaps a mug to give as a gift, there is both and everything in between. And a little advice for Rianna, look up St. Sebastian, that was the inspiration for one of the "pornographic" pieces you referred. And before referencing something you clearly know nothing about, BDSM, do some research on that topic as well. And by the way, YOU DID contact the Alderman to report the "debaucherous" display, and they did not have a problem with it AT ALL! You might want to check out that little thing called the First Amendment, it covers Freedom of Expression of which artistic expression is covered.

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.

I've been taking Vagabond's on-camera classes and am learning so much. I didn't realize how…read moreon-camera acting is a different skillset from live performance, and Vagabond has really helped me reconceive how I approach acting. Their classes are also built around giving you insight into the industry, with mock auditions, self-tapes, and "on set experience" where they film you doing scenes you "auditioned" for. Vagabond's instructors are pros and have long careers to draw from with advice, anecdotes, and perspectives. We get to learn from their wins and their misses, which helps us work toward getting more wins. I've gotten to work with Ed Kross most, and recommend him highly (as well as the other faculty members). If you want to be a professional working actor, take on-camera classes. You won't be sorry.

Amazing classes and instructors. Love the energy! Their ommitment to the industry is of pure…read morepassion, and they are very supportive of their actors. Their instructors have a whirlwind of experience in Theatre and TV. Love the energy.

I met the owner/teacher Diane last week when she hosted a Holiday Artisian Sale. It was cold but…read moremany people stop by to buy holiday gifts from local artists. I would definately try to take an oil painting class with Diane one day. She is very nice and warm. The place is clean and cozy! See the link to see class schedule. http://www.gogetyoursmock.org/seminars_and_special_events/artisansale.html

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!

Midwest Nice is an adorable store with a pleasant collection of local gifts. There are many items,…read moreincluding "Ope" merch, much like that marketed by Charlie Berens, that would be great Chicago or Midwest-themed gift items. I enjoyed their cute $2 Chicago pins and found the perfect one to add to my collection.

They always have great local items in the store, which make great gifts! Also the service is always…read more10/10 and not to mention their dog Louie...he's a cutie! Always love coming here!