Considered the community’s premiere arts facility, the Art Studio at Melas Park offers creative classes, workshops and birthday parties. Adult classes are taught by professional artists. Popular birthday party packages for girls and boys preschool through teens. Offering a wide variety of summer, school-year, and school-break programs.

Youth Weekly Classes

Kindergarten Art Adventure (Ages 5-6)

Join us for a creative adventure designed specifically for Kindergartners. We’ll discover artistic outlets with art and crafts projects for all seasons. Painting, crafting, creating with clay, plaster art, watercolors, holiday decor and more! Emphasis is on providing a stress free complement to a kindergartner’s day. Stay will us all year, no projects repeat!

Current Class Offerings


Introduction to Art Academy (Grades 1-4)

Do you enjoy art at school and wish the class would last longer? This class introduces you to the world of art including a variety of art and craft projects. Class focuses on skill development and technique. A perfect class to supplement school art curriculum and grow your confidence. Stay with us all year, no projects repeat!

Current Class Offerings


Intermediate Art Academy (Grades 5-8)

Explore the various mediums available: pencil, chalk, watercolor, acrylic, and more while learning about concepts such as line, shape, texture and color. Direction is provided towards completed projects. A true enhancement and skill development to supplement school art curriculum. Stay with us all year, no projects repeat.

Current Class Offerings


Advanced Art Academy Program (Grades 5-8)

Offers older students who are serious minded about art a place to experiment and develop. Each session will focus on three different techniques. New and continuing students are challenged with fresh ideas, improved technique and subject matter to advance their skills. Stay with us all year, no projects repeat!

Current Class Offerings

Adult Weekly Classes

Drawing and Painting (Ages 18+)

Learn to draw with confidence in this step by step program. Drawing is the cornerstone of all types of art. We will work with graphite, charcoal, conte, pastel and ink pens. Through direct observations of specimens or reference photos learn the concepts of line, space, form, value, dimensionality and expression. This class is for all levels of experience.
Instructor Leslie Menarik

Current Class Offerings


Oil or Acrylic Painting Studio Time (Ages 18+)

Come join us to get creative, relax and enjoy the art of painting. All skills levels are welcome from beginners to more experienced artists. Explore the concepts of form, value, composition, and brushwork techniques. Reference photos are supplied or bring your own.
Instructor
Leslie Menarik

Current Class Offerings


Watercolor for Adults (Ages 18+)

Explore your own artistic style with watercolor for all levels, from beginners to experienced artists. We will explore techniques in color mixing, brushstrokes, glazing and control. Join us to explore different projects and grow together in this supportive environment. There will be class projects and reference photos supplied or use your own.
Instructor
Leslie Menarik

Current Class Offerings

Specialty Classes & Camps

Mardi Gras MasterpiecesSaturday, February 21 | 9:30 AM-12:00 PM
It might not be New Orleans but you can still indulge in Mardi Gras fun with decorated masks, mixed media collage and more! You’ll want to parade around town with these projects!

Crafty Clovers, Lucky Charms (Ages 5-10)Saturday, March 7 | 9:30 AM-12:00 PM
Feeling lucky? Then leap on over to the art studio for a sham-rocking good time! With leprechauns, four leaf clovers and a bit of luck, we’ll create some beautiful handmade projects to put you in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit.

Mixed Media/Printmaking Workshop (Suggested Ages 11-16) Wednesdays, March 4-April 15 | 4:15-6:15 PM
Looking for a fun new medium to explore? Printmaking is an exciting new medium where the possibilities are endless! In this weekly workshop, we’ll explore different types of printmaking, including screen printing, linocut/block printing and more.

Sew Much Fun! Stitch & Create (Ages 8-13)Saturday, March 21 | 9:30 AM-12:00 PM
Love to get crafty? Join us for a fun-filled afternoon where you’ll learn how to use a sewing machine to make your very own creation! We’ll focus on safety first, then dive into designing, stitching, and decorating with colorful fall fabrics. Get ready to explore your creativity, learn new skills, and take home something awesome (and homemade!)

Art Start Camp (Ages 7-14)Monday, March 23-Friday, March 27 | 9:30 AM-12:00 PM
Our popular “all inclusive” art camp is back for spring break and combines both art and crafts. If you’re looking for an overall “art experience” this is the camp for you. Painting, drawing, design, color, dimension, and more; an “eclectic” combination of instruction, technique and individual exploration!

Build a Wall Sculpture (Ages 8-14)Saturdays, April 18 & 25 | 9:30 AM-12:00 PM
Young artists will learn to design and construct a wall sculpture using ordinary materials such as wire, wood sticks, and found objects. Taking inspiration from Chicago-area architecture and design styles plus their own imaginations, they will create a functional or purely decorative art piece to display at home or give as a gift.

Click Here to Register!

Birthday Parties

Make this year’s birthday colorful, creative and completely stress-free! At the Art Studio, parties are led by experienced studio staff who will lead and assist throughout the entirety of the party. We provide all the supplies, setup, and cleanup so you can relax and enjoy the celebration!

Party Details:
-2 hours

-Ages 5-14
-Min. 8, Max. 20 children
-2 projects per child (Slime Party: 2 slimes per child)
-Party times: 10 AM-12 PM or 1-3 PM (Saturdays) and 1-3 PM (Sundays)
-All art supplies included
-Tablecloths, plates & napkins provided in color of your choice
-Treats can be served during the last 20 minutes (cake/cupcakes/water/juice boxes only)
-$50 non-refundable deposit required
-Credit card required on your WebStore account for remaining party balance


Party Pricing:
-Standard Projects: $25/person
-Specialty Projects (custom ideas or themes): $28/person
-Slime Party: $30/person


Call the Art Studio for details and to book 847-342-0573.

Looking for a class supply list?

Visit the Forms & Downloads page


Attention Girl Scout, Boy Scout & Indian Princess Programs!

Try something “creatively” different and plan your next outing with us! Weeknights and some weekends are available with themed projects for all ages. Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of all levels can earn various artistic merit badges through The Art Studio as well as celebrate end of year or holiday parties.

For scheduling and more details, call the Studio 847-342-0573