Learn technique · Make it your own
art instruction for aspiring artists
Some of the most creative classes around town · All are welcome
Registration for Academy of Witches is open
Classes offered in October →
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 building creative, over the top, fall themed prop material.
The Academy of Witches runs for four weeks beginning in late September/early October and replaces regular MAKEart classes during that time.
Classes offered in November
art instruction for aspiring artists
MAKEart Workshops & Weekly Studio Classes
MAKEart classes are small group art classes that meet weekly and are tailored for arty teens. Themes, materials, and techniques change each session and are tailored to meet the needs and desires of registered students. MAKEart Weekly classes typically loosely follow the local school district’s calendar. Visit @makeartstudios on Instagram to see recent projects and get a sense of Heather’s teaching style and the studio space. Adult workshops and classes are offered throughout the year and under the adult tab in the upper left hand corner.
MAKEart Ages 7-9
Select Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30
Ignite your child's creativity with engaging art lessons that go beyond the classroom. Perfect as a supplement to their school art program, these dynamic sessions introduce students to modern artists, innovative techniques, and a range of high quality art materials. Projects typically span weeks, allowing for deeper exploration and hands-on learning. From discovering symmetry through the creation of mandalas to designing their own robots, and learning about contemporary artist and illustrator Oliver Jeffers, your child will dive into exciting, diverse art forms that inspire both skill and imagination.
Small Group Instruction. A minimum 6 people must be registered for the class to run, maximum of 12 in class.
Late Fall Session meets on Nov. 4, 11, 18 + Dec. 2, 9th
Nov/Dec Session: $125/ 5wk session
MAKEart Weekly art lessons geared towards ages 8-10
Select Tuesdays · 3:30-4:30
Ignite your child's creativity with engaging art lessons that go beyond the classroom. Perfect as a supplement to their school art program, these dynamic sessions introduce students to modern artists, innovative techniques, and a range of high quality art materials. Projects typically span weeks, allowing for deeper exploration and hands-on learning. From discovering symmetry through the creation of mandalas to designing their own robots, and learning about contemporary artist and illustrator Oliver Jeffers, your child will dive into exciting, diverse art forms that inspire both skill and imagination.
Small Group Instruction. A minimum 6 people must be registered for the class to run, maximum of 12 in class.
Late Fall Session meets on Tuesdays, Nov. 10, 17 and Dec. 1, 8, and 15th
$125/ 5wk session
MAKEart Weekly Art Class for ages 9-11
Select Tuesdays · 4:30-5:30
Ignite your child's creativity with engaging art lessons that go beyond the classroom. Perfect as a supplement to their school art program, these dynamic sessions introduce students to modern artists, innovative techniques, and a range of high quality art materials. Projects typically span weeks, allowing for deeper exploration and hands-on learning. From discovering symmetry through the creation of mandalas to designing their own robots, and learning about contemporary artist and illustrator Oliver Jeffers, your child will dive into exciting, diverse art forms that inspire both skill and imagination.
Small Group Instruction. A minimum 6 people must be registered for the class to run, maximum of 12 in class.
Late Fall Session meets on Tuesdays, Nov. 10, 17 and Dec. 1, 8, and 15th
$125/ 5wk session
MAKEart: Weekly studio art lessons developed for Middle School Students.
Select Tuesday evenings from 5:30-6:45pm
Studio time will be spent familiarizing the student with a variety of materials and processes. Working both on technique and content, students will be exposed to a variety of practices and materials that will help them find the best way to express themselves.
Subject matter, material, and conversation are more student led in this class than in the hour and 15 minute long MAKEart classes. With students in 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th grade mixing the conversations and artistic topics will lean to the more mature side of middle school. Teacher and student led in content; relationships and contrasts will be connected to other creative expression such as music, theatre, film, and architecture.
Enrollment fee at registration and then $20 cash per class attended
The expectation is that students will come the majority of the time, however - I find that this age group is extremely busy and if they have to skip every now and then due to conflicts, it's not a problem.You only pay for sessions that you attend plus the non refundable enrollment fee. Classes are held when there are 6 or more confirmed attendees, every now and then we hit a week where the majority of people can’t come, usually on a night of a large school event. In the rare case of fewer than 6 attendees confirmed, class will be canceled. You do not pay for the classes that you don’t attend, other than the non refundable enrollment fee.
Small Group Instruction. A minimum 8 people must be registered for the class to run, maximum of 12 in class.
Late Fall Session meets on Tuesdays, Nov. 10, 17 and Dec. 1, 8, and 15th
Enrollment Fee: $50
All supplies included, though students are encouraged to bring a sketchbook if they have one. Email: makeartstudios@gmail.com with any questions
PRIVATE STUDIO COHORTS · Gather the artists. I'll prepare the studio
Private Studio Cohorts are recurring weekly MAKEart classes reserved for groups of 8 to 12 similarly aged artists. Drawing from the same skill-building, materials-based approach as my regular classes, each cohort is thoughtfully planned around the age, experience, and interests of the group.
Well suited to homeschool groups, scout troops, neighborhood friends, and general groups of humans that would enjoy learning and creating together.
Email makeartstudios@gmail.com to ask about available times and group placement.
Homeschool Studio recommended for Ages 8-13
Select Tuesdays · 1:00-2:00pm
Increase your child's exposure to art and introduce them to modern artists and new practices. Students will learn about different art forms, materials, and artists from the past and present. Projects will span across multiple weeks and include a variety of practices. Examples could include; learning about the symmetry through the creation of mandalas, exploring the principles of design through stationary design, learning about modern day artist and illustrator Oliver Jeffers, and a variety of other art forms and practices.
Late Fall Session meets on Tuesdays, Nov. 17 and Dec. 1, 8, and 15th
$70/4 week session
Small Group Instruction. A minimum 8 people must be registered for the class to run, maximum of 12 in class.
Looking for older students? Visit our teen art classes or adult art classes
If you wish to participate, but are unable, 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.
Gift Certificate ‍ ‍Give the gift of creativity.
Certificate is good towards any kid, teen, or adult class or group workshop that is offered at make art studios in downers grove. Please note that classes need minimum enrollment to run and this certificate cannot be used for private workshops or lessons.
Gift certificate will expire one year from date received.
Choose amount below.
Gift certificates will be printed on high quality paper and must be picked up from the studio porch.
Please note that the pattern will vary
You will receive an email when it is ready with instructions for porch pick up. Please allow a couple of days.
*If you are out of town and purchasing for someone local to Downers Grove, please email me directly after purchasing for arrangement of alternative pickup, delivery, or, to arrange to receive the certificate by email. makeartstudios@gmail.com
Gift Certificates Give the gift of creativity this holiday season.
Gift certificate comes boxed and tightly tied to a golden delivery animal. + $10 -or- free for gift certificates valued at $200 or more.
Certificate is good towards any kid, teen, or adult class or group workshop that is offered at make art studios in Downers Grove. Please note that classes need minimum enrollment to run and this certificate cannot be used for private workshops or lessons.
Gift certificate will expire one year from date received.
Choose amount below.
Gift certificates are printed on high quality paper and will be popped in a box, wrapped in string, and strapped for delivery upon a golden animal’s back (sorry no choice in what animal - equal opportunity gift delivery employer)
Please allow three business days for pickup
Packaged gift certificates must be picked up from the studio porch in DG. You will receive an email when it is ready with instructions for porch pick up. Please allow a couple of days.
*If you are out of town and purchasing for someone local to Downers Grove, please email me directly after purchasing for arrangement of alternative pickup or delivery. makeartstudios@gmail.com
Boxed Gift Certificate Give the gift of creativity this holiday season.
Your gift certificate will be boxed + bowed, ready to gift upon pickup.
Certificate is good towards any kid, teen, or adult class or group workshop that is offered at make art studios in downers grove. Please note that classes need minimum enrollment to run and this certificate cannot be used for private workshops or lessons.
Gift certificate are sold in increments below with an additional $5 charge for the box and bow on gift certificates less than $200. Gift certificates will expire one year from date received.
Choose amount below.
Gift certificates will be printed on high quality paper, popped into a box and topped with a merry bow.
You will receive an email when it is ready with instructions for porch pick up. Please allow a couple of days.
*If you are out of town and purchasing for someone local to Downers Grove, please email me directly after purchasing for arrangement of alternative pickup or delivery. makeartstudios@gmail.com
MAKEart Studios offers small group art classes for kids, teens, and adults in Downers Grove. Programs include drawing, painting, mixed media, and themed studio sessions taught by professional artist and certified art educator Heather Klausa.