The reasons for taking brush to canvas, or clay to wheel or even colored pencils to mandala coloring books that now line the craft store shelves are varied. We want to create, to challenge ourselves, to meet new people or to find solitude.
We may not have an undiscovered van Gogh or Warhol within us, but chances are, we might have a forgotten third-grader or high school art student who loved to create. There are plenty of opportunities for learning to tap those creative juices and the start of a new year might be all the excuse you need to try something new.
“I love seeing adults have the same reaction as kids” when admiring their own completed work, said Heather Ireland Robinson, director of the Beverly Arts Center in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood.
Neighborhood cultural centers, pop-up paint parties at restaurants and bars, and the local parks and recreation centers are perfect places to join in a class that caters to all – from the beginner to the experienced.
For those who feel they want step-by-step instructions on creating a masterpiece that will be very similar to everyone else’s masterpiece or who want a little happy hour mixed in, wine-and-painting events continue to be popular. Kaitlin Madden, manager at the nightclub 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park, said she started hosting paint nights taught by Deanna Smith of Blanc and Brushes at the bar about one year ago.
“The response was overwhelming,” Madden said, with some classes drawing 60 people, many coming as part of a group, who create paintings on canvas or wine glasses while enjoying a glass of wine.
Smith said that Blanc and Brushes was a hobby that took off from a few home parties she led.
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“It’s nice to see people accomplish something,” Smith said. While some people rely on her step-by-step instructions, others “go rogue” and create whatever they choose. A benefit, she said, is that she teaches skills that people can take with them to create on their own.
Jessica Davis, of Chicago, was hooked on the painting and wine classes after taking her first one about six months ago at Bottles and Botega in LaGrange and has gone to several others held at restaurants and other locations.
“I’m not the most artistic person. After I saw the finished product, I saw that not only was it fun … it also brought out a side of me I didn’t know was there,” Davis said. She likes the instruction that takes her step by step through a painting.
Lois Lauer, director of The Center in Palos Park, said she is seeing an increase in enrollment after it slumped during the recession. Many, she said, are retired people looking for a new social scene. Some are people who said they were very interested in art back in college or when they were children and want to give it another try. The Center offers a variety of classes in both fine arts and folk arts, like stained glass and basket weaving and jewelry making.
“It lets you express your own individuality,” Lauer said.
Park districts are also good places to dip your toe — or your brush — in the water.
The Orland Park Recreation Department offers adult classes that are drawing strong numbers in water colors and drawing, says Jean Petrow, recreation supervisor. The center is also offering linoleum block printing for the first time this spring as well as a winter stained glass class. While the classes there often skew toward seniors, they are open to all teens and adults.
“We don’t offer a lot, but the ones we do have are very strong,” Petrow said. “I pop in (to classes) sometimes, and I’m amazed at what these people can do.”
Shannon Olison, with the Homewood Flossmoor Park District, said the same of the people taking classes at the Irwin Community Center, where many students return to numerous classes with longtime instructors. Friendships have formed among the repeat students.
“They have really built a community,” Olison said. “Art classes are more than art classes.” The district is also offering a wine and painting night at the Clubhouse at Dolphin Lake next month.
Looking to try your hand at painting, drawing, sculpting, weaving, jewelry making or linoleum block printing? Here are a few places to start your search. Classes vary throughout the year, from one-time workshops to multi-week session.
*115 Bourbon Street
3359 West 115th Street Merrionette Park; 708-388-8881; 115bourbonstreet.com
Sandwiched between Hairbangers Ball, line dancing, Elvis nights and community fundraisers are painting parties. Check the calendar for events and themes.
*Beverly Arts Center
2407 W. 111th St., Chicago; 773-445-3838; Beverlyartcenter.org
The performance and cultural center includes classes for adults in numerous art forms. Winter session classes include clay-throwing and glass cutting, portrait photography and painting classes.
*The Log Cabin at the Center
12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park; 708-361-3650; Thecenterpalos.org
The Center offers courses and workshops in both fine arts and folk arts in the log cabin. Adult classes range from drawing and pastels to pottery, basket making, calligraphy, silver work, and lapidary.
*Homewood Flossmoor
Irwin Community Center, 18120 S. Highland Ave., Homewood; 708-957-7275
“Art studio” sessions that allow people to develop their interests with instruction in a “no-pressure learning environment.”
*McCord Gallery and Cultural Center
9602 W. Creek Road, Palos Park; 708-671-0648; [email protected]
The center offers a variety of classes, some specifically geared toward beginners. Multi-week classes include Impressionism, colored pencil techniques, and water colors, while one- or two-class workshops include silk painting and fused glass jewelry making.
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*Orland Park Cultural Center
14760 Park Lane, Orland Park; 708-349-1402; Orland-park.il-us
Water colors, linoleum block printing, stained glass, drawing and acrylics are on tap for teens and adults. Check the rec center’s program for specifics.
*Vogt Visual Arts Center
17420 S 67th Court, Tinley Park; 708-614-6503; www.tinleyparkdistrict.org
Oil painting, colored pencil drawing, mosaics and stained glass are among the adult classes offered. The center, housed in a historic home, even showcases student art.
Paige Fumo Fox is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.