02/10/2025
Spring is in the air, and so are fresh opportunities to create! Spring class registration opens February 17th—don’t miss your chance to explore ceramics, metalsmithing, printmaking, and more. With an exciting lineup of hands-on workshops and courses, there’s something for every skill level. Reserve your spot and make this season your most creative yet!
02/05/2025
Come visit the Metalsmithing Artist-in-Residence, Melissa Broek, at a Valentine’s Day Trunk Show on Saturday, February 8, from 12 PM to 4 PM in the Lillstreet Lounge and Gallery Space! Discover a stunning array of handcrafted jewelry, including rings and necklaces—ideal presents for that special someone in your life.
In addition, run upstairs to view her new exhibition, PODS, opening on February 7 in the Annex Gallery!
01/30/2025
Explore PODS by Melissa Broek, on view February 7–28 in the Annex Gallery!
Moving beyond the delicate precision of fine jewelry, this collection explores the interplay of scale, form, and shadow. Working quickly and intuitively, the artist has created wire sculptures that function as 'sketches in space,' challenging traditional notions of jewelry scale. These pieces invite viewers to consider how we experience the adornment of self and space. Join us for the Closing Reception & Artist Talk on Friday, February 28, from 6–8 pm, and hear Melissa share insights into her process. Don’t miss it!
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Melissa Broek explores the balance between growth and decay, transforming raw materials into intricate jewelry inspired by cell structures and microscopic landscapes. Her pieces merge industrial and organic elements, evoking the essence of nature and reclaiming man-made spaces.
Originally from Grand Rapids, MI, Melissa holds a BFA in Furniture Design from Kendall College of Art and Design. After honing her craft at renowned institutions like Penland School of Craft and Arrowmont, she now resides in Chicago, IL, where she continues to expand her artistic practice and teaching.
01/20/2025
Due to hazardous temperatures, Lillstreet Art Center will be closed on Monday, 1/20 and Tuesday, 1/21. All classes scheduled on these dates have been canceled. Please monitor your email in the coming weeks for information regarding make-up classes. Our team is working to confirm these dates as soon as possible.
If you are unable to attend your make-up class, you will be issued a studio credit. These can be applied to any future classes, workshops, or camps. Studio credits do not have an expiration date. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Stay warm!
Lillstreet Art Center
01/14/2025
A big thank you to all the staff and students who joined us at Navy Pier for the metals demo with Sishi Wang and Melissa Broek! Your participation and enthusiasm made the event truly special. We’re grateful for your support and creativity—we can’t wait for more opportunities to connect and create together!
01/13/2025
Make this winter unforgettable for your little artists with Kidstreet’s holiday-themed workshops! Celebrate creativity and culture with classes inspired by the Year of the Snake, where kids can explore festive traditions through art. Then, help them craft something truly special for Valentine’s Day—a handmade treasure they’ll be proud to share. These workshops are designed to spark joy, build skills, and keep young minds active during the season. Don’t wait—spots are limited, and these magical moments won’t last long! See Link in Bio to Register!
01/02/2025
It’s hard to believe it’s been a whole year since we opened the doors to our incredible new Metals studio! 🎉 This space has been a game-changer for our community, and it wouldn’t exist without the vision and dedication of .bowyer and .
Cat, our former Metals director (now chasing new creative heights in her MFA fiber studies at SAIC), and Peter, a former AiR and now a beloved Lillstreet instructor, poured their hearts into redesigning and building this space.
We’re endlessly grateful for their work—and their inspiration. Take a moment to check out their amazing creations, and don’t forget to sign up for a class to see the magic of our studio in action! .bowyer
12/17/2024
During our Winter Session, discover the artistry of metalsmithing and jewelry with Melissa Broek, our artist-in-residence at Lillstreet! Melissa brings a fresh perspective to every class, guiding you through innovative techniques and creative projects that push the boundaries of jewelry design. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced metalsmith, her unique approach will inspire you to explore new methods and materials. Don’t miss the chance to learn from Melissa and create truly one-of-a-kind jewelry!
First-Time Metalsmithing & Jewelry: Tuesday, January 7, 2-5 pm & Tuesday, February 11, 2-5 pm
Chains, Chains, Chains: Wednesday, January 8, 10 am-1 pm & February 12, 10 am-1 pm
Hollow Forms: Building Volume in Metal: Saturday, January 11, 10 am-1 pm & Saturday, February 15, 10 am-1 pm
Metalsmithing I: Thursday, January 9, 2-5 pm
12/11/2024
Join us this Friday, December 13, for the Opening Reception of Return To Care, featuring works by talented artists at Lillstreet. This exhibition explores the connections between objects, memory, and care through sculptural pieces and functional wares, reflecting on how we preserve moments and traditions. Running through January 3, this thoughtful collection invites us to consider the fragile nature of memory and the enduring permanence of care. Don’t miss this intimate look at the objects that shape our rituals and connections!
12/04/2024
Lisa Hill (she/her) transformed her passion for textiles into a vibrant work of art by combining skills learned in Natural Dye classes with 2023-2024 Textiles AiR Kristin Field and Quilting classes with Sarah Evans. This year, Lisa hand-dyed all the fabric for her quilt using shibori techniques with Indigo, osage, walnut husks, and pressed coreopsis flowers. Her quilt is a stunning example of what’s possible when you explore natural materials and creative techniques through our Textiles Department.
Ready to dive into your project? Winter classes in the Textiles Department are open for registration now! From natural dyeing to weaving and quilting, find the perfect class to fuel your creativity and refine your skills. Spaces are limited—sign up today!
12/02/2024
Get ready—winter classes are officially open for registration, and the fun begins on January 6! Dive into ceramics, metalsmithing, printmaking, and more, with exciting opportunities to learn, create, and grow. Start the year with fresh projects and inspiring techniques that will keep you motivated all season. Secure your spot now to start the new year off right!
Check Out Some of Our Upcoming Classes!
Painting From the Masters: Monday, January 6, 10 am-1 pm, 10 Weeks
Garment Knock Offs: Monday, January 6, 10 am-1 pm, 5 Weeks
Mud To Music: Monday, January 6, 2-5 pm, 10 Weeks, taught by Ceramics Artist in Residence,
Monotype Mania: Tuesday, January 7, 6:30-9:30 pm, 5 Weeks, taught by Printmaking Artist in Residence,
Forging & Forming: Tuesday, January 7, 6:30-9:30 pm, 10 Weeks
11/30/2024
Don’t miss this fun and meaningful workshop with Dr. Lee Wells of Mind Chicago on December 7 from 1-3 PM! Your child will get creative making one card to brighten a hospitalized child’s day and another to take home or gift—perfect for spreading joy and learning kindness!
11/20/2024
Kidstreet’s Winter Camps are now open for registration! From creating adorable plushies to making personalized clay mugs, our camps offer a variety of fun and hands-on projects for kids ages 3–16. Sign up today and give your child a creative experience this winter!
🍶 Clay All Day: Monday, December 30, 9:30 am-1:30 pm
Join us for a day of clay! Campers will explore ceramic techniques, from slabs to glaze, creating functional and sculptural pieces.
🧸 Plushies!: Tuesday, December 31, 9:30 am-1:30 pm
Create a plushie! We’ll hand-sew, stuff, and add personality with fun details like eyes and accessories.
🖌️ Paint Outside the Lines!: Thursday, January 2, 9:30 am-1:30 pm
Campers will learn to paint with different mediums, creating art using tempera, oil pastel, watercolors, and collaged elements.
🍵 Handmade Mugs: Friday, January 3, 9:30-1:30 pm
Make a mug on the final day of winter break! Campers will create ceramic mugs with slabs, coils, and glaze, adding character with shapes and texture.
Register Today!
11/01/2024
Hurricane Helene hit the southeastern U.S. hard, with many of our friends, colleagues, and fellow artists in North Carolina feeling the impact. We’re ready to help them bounce back, and we’d love for you to join us in showing support!
All through November, Lillstreet Gallery will be donating 10% of every sale to CERF+ (Craft Emergency Relief Fund), an incredible organization that provides emergency resources, disaster relief, and support to craft artists in crisis. So if you’ve been eyeing something special at the gallery or are on the hunt for unique gifts ahead of the holidays, this is the perfect time to shop! Not only will you be supporting artists in our local community, but you’ll also be helping others in the Southeast get back on their feet.
Stop by the gallery, explore the work of talented artists, and help us make a real impact! Every purchase this month goes a little further.
10/22/2024
Thank you to everyone who stopped by Lillstreet Art Center during Open House Chicago! We loved sharing our creative space with you and hope you left inspired. If you didn’t get a chance to visit, there’s always more to explore—check out our upcoming classes, workshops, and events!
10/21/2024
Don’t miss your final opportunity to explore the bold and vibrant POP! exhibit before it closes on October 31. We’re celebrating with a special closing reception this Thursday from 5-8 PM—an evening of art, drinks, and conversation. Whether you're a longtime fan or seeing it for the first time, this is your chance to sip, mingle, and take in the colorful world of POP! before it’s gone for good. Bring a friend and make it a night to remember!"
10/21/2024
Winter registration is here! Embrace the season with a fun, creative experience at Lillstreet Art Center. Whether you're trying something new or improving your skills, our Winter Classes are the perfect way to get inspired. From ceramics to printmaking and more, there's a class for everyone. Spots are filling up fast, so sign up today and secure yours before they're gone!
10/16/2024
We're hiring!
The Ceramics Department at Lillstreet Art Center is looking for a contract Bisque Kiln Studio Technician. This role includes firing one gas kiln weekly and assisting with studio maintenance. We're seeking someone with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience in ceramics or gas kiln firing. You’ll work Fridays from 12-8 PM, with studio perks like 24/7 access and discounts on classes. Contract runs through March 16, with a chance to renew!
If you’re detail-oriented, and organized, and have a background in ceramics or gas kiln firing, we’d love to hear from you! Email your application to [email protected].
https://lillstreet.com/job-opportunities