Art Classes for Kids in Chicago IL

The Paintbrush, Chicago:
The Paintbrush, opened in 2005, is a children's art studio owned by sisters Melanie and Mindy Apel in Lakeview on the North Side of Chicago, Cook County, IL. At The Paintbrush, kids do more than just paint. Can your four-year old identify art by Miro or Picasso? Starting at 18 months old, kids learn about famous artists, listen to music and create their own inspired works of art and projects inspired by the artists' styles. The mission of The Paintbrush is to introduce young children to the wonderful world of art. The main goal is to teach kids to love art and have an understanding of the artists they study and whose works inspire their own creations.

Art Classes for Kids:
The Paintbrush offers a selection of classes geared to different ages along with workshops and summer camps. Classes are ongoing, so kids can join anytime.

- Tiny Artist's Classes: 
For ages 18 months - 4 years and parent / tot interaction with actively participating adult (45 minutes - adult participation required).

Our Tiny Artist's classes are designed for the youngest artists and their parents/caregivers. In a unique setting, parents work one-on-one with their children to guide their little ones through the necessary steps to create beautiful art. Each week we will introduce your child to a new artist. Then, we will instruct you in helping your child create a masterpiece of her / his own. We will read stories to reinforce our artist lessons, play games to reinforce color and shape recognition, and provide your children with an introduction to the basics of painting, coloring, cutting, gluing, patterning, following directions and so much more.

As young children have limited attention, we keep them moving from one art activity to another. All set to inspiring music, Tiny Artist's classes are a great first introduction to art – with all the mess staying in our studio and all the beautiful art work on display in your home. Tiny Artist's classes run in 16-week sessions but for your convenience we have a rolling admissions so you can start whenever you are ready (schedule and availability permititng), Tiny Artists classes are taught by lead teacher Miss Mindy, Miss Liz, and our new teacher, Miss Sierra.

- Apprentice's Classes: 
For ages 3 - 4 years with participting parent (45 minutes).
Apprentices are the 'tweens of our art studio. These 3 and 4 year olds are working on their independence while still requiring some parental guidance and assistance. Parent involvement is required, but not as intensely as in our Tiny Artist's classes. This class is a little bit Tiny Artist's and a little bit Little Master's. Apprentice's classes run in 16-week sessions, but for your convenience we have a rolling admission policy so you can start whenever you are ready (schedule and availability permititng), Apprentice's classes are taught by lead teacher Miss Mindy and our new teacher, Miss Sierra.

- Little Master's Classes: 
Drop-off for children ages 4 - 8 years (1 hour - Any class with fewer than 2 children enrolled will meet for 45 minutes).

Little Master's classes are for big kids who can write their own names and follow step-by-step instructions. Each week we will introduce your child to a new artist and look at/talk about an example of his or her work. We will provide your child with the necessary tools and guidance to create his/her own artist-inspired masterpiece. Kids in this class will work on their painting, coloring, cutting, gluing, patterning, listening and following directions skills. Little Master's will learn to recognize the works of various artists as well as artistic styles. And it’s all set to inspiring music.

We instill a love and appreciation of art in our students that we hope will last a lifetime. Little Master's classes run in 16-week sessions, but for your convenience we have a rolling admission policy so you can start whenever you are ready (schedule and availability permititng),  Little Master's classes are taught by lead teacher Miss Mindy, and Miss Liz.

- Drawing Classes: 
For ages 5 years+ (1 hour - FALL I: 6 weeks; FALL II: 9 weeks; FALL I&II Combo Pack: 15 weeks).

Drawing Class is for kids ages 5  and up who are ready to explore the specific skills required to draw faces, figures, animals, and more. This is a drop-off class. Fall Session I runs for 6 weeks and Fall Session II runs for 9 weeks (or do the Combo pack for all 15 weeks) and students are encouraged (but not required) to start at the beginning of a given session.

No previous drawing experience is necessary. For those who have been with us previously new techniques will be introduced. Fall Session I Drawing class is taught by Miss Carrie; Fall Session II is taught by our new teacher, Miss Sierra. 

- Water Color Workshop: 
For ages 5 years+ (1 hour - FALL I: 8 weeks).

Water Color Workshop explores techniques in water color painting. This drop-off class meets for 8 weeks and is for children ages 5 and up. Students are encouraged (but not required) to start this class on day one, as we will be building our knowledge base and skills from week to week. Water Color Workshop Fall Session I is taught by our new teacher, Miss Sierra.

- Summer Art Camp

* Note:  Minimum 3 students to open a class. The Paintbrush reserves the right to change our schedule or close any class that does not meet the minimum enrollment requirement. Schedule subject to change without notice.