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Best Art Classes For Adults In Chicago

Looking for a fun and creative hobby this winter? Take a ceramics or sculpting class, or maybe a course in watercolors. These select arts organizations are wonderful resources to consider in developing one's artistic potential.

Art
(Credit: Lincoln Square Pottery Studio- Learning Center's Facebook)

Lincoln Square Pottery Studio
4150 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 248-4430
www.comeplaywithclay.com

A great ceramics learning center for beginners as well as advanced students, the Lincoln Square Pottery Studio focuses on the craft of working with clay to create interesting and aesthetically pleasing objects. The flexible schedule of courses offers methods of instruction to create artistic shapes from clay through introductory wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques; more advanced throwing classes are also available for ceramicists who feel ready to further develop their art. The center was opened in 2003 by Margaret Biddle, a teacher and long-time volunteer at the Jane Addams Hull House Association ceramics studio.


Palette and Chisel
1012 N. Dearborn St.
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 642-4400
www.paletteandchisel.org

Located in an historic Chicago landmark structure, the Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Arts is a warm and welcoming learning atmosphere for the novice, as well as a place to build camaraderie for the accomplished painter and sculptor. The curriculum offers open studio classes that encourage spontaneity in the exploration of figure drawing while providing a rigorous program of courses designed to develop more advanced skill levels. A bit like an artist's retreat for serious students who wish to qualify for membership, the academy grants association privileges that include unique opportunities to showcase artistic talent.

Related: Best Free Art Activities In Chicago

Art
(Credit: hydeparkart.org)

Hyde Park Art Center
5020 S. Cornell Ave.
Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 324-5520
www.hydeparkart.org

Founded in 1939, the Hyde Park Art Center is a hub of creativity whose mission is to promote the advancement of visual arts in a learning environment conducive to the discussion, practice and public engagement in the artistic process. Courses are designed to take students to the next level and are taught in all creative mediums, at multi-level and intermediate to advanced coursework. The HPAC is dedicated to supporting aspiring artists through residencies, scholarships and professional opportunities for growth. In celebration of its upcoming 75th anniversary, the Center will host a select variety of exhibits throughout the year.


School of the Art Institute of Chicago
36 S. Wabash Ave.
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 629-6100
www.saic.edu

An internationally recognized museum and academic institution whose reputation precedes it for excellence in the study of fine arts, the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago also offers non-credit, continuing education courses and public programs for personal enrichment. Students who wish to refine their skills or develop a foundation in the essentials of how to create an expressive drawing or painting will find that the classed offered will deepen their subjective understanding of the process. And to further enhance the learning experience, aspiring artists may attend any number of scheduled exhibitions, lectures or events.

Evanston Art Center
2603 Sheridan Road
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 475-5300
www.evanstonartcenter.org

A thriving arts organization on the north shore for more than 80 years, The Evanston Art Center is committed to developing a greater appreciation of the visual arts through its extensive educational classes and quality outreach programs. The EAC staff feels that art should be an important part of the community, and in that endeavor, facilitates the vibrant exchange of ideas in connecting many different kinds of people who happen to share a life-long interest in learning. Adult art courses offered include instruction in drawing, painting, sculpture and ceramics.

Related: Best Places For Glass Art In Chicago

Magdalene Paniotte is originally from Chicago and very pleased to be a CBS contributor. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre with graduate level credits in creative writing and liberal studies. Maggie enjoys developing her voice as a freelance writer. Her published articles can also be found at Examiner.com.

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