· The most over the top Halloween Art Class you’ve ever encountered ·
Halloween themed art camps for ages 5-18 in the western suburbs of Chicago
Registration opens in July · Camps begin the last week of September and run through October
Limited enrollment · small groups
Academy of Witches
A MAKEart Creative Experience for the Fall
The Academy of Witches is a four-week · over the top · October art program where students step into a thoughtfully imagined world and get to work.
This is more than a themed craft day. It is a studio experience where students are busy from start to finish, building, designing, and problem solving through a series of connected projects. The energy is playful and imaginative, while the work stays focused and purposeful.
Students work in small groups using high-quality materials across prop building, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media. Each week builds on the last, with projects that develop over time and are meant to be kept, displayed, and brought out year after year.
Along the way, art connects with science, history, and design. Students experiment with materials, test ideas, and take ownership of their work as they build real skills and confidence.
The Academy of Witches runs for four weeks beginning in early October and replaces regular MAKEart classes during that time.
Registration opens in July. Many sessions fill quickly.
Academy of Witches: First Year - recommended for Ages 7-8
The Magic of Fairy Tales
Afternoon Session: 3:15-4:30 on Tuesdays September 30th, October 7, 14, and 21st
$190 Includes all supplies, including completed creative play objects; witch hat, spell book box, Icky Sticky Troll Toe Jam, a variety of potions in bottles, the cutest class photo ever, and time brewing in the black lights potion lab on the last day.
Minimum of 6 registered for the class to run. Maximum: 12
NOTE: It is important that your child is able to follow directions and work cooperatively with others. Also, children need to be able to use the bathroom by themselves. It is very helpful if you remind them to go beforehand.
Note: Due to availability of supplies, projects may be subject to change. Supply chains, witches - am I right?!.
Looking for more magic? Have a personalized Academy of Witches Acceptance Letter delivered to your witch or wizard. Find more information here.
Academy of Witches: Fifth Year - recommended for Ages 11-12
Enchanted Ecology: Fauna & Fungi
3:45- 5:45 on Thursdays, October 2nd, 9th, 16th, + 23rd
$285 Includes all supplies, including creative projects such as; sculpted fungi terrarium cloche display, preserved real insect, owl pellet dissection, and a variety of potions in bottles, with an emphasis on designing and aging labels.
Class must have 6 registered participants to run. Maximum of 12
Note: Students will be learning how to preserve and pin real (ethically harvested) insects for entomology study and display, as well as dissect real owl pellets. Please let me know if your child would prefer not to participate in those activities or if you have any allergy concerns.
Note: Due to availability of supplies, projects may be subject to change. Supply chains, witches - am I right?!.
Looking for more magic? Have a personalized Academy of Witches Acceptance Letter delivered to your witch or wizard. Find more information here.
One Day 60 minute Witch Academy Workshop: Bats
Join our coven and enjoy a magical experience with our 60-minute Black Light Potions Lab Workshop at MAKEart Studios. In this enchanting session, participants will enter a glowing world where they will brew their own potions under the mesmerizing glow of black lights. Each student will have the opportunity to label their potion with their own creative touch, making it a personalized keepsake. This immersive experience combines creativity, science, and a bit of magic, offering a unique and memorable activity for your group. Plus, everyone goes home with their very own potion creation, bat friend, and witch hat - a perfect reminder of their spellbinding adventure.
NOTE: Recommended for ages 4-7. It is important that your child is able to follow directions, work cooperatively with others and use the bathroom independently.
Monday, October 27th 2:15-3:15 - SOLD OUT
Tuesday October 28th from 3:30-4:30 - SOLD OUT
Minimum 6 students registered for class to run, class is filled at 10
If you would prefer to schedule a private workshop, with a coven of your own - check out more info HERE
Note: Due to availability of supplies, projects may be subject to change. Supply chains, witches - am I right?!.
Looking for more magic? Have a personalized Academy of Witches Workshop Letter delivered to your witch or wizard. Find more information here.
Email makeartstudios@gmail.com to join the waitlist.
Academy of Witches: Second Year - recommended for Ages 8-9
Famous Witches
3:30-5:00 on Wednesdays, October 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd
$227 Includes all supplies, including completed creative play objects such as; wand, Book of Ancestors, Crystal ball, Slime a la Eye of Graeae, a variety of potions in bottles, the cutest class photo ever, and time brewing in the glow in the dark potion lab on the last day.
Class must have 6 registered participants to run. Maximum of 12
Note: Due to availability of supplies, projects may be subject to change. Supply chains, witches - am I right?!.
Looking for more magic? Have a personalized Academy of Witches Acceptance Letter delivered to your witch or wizard. Find more information here.
Academy of Witches: Sixth Year - recommended for Ages 12-14
Herbology
6:30-8:30 on Tuesdays, September 30th, October 7, 14, 21st
$285 Includes all supplies, including creative projects such as; mandrake sculpture in pot, botanical press, sage smudge stick, and a variety of potions in bottles, with an emphasis on designing and aging labels.
Class must have 6 registered participants to run. Maximum of 12
Note: Due to availability of supplies, projects may be subject to change. Supply chains, witches - am I right?!.
Looking for more magic? Have a personalized Academy of Witches Acceptance Letter delivered to your witch or wizard. Find more information here.
One Day 90 minute Witch Academy Workshop: Ghosts
Unleash your child's creativity with a bewitching 1.5-hour workshop at MAKEart Studios. Students will dive into a series of fun and spooky activities, starting with the design of their own personalized witch hat. The magic continues as they craft a playful pet ghost and bottle up some eerie ectoplasm, perfect for adding a spectral touch to their display. The experience reaches its peak in the glow-in-the-dark Black Light Potions Lab, where each student will invent their own mystical concoction to take home. This workshop is a spellbinding blend of creativity and fun.
NOTE: Recommended for ages 6-8. It is important that your child is able to follow directions, work cooperatively with others and use the bathroom independently.
90 minute Witch Workshop: Ghosts - recommended for ages 5-7
Monday, October 27th 3:45-5:15
$65 Includes all supplies above
If you would prefer to schedule a private workshop, with a coven of your own - check out more info HERE
Note: Due to availability of supplies, projects may be subject to change. Supply chains, witches - am I right?!.
Looking for more magic? Have a personalized Academy of Witches Workshop Letter delivered to your witch or wizard. Find more information here.
Academy of Witches: Third Year - recommended for Ages 9-10
Monsters and Mythical Creatures
5:15-6:45 on Wednesdays, October 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd
$227 Includes all supplies, including completed creative play objects such as; Book of Monsters, Dragon prop, a variety of potions in bottles, as well as a class photo, and time brewing in the glow in the dark potion lab on the last week.
Class must have 6 registered participants to run. Maximum of 12
Note: We will be exploring a variety of Scientific items, including dissecting real oysters for pearls. Please let me know if you think your child would not enjoy this aspect or of there are any allergy concerns.
Note: Due to availability of supplies, projects may be subject to change. Supply chains, witches - am I right?!.
Looking for more magic? Have a personalized Academy of Witches Acceptance Letter delivered to your witch or wizard. Find more information here.
Academy of Witches: Seventh Year - recommended for Ages 13-16
Mystical Minerals, Crystals, and Rocks
6:00-8:00 on Thursdays: October 2, 9 16, and 23rd
$290 Includes all supplies, including creative projects such as; Chakra Crystal set, pendulum and orb, crystal covered skull, laughing stones, and a variety of potions in bottles.
Class must have 6 registered participants to run. Maximum of 12
Note: Due to availability of supplies, projects may be subject to change. Supply chains, witches - am I right?!.
Looking for more magic? Have a personalized Academy of Witches Acceptance Letter delivered to your witch or wizard. Find more information here.
Academy of Witches: Fourth Year - recommended for Ages 10-11
Focus on: Spells, Charms, and Talismans
4:45-6:15:pm on Tuesdays, September 30th, October 7, 14, 21st
$227 Includes all supplies, including completed creative projects such as; sculpted Book of Shadows, Fortune Teller, Evil Eye talisman bracelet, and a variety of potions in bottles, as well as a class picture.
Class must have 6 registered participants to run. Maximum of 12
Note: This class will be using a variety of clay and carving tools, hot glue, etc.
Note: Due to availability of supplies, projects may be subject to change. Supply chains, witches - am I right?!.
Looking for more magic? Have a personalized Academy of Witches Acceptance Letter delivered to your witch or wizard. Find more information here.
Black Hat Witch Academy: Advanced- recommended for Ages 14-18
Alchemy: Independent Study
7:00-9:00 pm on Wednesdays, October 1, 8, 15, and 22nd
Step into the studio as artist, inventor, and curious experimenter. In this advanced session for High School students, artists will explore the world of alchemy—where science meets magic, and transformation is the goal. We'll work with unexpected materials, push traditional techniques, and build strange, mysterious, and beautiful objects. No project is quite what it seems, and no two students will leave with the same results. If you're drawn to secrets, symbols, and making things that feel a little bit... otherworldly—this session is for you.
$290 Includes all supplies, including a plethora of creative Halloween themed projects.
Class must have 6 registered participants to run. Maximum of 12
Note: Students will be using sculpture tools, such as: spray paint, sharp shears, hot glue, and other potentially dangerous tools and materials in class, please make sure that your student is up for the task and can act responsibly.
Note: Due to availability of supplies, projects may be subject to change. Supply chains, witches - am I right?!.
Looking for more magic? Have a personalized Academy of Witches Acceptance Letter delivered to your witch or wizard. Find more information here.
Private Academy of Witches Workshops are designed for kids and teens who are enchanted by the mystical world of magic and witchcraft but are looking for an abbreviated version of the larger classes, working with a chosen coven of their own. Choose an option from below, gather a coven of your own, and contact Heather at makeartstudios@gmail.com to schedule your witchy workshop.
PRIVATE ACADEMY OF WITCHES WORKSHOP OPTIONS
Private Witch Academy Workshop: Bats: 60 min. Workshop - Transform your community group event into a magical experience with our 60-minute Black Light Potions Lab Workshop at MAKEart Studios. In this enchanting session, participants will enter a glowing world where they will brew their own potions under the mesmerizing glow of black lights. Each student will have the opportunity to label their potion with their own creative touch, making it a personalized keepsake. This immersive experience combines creativity, science, and a bit of magic, offering a unique and memorable activity for your group. Plus, everyone goes home with their very own potion creation and witch hat - a perfect reminder of their spellbinding adventure. For a coven of your choosing, up to 10 students.
Private Witch Workshop: Bats - A flat rate of $400 (or $380 cash) for up to 10 students Recommended for ages 4-7
Private Witch Academy Workshop: Ghosts: 90 min. Workshop - Unleash your group’s creativity with our bewitching 1.5-hour workshop at MAKEart Studios! Participants will dive into a series of fun and spooky activities, starting with the design of their own personalized witch hat. The magic continues as they craft a playful pet ghost and bottle up some eerie ectoplasm, perfect for adding a spectral touch to their display. The experience reaches its peak in our glow-in-the-dark Black Light Potions Lab, where each student will invent their own mystical concoction to take home. This workshop is a spellbinding blend of creativity and fun, offering a memorable and magical experience for your group. For a coven of your choosing, up to 10 students.
Private Witch Workshop: Ghosts - A flat rate of $550 (or $530 cash) for up to 10 students Recommended for ages 7-10
Private Witch Academy Workshop: Creepy Crawly: 120 min. Workshop - Step into a world of witchy wonder with our Academy of Witches workshop at MAKEart Studios! In just two hours, your group will dive into a series of magical activities that spark creativity and imagination. Each student will design their own unique witch hat, explore the fascinating realm of bugs and insects, and sculpt their very own creepy crawly creature to display. The adventure continues as they bottle up spooky treasures like spider silk and cockroaches, perfect for adding a touch of the eerie to their creation. Finally, the workshop culminates in our glow-in-the-dark Black Light Potions Lab, where each participant will brew a mystical potion to take home and add to their display. This immersive, hands-on experience is the perfect blend of art and enchantment, offering your group a memorable and magical escape. For a coven of your choosing, up to 10 students.
Private Witch Workshop: Creepy Crawly - A flat rate of $750 (or $720 cash) for up to 10 students Recommended for ages 7-12
Private Witch Academy Workshop: Dragons: 120 min. Workshop - Embark on a thrilling, magical adventure with our two-hour Academy of Witches workshop at MAKEart Studios, where students will dive into dragon lore and unlock their creative potential. Participants will design their own custom witch hat before sculpting an enchanted dragon eye treasure box to safeguard their most precious items. The experience continues as they bottle up magical ingredients like Dragon’s Breath and Dragon Scales, adding an extra layer of mystical fun. The workshop culminates in the glow-in-the-dark Black Light Potions Lab, where each student brews their own unique concoction to take home and add to their growing collection of enchanted items. Perfect for groups looking for a creative and magical experience! For a coven of your choosing, up to 10 students.
Private Witch Workshop: Dragons - A flat rate of $750 (or $720 cash) for up to 10 students Recommended for ages 8-13
NEXT STEPS
Form a wee coven of your own with a maximum of 10 students. (workshops are priced at a flat rate)
Note: Covens work best when students are of similar fine motor skill level, typically within a three year age span.
Choose the workshop that best suits your group, from the descriptions above - more pictures on instagram if you’re interested.
Email makeartstudios@gmail.com to schedule a time for your coven’s workshop. Limited availability, so not to put on the pressure, but don’t wait too long if you’re thinking about it. Workshops are being scheduled on October 20th, 24th, 27th, 28th, 29th, and 30th, Fall of 2025
Establish a date and time and Heather will send a proposal your way. If all looks good your payment in full books your spot.
Sit back and wait for the magic.
Send a personalized Academy of Witches Acceptance Letter to your witch or wizard.
Add to your cart when registering for Academy of Witches if interested.
Add to the magic by having an Academy of Witches Acceptance Letter delivered straight to the door of your witch or wizard.
Your Academy of Witches Acceptance Letter is delivered personalized, in a bewitching distinctive black envelope, hand addressed and wax sealed.
The letter arrives on antiqued, hand-finished parchment paper and features the official wax crest of the Academy of Witches and is signed by yours truly - Headmaster Heather Klausa, Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorceress, Chief Wizard, Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Witches.
Letters will be posted on or before the last week in September. If your order is placed after the last week in September, I will do my very best to get it out as quickly as possible trying to get it to you before the start of the Academy of Witches the first week of October.
Please make sure you fill in your students name and address exactly how you would like it to appear on your Academy of Witches acceptance envelope.
*The US Postal service can be quite fickle, if you don't receive your envelope by September 29th - please reach out by email and I will make sure I get it to your witch or wizard ASAP. If you prefer to not deal with the postal service, let me know by email (makeartstudios@gmail.com) and we can arrange for a porch pickup as an alternative.
*In some cases your letter will arrive in a protective outer manila envelope to ensure safe transport and delivery. In this case, the outer envelope will be plainly addressed to the adult with a return address of MAKEart Studios. This is to give families the opportunity to discard the outer envelope, and have your personalized acceptance envelope and letter arrive safely - giving you the opportunity to present it to your upcoming witch or wizard in the best condition possible.
2025 Schedule for Academy of Witches
Year I: Fairytales - Ages 7-8, Tuesdays, 3:15-4:30pm CURRENTLY FULL
Year II: Famous Witches - Ages 8-9, Wednesdays, 3:30-5:00 CURRENTLY FULL
Year III: Mythical Creatures -Ages 9-10, Wednesdays, 5:15-6:45 CURRENTLY FULL
Year IV: Spells, Charms, & Talismans -Ages 10-11, Tuesdays, 4:45-6:15 CURRENTLY FULL
Year V: Enchanted Ecology -Ages 11-12, Thursdays, 3:45-5:45 CURRENTLY FULL
Year VI: Herbology -Ages 12-14, Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 2 spots left
Year VII: Mystical Minerals- Ages 13-15, Thursdays, 6:00-8:00
Year VIII: Advanced Studios: Alchemy - Ages 15-18, Wednesdays. 7:00-9:00
Academy of Witches Workshops
BATS: Recommended for Ages 4-6, Monday October 27th from 2:15-3:15 CURRENTLY FULL
BATS: Recommended for Ages 4-6, Tuesday October 28th from 3:30-4:30 CURRENTLY FULL
GHOSTS: Recommended for Ages 5-7, Monday October 27th from 3:45-5:15 CURRENTLY FULL
Private Workshops are available upon request, Email for details.
If you wish to participate, but can not due to your financial situation - please contact me at makeartstudios@gmail.com to problem solve. Find more information about assistance offered in FAQ’s. If you are in a position to provide assistance to others, find more information about contributing here.
Disclaimer: I myself am not a witch. I am highly creative and good at pretending, so Academy of Witches is way over the top and super fun- but it is done in the spirit of Halloween. However, as students get older, discussions on the history of witches and modern practices might be part of the discussion.