YOUTH ART CLASSES
July 6 - August 29
Weekly Art Classes
in Crystal Lake
for ages 6-17
Class fees from $65-$130
Art classes run year-round in 2-month sessions, meeting weekly
July 6 - August 29
Weekly Art Classes
in Crystal Lake
for ages 6-17
Class fees from $65-$130
Art classes run year-round in 2-month sessions, meeting weekly
July-August
youth art classes
CRYSTAL LAKE STUDIO
Note: Art classes typically run in 8 week sessions all year round. Some classes have availability to join mid-session if there is room in the class.
YOUNG ARTISTS
Step-by-step art, AGES 6-8; 9-12 LET'S SCULPT - SAT 11:00AM
Let's Sculpt
Torie Mertens SAT 11:00am-12:20pm Ages 6-8 $130 for 8 weeks Crystal Lake studio Learn how to design and sculpt, then paint your creations. Try animals, characters, mini food, more! Build skills and have fun. New projects every session. This is a step-by-step project-based class. Drop-off class. title 1
MINI-MONET - TUES OR WED 4:00PM
Mini-Monet
TUES 4:00-5:20pm; Age 6-8 Alisia Duran WED 4:00-5:20pm; Age 6-8 Alisia Duran $130 for 8 weeks Create art using a variety of techniques and mediums. Explore drawing, painting, mixed media and more. New skills & projects taught each session. Artwork is based on explorations of famous artists' paintings and drawings, with fun new twists! This is a step-by-step project-based class, where students follow the instructor example, but can choose their own colors, style, and more.. Drop-off class. 
DRAWING & PAINTING
Open studio art, AGES 8-12, 13-17 CRYSTAL LAKE STUDIO Note: Art classes run in 7-8 week-long sessions all year round CREATIVE CHOICE - MON, TUES OR SAT
Creative Choice
Therese Wiser MON 5:30-6:50pm; age 8-12/13-17 TUES 5:30-6:50pm; age 8-12/13-17 SAT 9:30-10:50am; age 8-12/13-17 $130 for 8 weeks NEW! THURS 4:00-5:20pm; age 9-14, instructor Janet Balboa $130 for 8 weeks Try everything! In this fun and engaging class, students will create a variety of art and explore new mediums. Instructor will provide examples and guidance for students to explore. Choose to use pencils, colored pencils, markers, watercolor, acrylics, and more. Guided studio class - students decide what they want to paint or draw, and instructor assists them achieve their goal. ART CONNECTION - COMING IN FALL 2026
Art Connection Scott Little Explore a variety of mediums such as watercolor and acrylic painting, sculpting, and more! This class is geared towards homeschool students who would like to connect with other kids and make art together. Start with step-by-step instruction with each medium, then create your own unique artwork using your imagination. THIS CLASS WILL BE PAUSED DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS, THEN RETURN IN FALL. Check out our fun Summer Art Camps in the meantime! DRAWING & DESIGN STUDIO - THURS 4:00PM
Drawing & Design Studio
Janet Balboa THURS 4:00-5:20pm Age 9-14 $130 for 8 weeks A hands-on weekly drawing workshop where teen artists develop skills and explore their own projects. Each week include guided demos, tips, and creative problem-solving time in a relaxed studio setting. A great fit for motivated young artists ready to explore their own style, build their portfolio, and be mentored by a professional artist. Open studio class with instructor guidance. Instructor Janet Balboa is a professional illustrator with a love of drawing detailed Celtic knotwork and nature scenes. FANTASTIC CREATURES - FRI 5:30PM
Fantastic Creatures
Max Ray FRI 5:30-6:50pm Age 10-16 $130 for 8 weeks; $65 for 4 weeks Learn to draw creature anatomy plus textures like fur & feathers, to design your own fantastic creatures! Instructor will demonstrate drawing techniques to build skills and inspire creativity. Guided studio class - students decide on projects and instructor assists. DRAW ANIME - WED 5:30
Draw Anime
Max Ray WED 5:30-6:50pm Age 9-12; 13-17 (grouped by age) $130 for 8 weeks; $65 for 4 weeks Join the fun! Learn to draw anime-style characters & creatures, from your favorite demon hunters and magical girls, to dragons and pocket monsters. Design from reference or your imagination, and learn coloring techniques with Copic markers, Prismacolor pencils, and more. Step-by-step instruction provided on how to draw eyes, hands, animals, and poses. Instructor will work with students individually in turns throughout the class. Also check out: CHARACTER DESIGN workshop, age 11-17; $90 August 4-6, 10:00am - 12:00pm Learn to develop your original characters in pencil, then finish them in watercolor, colored pencil, Copic marker, or ink. Explore drawing anatomy, clothing, hairstyles, and more. Day 1: sketch and design your character with views from the front, back and side. Day 2: transfer your final design to Bristol board and add details. Day 3: Color, shade, and add highlights for a finished character illustration. TUES-THURS 2 HOUR WORKSHOP REGISTER |
DIGITAL ART
Open studio art, AGES 10 & up DIGITAL ART - summer workshops!
Digital Art Crystal Lake studio DIGITAL ART workshop, $90 June 16-18, 1:00pm-3:00pm; age 11-17 Learn to draw on iPads with Apple Pencil & Procreate, or bring your own device to create characters, creatures & worlds. Print your art on stickers, buttons, and a canvas bag to take home! TUES-THURS 2 HOUR WORKSHOP REGISTER CHARACTER DESIGN - WED 4:00PM
Character Design
Max Ray WED 4:00-5:20pm Ages 11-17 $130 for 8 weeks Crystal Lake studio Draw, paint and create your own character & creature designs! Use paper & pencil or iPad & Apple Pen. Learn how to draw hair, clothing, hands/paws, and more. All supplies provided - including watercolor, colored pencil, markers and iPads. Open studio class - students decide on projects and instructor assists by providing drawing demonstrations and advice on anatomy, structure, and colors. Instructor Max Ray loves creating creatures and characters. You can find him drawing in his sketchbook, with amazingly detailed art that he creates in minutes. Also check out: CHARACTER DESIGN workshop, age 11-17; $90 August 4-6, 10:00am - 12:00pm Learn to develop your original characters in pencil, then finish them in watercolor, colored pencil, Copic marker, or ink. Explore drawing anatomy, clothing, hairstyles, and more. Day 1: sketch and design your character with views from the front, back and side. Day 2: transfer your final design to Bristol board and add details. Day 3: Color, shade, and add highlights for a finished character illustration. TUES-THURS 2 HOUR WORKSHOP REGISTER DRAW & ANIMATE - FRI 4:00PM
Draw & Animate
Max Ray FRI 4:00-5:20pm age 10-17 $130 for 8 weeks Crystal Lake studio Learn how to draw cartoons, superheroes, or manga with digital or traditional tools, plus explore 2D animation with Procreate Dreams. Bring your own device, or use our studio iPads to make your art. Students can also choose to draw on paper with colored pencil and markers. Some step-by-step instruction for character design, world design, and use of digital tools in Procreate, plus open studio time for students to freely create. Students have the option to print their designs for display. Print on standard paper, sticker paper, or iron-on paper for different uses! Also check out: DIGITAL ART workshop, $90 June 16-18, 1:00pm-3:00pm; age 11-17 July 21-23; 1:00-3:00pm; age 10-14 Learn to draw on iPads with Apple Pencil & Procreate, or bring your own device to create characters, creatures & worlds. Print your art on stickers, buttons and a canvas bag to take home! TUES-THURS 2 HOUR WORKSHOP REGISTER 3D DESIGN - MON 5:30PM
3D Design
Max Ray MON 5:30-6:50pm Age 11-16 $130 for 8 weeks Crystal Lake studio Learn how to design and print in 3D with our studio iPads. Or, bring your own device - but please install Nomad Sculpt before the first day of class. Create characters, mini creatures, dragons. more! Build skills and have fun. Students take home 3D prints of their creations. Step-by-step project-based class. 
3D ART
Sculpt, Sew & Crochet SCULPT SCI-FI & FANTASY - THURS 4:00PM
Sculpt Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Scott Little THURS 4:00-5:20pm Ages 10-17 $130 for 8 weeks; $65 for 4 weeks Learn to sculpt with polymer clay! Make characters, creatures, plants & mushrooms, or anything you can imagine. Students will build wire or foil bases, then wrap clay around their form to shape with clay tools. Then instructor will bake clay and students will paint with acrylics for an amazing finished creation. CROCHET TOGETHER - TUES 5:30PM
Crochet Together
Alisia Duran TUES 5:30-6:50pm Adult, or adult with youth age 10-17 $130 for 8 weeks; $65 for 4 weeks Crystal Lake studio Come and learn about different crocheting methods, like hooks, stitches and patterns. You'll start by making simple crocheted squares that can be used to make scarves, pillows or blankets. After that, repeat students can learn more advanced patterns to make hats, jellyfish plushies, and more! Instructor Alisia Duran is a professional crochet artist who sells her creations by commission and at art fairs. She enjoys using bright colors and crocheting whimsical creatures and characters. CROCHET - WED/FRI/SAT
Beginning Crochet
Alisia Duran WED 5:30-6:50pm; Age 10-15 FRI 4:00-5:20pm; Age 10-15 SAT 9:30-10:50am; Age 10-15 SAT 11:00am-12:20pm; Age 10-15 $130 for 8 weeks; $65 for 4 weeks Crystal Lake studio Learn to crochet in this fun class. Start with a simple chain bracelet, then crochet circles and squares. These skills are the fundamentals of crochet - if you learn chains, circles & squares (and how to put them together), you can make anything! Make an adorable jellyfish plush using a simple circle pattern, then adding chain stitch legs. Finish your plush with a stitched smile and plastic safety eyes. Repeat students can choose advanced patterns, including animals, food, and character dolls. Crochet takes time and patience, but the results are well worth the effort! COSPLAY SEWING - WED 4:00PM - Waitlist only
Cosplay Sewing
Torie Mertens Note: Students continuing from the previous Cosplay session may register now for the current session. NEW students please register online for "waitlist - Sewing" - do not submit payment for waitlist registrations. WED 4:00-5:20pm Age 13-17 - FULL; waitlist only $130 for 8 weeks; $65 for 4 weeks Crystal Lake studio Let's cosplay (costume + play)! What character would you like to be? Use a pattern and build costume accessories with instructor help, or learn to alter existing clothing. Students can also learn to sew everyday clothing from a pattern. Step-by-step instruction on machine and hand sewing. Hot glue guns will be available for building accessories from EVA foam and gemstones. SEW IT - THURS or SAT
Sew It
Torie Mertens Note: Students continuing from the previous Sew it session may register now for waitlisted classes (your spot is saved) NEW students please contact [email protected] to get on the waitlist THURS 4:00-5:20pm age 9-14 - waitlist only $130 for 8 weeks THURS 5:30pm-6:50 age 11-17 waitlist only $130 for 8 weeks SAT 12:30-1:50pm age 9-14 $130 for 8 weeks Learn to sew using a hand needle and sewing machine. Start with a simple project with step-by-step help from your instructor. Then design your own patterns to create plushies, pillows, hats, totes, and more! Please CONTACT your instructor with specific questions about medium, classes, or absences.
Sam Sieber 815.219.9243 [email protected]
Scott Little 815.403.5724 [email protected] Janet Balboa 815.219.8492 [email protected] Alisia Duran 217.550.2284 [email protected] Max Ray 815.529.4982 (call/text) Torie Mertens 708.738.0725 (call/text) Therese Wiser 815.529.7504 [email protected] |
Want to take an art class, but have questions?
Check out the information below for answers to our most frequently asked questions.
Or, contact us at [email protected] or (815) 219-9243
Check out the information below for answers to our most frequently asked questions.
Or, contact us at [email protected] or (815) 219-9243
FAQ
ART CLASS LOCATIONS
Creative Arts Studio, 400 Highland Ave, Crystal Lake, IL
Creative Arts - Crystal Lake studio is located on the beautiful grounds of The Dole mansion. The studio is conveniently within walking distance from Lundahl Middle School, South Elementary School, and Crystal Lake Main Beach.
Creative Arts second studio (just off Woodstock Square) is available for special events and teen/adult classes.
Creative Arts - Crystal Lake studio is located on the beautiful grounds of The Dole mansion. The studio is conveniently within walking distance from Lundahl Middle School, South Elementary School, and Crystal Lake Main Beach.
Creative Arts second studio (just off Woodstock Square) is available for special events and teen/adult classes.
Sign up 2 months at a time for each new session - continue the same class, or try something new!
Note: Art classes run weekly, in 6-8 week sessions all year round. Studio is closed 1 week for Spring Break, 1 week for 4th of July, and 2 weeks for Winter Break. Classes run continuously all other days, including Monday holidays (even if school is out, art is in!)
Note: Art classes run weekly, in 6-8 week sessions all year round. Studio is closed 1 week for Spring Break, 1 week for 4th of July, and 2 weeks for Winter Break. Classes run continuously all other days, including Monday holidays (even if school is out, art is in!)
ART CLASS PRICING
Typical fees within the 8-week session:
8 weeks - $130
7 weeks - $114 (late-start)
4 weeks - $65 (1/2 session, if available)
Some classes available for 4 weeks if there is a space available after the start of session. Please check in class description to see if a 1/2 session (4 weeks) is available.
Supplies are typically included in class fees.
Absence policy: Credits or make up classes available for up to 2 missed classes (per 8-week session) Please note: Missed classes and credits are NOT transferable. Make up classes or credits must be completed with the original instructor
8 weeks - $130
7 weeks - $114 (late-start)
4 weeks - $65 (1/2 session, if available)
Some classes available for 4 weeks if there is a space available after the start of session. Please check in class description to see if a 1/2 session (4 weeks) is available.
Supplies are typically included in class fees.
Absence policy: Credits or make up classes available for up to 2 missed classes (per 8-week session) Please note: Missed classes and credits are NOT transferable. Make up classes or credits must be completed with the original instructor
ART CLASS AGE LIMITS
Age Limits listed in class descriptions
If student is younger than listed age limit, class registration will be voided and payment refunded. Age limits are set by our instructors to strive for the best possible creative environment for both students and staff.
If student is younger than listed age limit, class registration will be voided and payment refunded. Age limits are set by our instructors to strive for the best possible creative environment for both students and staff.
HEALTH & SAFETY
KEEP OUR INSTRUCTORS & STUDENTS HEALTHY
Please stay home if you are coughing, sneezing, or have a fever. We are happy to offer credits or make up times for missed classes.
Creative Arts reserves the right to refuse service to individuals who create an unsafe or hostile environment.
Individuals exhibiting disruptive behavior, being loud or abusive, posing a safety risk to staff or students, or harassing staff or students will be asked to leave the studio. A parent/guardian will be called for pickup if the student is a minor.
Please stay home if you are coughing, sneezing, or have a fever. We are happy to offer credits or make up times for missed classes.
Creative Arts reserves the right to refuse service to individuals who create an unsafe or hostile environment.
Individuals exhibiting disruptive behavior, being loud or abusive, posing a safety risk to staff or students, or harassing staff or students will be asked to leave the studio. A parent/guardian will be called for pickup if the student is a minor.
GIFT CERTIFICATES
Give the gift of art Gift Certificates
Attendance & Make-up Classes
Make up classes or class credit are available when you need to miss a class; contact the instructor for details.
Please note: Make up classes or class credits are limited to 2 per 8-week session, and must be completed with original instructor.
Cancellations
If classes are cancelled due to weather or other factors, notice will be posted on this website, on our social media, or you can call 815.219.9243 for information. Instructors will also call/text students individually if classes are cancelled.
Scholarships
Scholarship applications available on our About page.
Make up classes or class credit are available when you need to miss a class; contact the instructor for details.
Please note: Make up classes or class credits are limited to 2 per 8-week session, and must be completed with original instructor.
Cancellations
If classes are cancelled due to weather or other factors, notice will be posted on this website, on our social media, or you can call 815.219.9243 for information. Instructors will also call/text students individually if classes are cancelled.
Scholarships
Scholarship applications available on our About page.