Learn technique · Make it your own
art instruction for aspiring artists
Some of the most creative classes around town · All are welcome
Teen drawing and painting classes taught by a working artist in Downers Grove.
MAKEart Weekly 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: Weekly studio art lessons developed for Middle School Students and early High School ages 12-15
Select Tuesday evenings from 6:30-7:45
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 Spring Session: Tuesdays 6:30-7:45 on April 28th + May 5, 12, + 19, 26th
*Please note that this schedule is one week later than the other MAKEart Classes
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
MAKEart High School Studio
Select Wednesdays 7:00-8:30pm
This hour and a half studio time will be spent challenging High School aged students with a variety of materials, processes, and themes. 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 as well as build a portfolio. Students will also be exposed to local working artists and be introduced to their practices and experience.
Students should have basic drawing and painting skills upon registration.
Teacher led, but content driven by student interest. Relationships and contrasts will be connected to other creative expression such as music, theatre, film, and architecture and students will be exposed to a variety of modern artists through various outlets. Students will also have the opportunity to meet other working professional artists and engage in discussions and critique.
Small group instruction (minimum of 6 registered for class to run, maximum 12)
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 that holds your spot. Class is held when there are 6 or more confirmed attending, 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
Late Spring Session: Wednesdays 7:00-8:30 on April 22, 29th + May 6, 13, + 20th
Enrollment Fee: $55
All supplies included, though students are encouraged to bring a sketchbook if they have one.
Email: makeartstudios@gmail.com with any questions
MAKEart Summer Studios
Studio Practice Intensive
June 1–4 | 10:00-1:00 | Ages 12–18
Studio Practice Intensive is designed for students who are ready to spend focused time working like artists. Over four days, students explore prompts, materials, and ideas that encourage experimentation, independence, and creative decision-making.
Rather than following a single project, students develop work through drawing, painting, and mixed media exploration while learning how artists move from early ideas to finished pieces. Emphasis is placed on process, observation, and building confidence in personal artistic voice.
This small-group studio experience is ideal for students who enjoy working more independently and want time to push their skills further in a supportive environment.
$320
All supplies included. Headphones and music devices are allowed to help students build their own studio practice routines. Class takes place from 10:00-1:00 with a short critique break about half way through each day. Students may bring a lunch or snack to eat during critique time if they so choose.
Min: 5 Max: 12
Students will use a variety of tools and materials such as various drawing and painting materials, spray paint, sharp tools, alcohol inks, and more. It is important that students are able to follow directions and use tools and materials responsibly.
MAKEart Summer Studios
Pocket Gallery Artist Residency
August 10–14 | Afternoon Session 11:30-1:30 | Ages 10–18
The Pocket Gallery Artist Residency invites students to work as exhibiting artists, creating small-scale artwork designed specifically for display. Throughout the week, students develop original pieces while learning how artists prepare work for presentation, including finishing details, artist statements, and installation planning.
Students explore materials and ideas at their own pace while receiving individual guidance in a studio-style environment. The residency concludes with student artwork ready for exhibition in the MAKEart Pocket Gallery.
Ideal for students who enjoy thoughtful making and want to experience the process of preparing work for a real gallery setting.
$300
All supplies included
Min: 5 Max: 12
Students will use a variety of tools and materials. It is important that students are able to follow directions and use tools and materials responsibly.
Looking for classes for a different aged students? Visit our kid classes or adult art classes
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
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
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.
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.