Classes

This class is for students who have reached the mid level to advanced level of figure drawing. We will be moving at a fast pace with emphasis on further developing the students current abilities. Model studies will be from two to three weeks each allowing the individual students to explore questions and solve problems in their work. This class is not appropriate for beginners.
(Price includes weekly Live Model Fee)

Learn to really use your digital camera and enhance your computer skills. We will introduce Adobe Bridge and Photoshop as well. Students should bring their digital camera, cable, manual and any accessories to the first class.

This fun and informative course provides a great foundation for the mosaic beginner, but there is so much information that most people come back time after time. Bernadette will take you through the mosaic creative process one step at a time, way beyond the concept of “crazy paving” and ”colouring in” with broken tiles. Lots of diff erent mosaic materials will be covered. Students provide their own materials. You will learn cutting, shaping techniques and classical laying techniques of the tesserae from first principles.

This exciting watercolor class will give students an opportunity to express their creativity with watercolor paints and/or watercolor pencils on paper. We will be exploring many traditional techniques such as wet-into-wet, dry brush, wet-into-dry, sponging, graduated washes, and more. Supplies are required.

Ideally suited for parents who have kids in camp or individuals who love immediate gratification, we will use forging and wire wrapping techniques to hammer out a number of pairs of earrings or pendants in this 2 week crash course. All levels welcome. Copper and Etchant solution supplied.

Ideally suited for parents who have kids in camp or Individuals who love immediate gratification, we will use forging and wire wrapping techniques to hammer out a number of pairs of earrings or pendants in this 2 week crash course. All levels welcome. Copper wire supplied.

In this multi-level class, demonstrations will be tailored to the skill levels of the students. While working on a project of your own design, learn or enhance your skills in soldering, riveting, etching and forming. All levels welcome ($20 supply fee included in class cost).

Artists at all levels will use the language of form, color, and line to create art with varying degrees of independence from visual references. Since abstraction exists along a continuum we will explore and develop art ranging from partially abstracted to totally non-objective. Class explores abstract art styles (i.e. cubism, expressionism) and focuses on personal expression and group processing.

You will learn and investigate painting with pastel. Pastel is a medium that allows you to use pure dry pigments, while learning the techniques and tricks from an expert in a friendly atmosphere.

Landscape painting where it all happens…Outside. Every two weeks we will be relocating to a diff erent side on the North Shore to experience painting from life. Learn composition, color, perspective and how to make a quick oil sketch.

This 4 week course is aimed at giving beginning social media students a good foundation in the world of social media. It provides an equal balance of interactive presentation, discussion and group work on the applications that personal and businesses should be starting to use in their marketing mix. Ages: 40 and up.

No experience needed! All skill levels are welcome. The emphasis will be on learning how to use the potter’s wheel. The class does include the basics of clay – coil, pinch pots and slab methods of making functional and sculptural pieces that will be glazed and food safe. (Class fee includes supply fee for clay, firing and glazes).

Learn to compose great pictures In natural light settings. Students will learn about composition, lighting and easy pointers for great shots.

No experience needed! All skill levels are welcome. The emphasis will be on learning how to use the potter’s wheel. The class does include the basics of clay – coil, pinch pots and slab methods of making functional and sculptural pieces that will be glazed and food safe. (Class fee includes supply fee for clay, firing and glazes).

Learn to compose great pictures In natural light settings. Students will learn about composition, lighting and easy pointers for great shots.

Students learn a variety of printmaking techniques for both wheel thrown and hand built ceramic forms. The class will focus on silk screening, woodcuts, monoprints, and etching/carving on clay. No experience needed. (Class fee includes $25 for clay, glazes and firing)

Learn to use fl ash on and off camera to enhance your current photography and create exciting new images. Digital SLR, and detachable fl ash required. Additional equipment will be discussed in class.

Students will learn the basics of cartooning. Create characters and use their imagination to create original designs on T-Shirts.

Explore ways to make your own unique pattern through stamping, unusual hammer marks, piercing and embossing metal. “Set” your newly patterned piece around a silver band creating a captured band ring. Students will create one band ring for themselves or someone special. All levels welcome.

Learn how to build a dimensional gemstone ring made only of fi ber! Create your ring in paper before moving to thread. Select from a variety of provided fl at patterns (or make your own). Using a sewing machine, build the components of your ring with thread. Watch as objects take form once hand sewn together. Students will complete one fi ber ring while learning the basics of free form machine embroidery. All Levels welcome.

Students will learn the basics of cartooning. Create characters and use their imagination to create original designs on T-Shirts.

Please note corrected times for this class. Fuse enamel glass to copper! You will use the kiln and torch for firing opaque and transparent colors. Learn basic enameling techniques for layering, sifting, sgraffito and Limoges painting. Make a pendant with a tab setting as well as your own enamel stones that can be set as stones. Some sawing and forming techniques will be utilized. Demonstrations and discussion will be held throughout class. All levels welcome. 18 and older. ($25 materials fee included in price).

Discover how to draw the human form from live models. Explore gesture, anatomy, line, and tone using a variety of drawing tools. Each class will include quick gesture and longer poses and is great for beginners or for those who have been away from the drawing board for a while.
(Price includes weekly live model fee)

For students with previous painting or drawing experience, to further investigate traditional skills such as brushwork, color theory, composition, glazing; and non-traditional techniques such as mixed media and photo transfers. Use oil or acrylic paint, and/or all drawing media while developing your own style.
Ages 16 and over.

Fuse enamel glass to copper! You will use the kiln and torch for firing opaque and transparent colors. Learn basic enameling techniques for layering, sifting, sgraffito and Limoges painting. Make a pendant with a tab setting as well as your own enamel stones that can be set as stones. Some sawing and forming techniques will be utilized. Demonstrations and discussion will be held throughout class. All levels welcome. 18 and older. ($25 materials fee included in price).

All levels of experience will explore the exciting techniques of silk painting, including batik and gutta resist methods. Fiber reactive dyes will be used to create dazzling eff ects on silk fabrics. Supplies required and a $20 supply fee included in class cost for items provided by instructor.

For students with previous painting or drawing experience, to further investigate traditional skills such as brushwork, color theory, composition, glazing; and non-traditional techniques such as mixed media and photo transfers. Use oil or acrylic paint, and/or all drawing media while developing your own style.
Ages 16 and over.

All levels of experience will explore the exciting techniques of silk painting, including batik and gutta resist methods. Fiber reactive dyes will be used to create dazzling effects on silk fabrics. Supplies required and a $20 supply fee included in class cost for items provided by instructor.

Have you ever thought about painting on something other than a fl at (2D) surface? In this class you will begin with primer and acrylic paints, mix color and learn design concepts. Start with painting on an actual Ostrich egg (Empty paint ready). This beautiful natural shape will allow you to create art without edges. It keeps going around and around. The sky is the limit. Ostrich egg included in class price and will be supplied.

This class will focus on composition, texture and light. Students will learn how to use a manual camera. We process our fi lm and print pictures. From start to print, this is an exciting class. Black & White film required.

Explore all the possibilities of what you can achieve through drawing, painting and collage. We will use many mediums and techniques to create amazing works of art.

This class will focus on composition, texture and light. Students will learn how to use a manual camera. We process our fi lm and print pictures. From start to print, this is an exciting class. Black & White film required.

Explore all the possibilities of what you can achieve through drawing, painting and collage. We will use many mediums and techniques to create amazing works of art.

Beginning students will learn the basics of acrylic painting, from choosing colors, laying down paint, to composition and techniques. Experienced students will be challenged to advance to the next level w/customized projects and subject matter.

Come explore as you learn to throw on the wheel and hand build with clay. No experience necessary. You will learn to throw bowls, mugs, vases and more. Hand build serving trays, boxes, and work of all shapes using various tools and texturing techniques. Décorate and glaze your pieces before they are fi red In the kiln. (Class fee includes $25 for one bag of clay, firing, glazes).

Students will learn and expand their drawing skills as well as approach color through color mixing. Students will then utilize color mixing knowledge through the use of watercolor, colored pencils, pastel, acrylic and ink wash. Composition, contrast, values and perspective will also be discussed.

Improve the quality of your Digital Photography. In this beginning class you will learn all the basics of Photoshop including how to edit, enhance, restore and print your favorite images. Digital Camera functionality will also be covered. Requires knowledge of Windows or Mac.

Have fun exploring and learning about the ancient art of mosaics using contemporary materials such as glass, tile, stones, ceramics, and found objects. This class will cover design elements, materials, substrates, tools and adhesives. Students will receive Individualized Instruction for their skill level and for their chosen 2D or 3D projects. Tools and basic materials will be provided.

This summer, further develop or create an art portfolio for college admission. Learn about a wide range of subject matter, techniques, critiques, and media exploration. Receive individual help specific to the portfolio process and how to present your portfolio to college admissions officers.

3 Week Class

This summer, further develop or create an art portfolio for college admission. Learn about a wide range of subject matter, techniques, critiques, and media exploration. Receive individual help specific to the portfolio process and how to present your portfolio to college admissions officers.

3 Week Class

For students with previous painting or drawing experience, to further develop traditional skills such as brushwork, color theory, composition, glazing; non-traditional techniques such as mixed media and photo transfers. Use oil or acrylic paint, and/or all drawing media while developing your own style. Ages 16 and over.

Improve the quality of your Digital Photography. In this beginning class you will learn all the basics of Photoshop including how to edit, enhance, restore and print your favorite images. Digital Camera functionality will also be covered. Requires knowledge of Windows or Mac.

Learn the basic fundamental skills from composition, proportion, values and perspective to diff erent techniques and mediums. Individual attention for every skill level.

Discover clay and create functional as well as sculptural art pieces. No experience necessary. You will learn to throw bowls, mugs, and vases on the potter’s wheel as well as hand building serving trays, boxes, and abstract work using various tools and texturing techniques. Decorate and glaze your pieces before they are fired in the kiln. (Class fee includes $25 for one bag of
clay, firing, glazes)

If you want to change from a technical photography course, but like the motivation and support of a class, Professional Practices is for you. Class includes instructor presentation, review of historical and contemporary photographers, one-on-one guidance and group input on building your photography portfolio. Students should bring most recent work to 1st class.

Sculpting the figure in clay is one of central methods artists use to understand the human form. Create sculpture of the fi gure in clay using gesture, balance, proportion, anatomy and technical fundamentals to expand your current abilities in a supportive atmosphere. Work in either representation or abstract forms. Students of all experience levels are welcome. Come get dirty and learn with me! (Includes a weekly model fee)

Work with an artist and psychologist to explore the unique relationship between brain and creativity. Class has been described as “mind blowing”. Stimulate creativity, stretch your mind, overcome blocks. Understand how you think and process information. Class focuses on exploration and personal discovery and combines lecture, art exercises, cooperative group processing and sharing.

Instructor will provide private, individualized instruction and constructive critique for painters in any medium (acrylic, oil, watercolor, etc.) Students work individually and receive technical and critical support. Entire class time is dedicated to studio time with consultation from instructor.

In this 4 hour class students will learn the basics of jewelry fabrication including sawing, silver soldering, bezel setting and fi nishing. Students can expect to go home with at least one piece of jewelry. Copper will be used for class projects (silver is available for an additional charge).

Still got energy after camp? We’ll make things to use for eating and drinking, try the potters wheel, and hand build lots of fun pieces. Dress for mess. (Class fee includes supply fee for clay, fi ring and glazes).

Using digital cameras, students will learn and enhance skills by taking pictures with different lighting, camera angles, and depth of fi eld to create interesting compositions. Class instruction includes discussing and enhancing images on the computer. Please bring a digital camera and manual to the first day of class.

Still got energy after camp? We’ll make things to use for eating and drinking, try the potters wheel, and hand build lots of fun pieces. Dress for mess. (Class fee includes supply fee for clay, fi ring and glazes).

Using digital cameras, students will learn and enhance skills by taking pictures with different lighting, camera angles, and depth of fi eld to create interesting compositions. Class instruction includes discussing and enhancing images on the computer. Please bring a digital camera and manual to the first day of class.

In this multilevel class you will learn to create paintings by planning ahead, from preliminary drawings, to studies, to a fi nished piece. Start with small sketches and advance to small paintings. Choose your medium and level of instruction.

In this class students will create charms, earrings, or a small pendant in wax then transform them/it to bronze through the lost wax process. Silver may be used for an extra charge.
(Note: the night we cast, the class may run late depending on class size).

Take the next step in Digital Photography. This class will involve many more Photoshop tricks and techniques and more shooting with a digital camera. Experience with digital photography and basic Photoshop required.

All levels welcome! We’ll explore both the wheel and hand building techniques, texturing and different surface treatments. (Class fee includes supply fee for clay, firing and glazes).

Add new dimensions to your art. Students will explore the many techniques contemporary artists are using in 2D and 3D art; combine collage, photo transfers, paint, wood, found objects, textiles, beads, metal and more. Students will be given individual guidance to develop their projects. Ages 16 and over. (2 faculty Members present for class)

Take the time to pursue your own individual ideas through your art. Work in the medium of your choice from watercolor, acrylics and oils to pastels, charcoal or colored pencil. Working from photos, still life or your imagination. Instruction will be given on techniques to develop your work.

Gain the perspective of two teachers. For Intermediate students, this class explores the many techniques Involved In taking Ideas from conception to the completion of wearable metal art. Individual students’ skills will be expanded as we delve Into etching, sawing, soldering, riveting, texturing, stone-setting, and fold forming. ($20 supply fee included in class cost).

Chicago is a great metropolitan city with amazing urban locations. Join an experienced film director on 4 organized fi eld trips to fi nd the best unknown shooting spots in Chicagoland. Digital camera is required and emphasis is on creativity, light and composition.

Have fun exploring and learning about the ancient art of mosaics using contemporary materials such as glass, tile, stones, ceramics, and found objects. This class will cover design elements, materials, substrates, tools and adhesives. Students will receive Individualized Instruction for their skill level and for their chosen 2D or 3D projects. Tools and basic materials will be provided.

Ready to take your work to the next level? In this advanced class, students will be encouraged to stretch their comfort zone and work on independent projects utilizing advanced skills. Working around other advanced students often brings creative synergy, and students in this class may find they learn as much from their peers as the instructor. Students must have at least one year of metals instruction, and should be comfortable with most aspects of the metals studio. ($20 supply fee included in class cost).

Always wanted to learn to draw and create those designer fashions you love? This is the class for you. Turn those fashion illustrations and sketches into real clothes. Students will explore a variety of techniques. Class size is limited.

Always wanted to learn to draw and create those designer fashions you love? This is the class for you. Turn those fashion illustrations and sketches into real clothes. Students will explore a variety of techniques. Class size is limited.

While working on a project of your own design, learn intermediate class, students must have completed one previous metals / jewelry class. ($20 supply fee included in class cost).

Sketch and paint in a fun and relaxed environment. Work from a live model. All levels from novice to experienced are welcome. Use the medium you enjoy the most. Limited materials supplied. (Weekly model fee included.)

For both the beginner and intermediate adult ceramicist. We will work on projects from inception to completion. Working both on the pottery wheel as well as hand building. Exploring many diff erent techniques both with wet clay and glazing. All works will be food safe and user friendly. (Class fee includes supply fee for clay, firing and glazes)

Drop in, informal workshop for all levels. Work in any media from a live model. TAC
Membership required for this class. Model fee included.
TAC Members $18.00/week OR TAC Members $165 for 10-Class Punchcard

ONLY PUNCHCARD AVAILABLE FOR ONLINE PURCHASE

Drop in classes must be purchased in the TAC Office.

This exciting watercolor class will give students an opportunity to express their creativity with watercolor paints and/or watercolor pencils on paper. We will be exploring many traditional techniques such as wet-into-wet, dry brush, wet-into-dry, sponging, graduated washes, and more. Supplies are required.

Portraiture instruction for all levels. Study form through anatomy, values, color theory and lighting on a costumed model. Work In the medium of your choice. Weekly model fee included.

If you want assignments that encourage creativity, then this Is the class for you. We will review historical and contemporary photography as well as make our own photographs based on assignments given every other week. Class will include critique and Shooting and Photoshop technique as needed. Intermediate / Advanced.

Learn to express your ideas though cartooning. Drawing techniques, characterizations and story lines will be explored.

Open studio time offers TAC Members a flexible time to come in and work on their own paintings in a studio setting. Must be a TAC Member and able to work independently to participate.
$16 for 3 hours of studio time
$140 for 10 3-Hour Blocks (Punchcard)

ONLY 10 STUDIO PUNCHARD AVAILABLE FOR ONLINE PURCHASE

Individual Studio passes must be purchased in TAC Office.

For beginning and intermediate Students, learn all the techniques required to make a decorative lidded jewelry box, including sawing, fi ling, piercing, riveting, scoring and bending, soldering, hollow forming, creating a fi tted lid, fabricating hinges and catches and applying color to your metal. Students will complete a hollow-constructed box with hinge and clasp or apply techniques to Independent projects. All Levels welcome.

No experience needed! All skill levels are welcome. The emphasis will be on learning how to use the potter’s wheel. The class does include the basics of clay – coil, pinch pots and slab methods of making functional and sculptural pieces that will be glazed and food safe. (Class fee includes supply fee for clay, firing and glazes).

This class focuses on taking materials we would normally throw away and recreating them into an art form. You don’t have to know how to paint or sculpt – just be willing to collect. Students are asked to bring in anything to be recycled into art: old electronics, bottles, cans, old toys, anything! Create art treasures!

This class is for young people who want to gain confidence in their art skills by painting on canvas. Experimentation will be done with acrylic paint to better understand color, composition and technique.

Learn to identify Masterpiece paintings by the “old” and “modern” masters. Students will travel through history learning the philosophies of art during various time periods, all while painting masterpieces of their own.

Create mosaic art to wear. Students will learn the basics of mosaic design and tool use to create a beautiful mosaic pendant using a range of materials including stained glass, glass rods, mirror, beads and Italian millefi ori. The pendant base, materials, and tools will be provided. Ages 14 and up.

Learn to express your ideas though cartooning. Drawing techniques, characterizations and story lines will be explored.

No experience needed! All skill levels are welcome. The emphasis will be on learning how to use the potter’s wheel. The class does include the basics of clay – coil, pinch pots and slab methods of making functional and sculptural pieces that will be glazed and food safe. (Class fee includes supply fee for clay, firing and glazes).

This class focuses on taking materials we would normally throw away and recreating them into an art form. You don’t have to know how to paint or sculpt – just be willing to collect. Students are asked to bring in anything to be recycled into art: old electronics, bottles, cans, old toys, anything! Create art treasures!

This class is for young people who want to gain confidence in their art skills by painting on canvas. Experimentation will be done with acrylic paint to better understand color, composition and technique.

Learn to identify Masterpiece paintings by the “old” and “modern” masters. Students will travel through history learning the philosophies of art during various time periods, all while painting masterpieces of their own.

Learn to express your ideas though cartooning. Drawing techniques, characterizations and story lines will be explored.

Open studio time offers TAC Members a flexible time to come in and work on their own paintings in a studio setting. Must be a TAC Member and able to work independently to participate.
$16 for 3 hours of studio time
$140 for 10 3-Hour Blocks (Punchcard)

ONLY 10 STUDIO PUNCHARD AVAILABLE FOR ONLINE PURCHASE

Individual Studio passes must be purchased in TAC Office.

Learn the basic principles of modeling in the clay that the professionals use. Experience the creative process making your own fi gures and action fi gure heroes.

Open studio time off ers TAC members a fl exible time to come in and work on their own ceramic projects. This is independent work time. Students must have experience working with clay and be self-suffi cient to participate. (Price includes firing & glazes, clay not included).
$10 per week for Current TAC Students / $25 per week for Non-Student Members

ONLY AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE IN TAC OFFICE

Drawing and painting for kids provides an introduction to technical painting and drawing skills. Class projects cover portraiture, drawing people, animals, food, still lifes, etc.

This class is for students who are ready for more challenging drawing and painting projects. Students will practice developing realism in their artwork and work w/more sophisticated materials. We will also discuss certain periods in art history and review important art vocabulary.

Explore the ancient art of Shibori, the Japanese method of tying or stitching fabric for design before dyeing. We will bind, stitch, fold, twist, and compress fabric to create amazing and unique patterns. All students will create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind scarf during this afternoon workshop.

Learn to express your ideas though cartooning. Drawing techniques, characterizations and story lines will be explored.

Learn the basic principles of modeling in the clay that the professionals use. Experience the creative process making your own fi gures and action fi gure heroes.

Drawing and painting for kids provides an introduction to technical painting and drawing skills. Class projects cover portraiture, drawing people, animals, food, still lifes, etc.

This class is for students who are ready for more challenging drawing and painting projects. Students will practice developing realism in their artwork and work w/more sophisticated materials. We will also discuss certain periods in art history and review important art vocabulary.

Come explore as you learn to throw on the wheel and hand build with clay. No experience necessary. You will learn to throw bowls, mugs, vases and more. Hand build serving trays, boxes, and work of all shapes using various tools and texturing techniques. Decorate and glaze your pieces before they are fired in the kiln. (Class fee includes $25 fee for one bag of clay, firing and glazes).

Explore the art of mosaics when you create a 10 x 10 mosaic mirror In this introductory workshop. Students will learn the fundamentals of mosaics Including design, selecting materials, cutting techniques and grouting. By the end of the day you will leave with a completed one of a kind mosaic mirror. The mirror, tools, materials, adhesive and grout will be provided. Ages 14 and up.

Try something new with your teen. Week 1 we will learn to make something on the potter’s wheel and a hand built piece. Week 2 we will glaze our work, and do wheel drawings. (Class fee includes supply fee for clay, fi ring and glazes). Prices based on per person.

Explore the art of mosaics when you create a 10 x 10 mosaic mirror In this introductory workshop. Students will learn the fundamentals of mosaics Including design, selecting materials, cutting techniques and grouting. By the end of the day you will leave with a completed one of a kind mosaic mirror. The mirror, tools, materials, adhesive and grout will be provided. Ages 14 and up.

Create mosaic art to wear. Students will learn the basics of mosaic design and tool use to create a beautiful mosaic pendant using a range of materials including stained glass, glass rods, mirror, beads and Italian millefiori. The pendant base, materials, and tools will be provided. Ages 14 and up.

Learn Dichroic Glass Fusing utilizing slide, gold transfer, and Millefiori. Gain the technical expertise to continue to fuse on your own. Students at any skill level enjoy learning and experimenting while making several pieces of wearable art.