Discover the Best Art Classes in Chicago
Chicago has a rich history of art. One of Chicago’s first major art showings was held at the World’s Columbian Exposition, which featured Mary Casset and other well-known and important painters and sculptures. The Art Institute of Chicago (founded in 1866) houses hundreds of artists, architects, writers, and activists.
Modern-day Chicago is still a rich ground for artists of all kinds. There are amazing art museums, galleries, and shows that feature local and famous artists and celebrate creativity. Because of Chicago’s rich art history, it’s a great place to take art classes. You’ll find dozens of art schools offering painting, drawing, and sculpting courses. To find the best art classes in Chicago, visit CourseHorse to find current classes in your area.
Why You Should Learn Art in Chicago
There are many reasons why you should learn art in Chicago. First of all, art is a fun and rewarding hobby. You can learn art in your free time and have a new productive hobby. In addition, taking art classes in Chicago connects you to the area’s art history. You’ll be able to learn more about the artists that founded the Art Institute of Chicago and learn how to replicate their art styles.
In addition, learning art in Chicago will introduce you to others interested in the same styles. You’ll be able to join communities, clubs, groups, and events that feature local small artists. This will help you to connect to larger communities, network with other artists, and fill your free time with meaningful and fun activities.
If you’re interested in starting an art career, taking an art class is a great place to start. You can learn the basics of art and learn new techniques to begin creating your own style to help you stand out from other artists in the area.
You can also take art classes to learn more about the art history in your area. Art teachers will often touch on the important artists from Chicago to help you better understand the foundation of art.
In-Person Art Classes & Schools in Chicago
In-person art classes are the best way to learn art. You’ll get personalized feedback and instruction, live demonstrations, and chances to network with other artists in your area. You can take a one-time art class or sign up for a class that meets multiple times.
A great art class to take is Macbeth's Art (Ages 16+) from Evanston Art Center. This class meets six times for three hours and is located in Evanston, Illinois, making it a great course for those who live just outside the Chicago area.
This art class combines Shakespeare and art by creating paintings in response to Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.” It’s a unique course that allows students to shine in their creativity. The class has an average size of ten people and is open to artists and readers of all levels.
Another great class to take is Mixed Media Art from Discovery Center. The class meets four times for two hours each and is open to students ages 16 and older. During the class, students will create dynamic, multi-layered compositions with a variety of materials, including watercolors, acrylic ink, images, found objects, and pastels. In addition, students will learn photo transferring, collage, printing, drawing, painting, and assemblage.
All of the materials that you’ll need are included in the class. However, you’ll need to bring a $35 materials fee on the first day of class to use the plentiful materials available. This class also has an average size of ten people, which makes it perfect for those looking for smaller and more personalized art classes.
The Evanston Art Center also offers an Introduction to Figure Drawing course that meets for 12 sessions. This boot camp-style class welcomes intermediate students who have experience in drawing but have never attempted to capture the human body. The class uses nude models to help students better understand human anatomy.
Most of the class will use charcoal as a medium, but throughout the 12 weeks of classes, you’ll also learn to use ink wash and other techniques. You will also learn techniques of representation, such as composition, contract, and line quality. Although figure drawing is challenging, you’ll walk away from this class with a solid understanding of the most important concepts.
Evanston Art Center also offers a unique art class called The Artists’ Studio. This class meets for six sessions that offer studio time for you to work on projects of your personal preference with the availability of individualized instruction and techniques. You will be encouraged to explore new concepts of line, composition, color, and scale.
The class also includes group critiques and references to classic and contemporary art to inspire you. You can bring your choice of medium to the first class and learn from the others who attend. Each class lasts three hours, giving you plenty of time to learn in the art studio.
Since art is popular in Chicago, there are dozens of other schools that offer art classes. Visit CourseHorse’s website to see a list of the current in-person art classes in Chicago.
Virtual Art Classes & Schools
Virtual art classes are a great option for those who can’t or don’t have time to commute to in-person art classes. Online art classes offer many of the same benefits and aim to teach you the basics of art from an entirely remote setting, meaning that you can learn from the comfort of your own home. To give you a good idea of what to expect from online art classes, here are some of the most popular virtual classes available.
A unique class that you can take is Beginners Art Journaling from The Art Studio NY. This class meets for four sessions and lasts one hour and 15 minutes. It’s open to anyone ages 18 and older and teaches you to unlock your creative expression. The class focuses on “art journaling,” where you will express your inner world through a variety of materials, colors, layers, and subject matter.
Rather than focusing on a single piece, you’ll learn to create a journal that expresses your world of thought through mini art pieces that work together to create an overarching theme. It allows you to express your thoughts and creativity while combining mediums in a unique manner. The class calls itself a “Fear-Free Beginners Art Journaling Class” because you’re allowed to express yourself entirely and authentically.
If you’re new to art and want to learn the basics, consider taking Drawing for Beginners from 92nd Street Y. The class includes five sessions and is open to beginners. During the course, you’ll learn elements of art, including line, shape, shadow, value, tone, form, and perspective. The class also includes demonstrations and critiques to help you improve and learn from others in the class.
The Chicago Botanic Garden offers a class called Painting with Gouache: Online that meets six times for two and a half hours. During the class, you’ll learn how to use gouache, which is an opaque watercolor that has a flat, graphic quality that gives it a modern look. The class talks about artists who are well-known for using the medium, including Henri Matisse.
Private Group Art Classes in Chicago
Are you looking for a fun team-building activity in Chicago that can help alleviate the stress that your employees are facing? Holding a fun, enjoyable group activity that is centered on art can ensure that your employees get the time that they need to relax. CourseHorse offers several great art classes for private groups in Chicago that are perfect for businesses.
For example, consider taking Virtual Acrylic Painting (Materials Included). The class lasts for 90 minutes and is open for groups of up to 500 remote individuals. All of the materials will be shipped out to your group members before the class begins to ensure that everyone will be able to participate fully.
You can also select the image that you want the group to paint so that everyone can follow the instructor's lead as you use acrylic paint on a canvas. It’s the perfect class to help your group relax and rewind.
For more art classes, check out CourseHorse’s website. You’ll find dozens of art classes perfect for large groups to give back to your employees. You can also find classes to help your group learn new skills and learn great hobbies.
