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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260914T153000
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UID:20007476-1789399800-1789405200@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:After School Art Club with Carole Pearlman
DESCRIPTION:Calling all artists! This after school art class will not only provide an incredible outlet for self-expression but also help students to develop motor skills\, visual-spatial skills\, and problem-solving skills. Each week a different artist will be featured to inspire students to create their own unique piece of art. This class can get messy\, so please wear old clothing or bring an apron/smock. For grades K – 3rd \nCarole Pearlman’s lifelong fascination with creativity began as a child\, in a neighborhood art class\, where making art in the backyard was the only agenda for an entire summer. Many art classes later Carole completed a BFA in painting\, a MEd in Educational Therapy\, and an MA in Developmental Psychology. Integrating the disciplines of art\, education\, and psychology Carole developed The Joy of Creativity Art program. Carole works as a facilitator of creativity with students ages 4 to 84! Through her teaching\, research\, and daily practice\, she believes that being creative is an essential part of a balanced life. Carole is a professional artist and certified teacher.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/after-school-art-club-with-carole-pearlman-september/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Art,Classes,Youth
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260914T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260914T180000
DTSTAMP:20260831T172204Z
CREATED:20260824T162514Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260831T172204Z
UID:20007495-1789405200-1789408800@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Youth Creative Writing
DESCRIPTION:Creative Writing for Kids\nHave you always wanted to write a story or have a character come to life on a blank page? Then Youth Creative Writing is for you!  Writing is like a magic portal where adventures begin and creativity can take flight. \nIn a supportive and encouraging environment\, you’ll be gently guided into the world of your own words and ideas. Through fun and engaging exercises\, you’ll see how making ideas come to life is exciting\, fun and just a blank page away. \nHarry Potter\, The Wild Robot\, Magic Tree House were all ideas that came to life through telling a story.  Turning your very own words into your very own story is a wonderful feeling and\, in this class\, you will write yours. \nWhat to Expect\n Come ready to have fun\, take creative risks\, and surprise yourself with what you create.  Enjoy learning about crafting a story and finding how your unique ideas can make a story come to life.  See your words take you on an adventure into your imagination. \nAges 5 – 8 Grades \nAbout Your Instructor – Melissa MacTaggart\nMelissa MacTaggart brings a multi-layered background in writing and the performing arts. She has worked as an actor\, producer\, director\, playwright\, theatre company creative director\, and drama teacher. With over 25 years as a freelance writer\, Melissa has experience in a wide range of genres. \nHer work includes: \n\nTwo original plays produced in Los Angeles during the Beverly Hills Livesummer season\nA bi-monthly column\, Urban Suburban\, for The Chicago Tribune Suburban Network\nNine years as a ghostwriter for an online magazine\, covering topics from gardening\, environmental awareness to sustainable living.\nArticles for the Daily Herald Chicagoand content creation for various websites\nSongwriting and lyric composition\nHer youth novel ‘The Wren and the Dream Maker’ was published in October 2025\nShe a judge on the panel of authors for The Lake Bluff Library’s ‘Phyllis Fox Memorial Writing Contest’ for 2025.\n\nMelissa’s deep love for language and storytelling continues to shape her creative journey\, and she is excited to help you have fun finding the writer in you.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/youth-creative-writing-september/
CATEGORIES:Art,Classes,Youth
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260916T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260916T200000
DTSTAMP:20260820T204357Z
CREATED:20260806T171042Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T204357Z
UID:20007425-1789583400-1789588800@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Coloring Club
DESCRIPTION:Leave your to-do list behind and make time to create. Coloring Club is a weekly creative escape designed especially for adults. Come relax\, try something new\, and enjoy the simple pleasure of making art by hand. \nEach Coloring Club gathering features a different creative project. You might spend the week coloring\, doodling\, making a collage\, or exploring another relaxing paper craft. Projects are approachable\, playful\, and designed to spark your creativity. You’ll have the chance to experiment with new materials and techniques without pressure to make something perfect. \nNo artistic experience is needed. Just bring your curiosity and a willingness to play. We’ll provide all the materials you need to get started. Settle into our beautiful\, inspiring studio space while you create at your own pace. Enjoy music\, conversation\, and plenty of room to follow your imagination. \nColoring Club is also a great way to connect with others. Bring a friend and make something together\, or come on your own and meet new people. The atmosphere is casual\, welcoming\, and supportive. There are no deadlines\, expectations\, or rules about what your finished project should look like. This is your time to slow down and enjoy the process. \nStep away from screens and schedules for a while. Give yourself permission to color outside the lines\, experiment\, and have fun. You’ll leave feeling refreshed\, inspired\, and more connected to your creative side. \nAll materials are provided. BYOB. Come join Coloring Club and add a little more creativity\, color\, and connection to your week.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/coloring-club-september-16/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Art,Classes
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260917T161500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260917T173000
DTSTAMP:20260821T192016Z
CREATED:20260807T183500Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260821T192016Z
UID:20007436-1789661700-1789666200@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Everything Can Be Art with Vee Gunn
DESCRIPTION:Each week\, children discover a world of mixed-media materials. They’ll work with upcycled clothing and fabrics\, pre-loved crockery\, beads\, buttons\, ribbons\, and more. Then\, they’ll transform these unexpected materials into artworks and keepsakes they’re proud of. \nTo begin\, every session includes a friendly\, guided lesson. That way\, no one ever feels stuck. After that\, there’s plenty of room to experiment\, make choices\, and follow their imagination. There’s no single “right” way to create – and that’s the whole point. \nMost importantly\, our club is relaxed and encouraging. Mess is welcome\, and every idea is worth exploring. Along the way\, children build real confidence. They learn not only how to make things\, but also how to trust their own creativity. \nAs a result\, they begin to see the world a little differently. Suddenly\, an everyday object can be full of possibility. Something old or forgotten can become something beautiful and new. \nIt’s creative\, hands-on\, and a little bit magical. At the same time\, it introduces big ideas about imagination\, resourcefulness\, and caring for our planet. By giving old things new life\, children discover just how much can be created from what we already have. \nEach week\, your child will leave with something they made themselves. Even better\, they’ll leave with a growing belief that they are an artist. \nNo experience needed. No pressure to be “good.” Just bring curiosity – we’ll supply the rest. \nAges 7 – 13
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/everything-can-be-art-with-vee-gunn-september/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Art,Classes,Youth
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260917T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260917T203000
DTSTAMP:20260831T171553Z
CREATED:20260824T171050Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260831T171553Z
UID:20007503-1789669800-1789677000@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Between the Pages: Artist Book Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Step into the world of handmade artist books\, where words and images come together. Each month\, create your own one-of-a-kind book using handmade papers\, collage\, drawing\, painting\, found materials and personal stories. Inspired by a new theme each month\, you’ll explore simple bookmaking techniques and let your imagination lead the way. No writing or bookmaking experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to experiment. \nJoalida Smit is a Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist who lived and worked in London (UK) and Cape Town (SA) for the past 20 years. She pivoted to full time artist during COVID and now runs an art studio at The Gorton Center working on large scale canvases. Currently she is exploring innovative ways to incorporate art in the psychology work of personal transformation.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/between-the-pages-artist-book-workshop-september/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Art,Classes
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260919T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260919T113000
DTSTAMP:20260814T175702Z
CREATED:20260814T174417Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T175702Z
UID:20007467-1789808400-1789817400@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Block Print Table Linens
DESCRIPTION:Block-Printed Table Linens\nCreate beautiful\, one-of-a-kind table linens in this fun\, hands-on workshop! Explore color\, pattern\, and traditional block printing techniques as you bring your designs to life. \nChoose from a variety of blocks\, patterns\, and colors. Experiment with bold designs\, modern prints\, or timeless patterns. Mix and match your favorite elements to create a look that fits your personal style. \nDuring the workshop\, you’ll design and print your own table runner and a set of six coordinating napkins. Follow along with step-by-step guidance as you learn the basics of block printing and discover techniques for creating eye-catching patterns. \nTake home a beautiful\, professionally finished\, washable table runner and six matching napkins. Use them to dress up your own table\, save them for special occasions\, or give them as a thoughtful handmade gift. \nNo experience is needed. We provide all materials. Just bring your creativity and enjoy a relaxed\, inspiring class! \nLouise is an Irish textile designer with over 30 years of experience in the fabric world. A self-proclaimed textile guru\, she loves creating\, teaching\, and sharing the creative process with others. Always learning and exploring new ideas\, Louise is passionate about inspiring others to discover the joy of textiles and creativity.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/block-print-table-linens/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Art,Classes
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260919T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260919T110000
DTSTAMP:20260821T191341Z
CREATED:20260727T191115Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260821T191341Z
UID:20007398-1789812000-1789815600@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Squishy Lab
DESCRIPTION:Get ready to squeeze\, squish\, and create in Squishy Lab! This hands-on workshop invites young creators to explore\, experiment\, and have fun. \nKids will use exciting materials to make their own unique squishy creations. They’ll play with bright colors\, bold patterns\, fun textures\, and silly designs. Each project gives them a new way to express their creativity. \nFirst\, participants will learn simple techniques for creating and decorating their squishies. Then\, they can add their own personal touches. Kids can create cute animals\, funny faces\, colorful patterns\, or something completely original. There’s no wrong way to design a squishy! \nAlong the way\, kids will strengthen fine motor skills and build creative confidence. They’ll also practice making choices and experimenting with new ideas. Most importantly\, they’ll enjoy plenty of hands-on fun in a relaxed and encouraging environment. \nAt the end of Squishy Lab\, every participant will take home their handmade creations. They can squeeze them\, display them\, or share them with family and friends. \nAll supplies are included. Just bring your imagination and get ready for some squishy fun! \nAges 6–10
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/squishy-lab/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Art,Classes,Youth
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260919T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260919T153000
DTSTAMP:20260804T172600Z
CREATED:20260804T172600Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T172600Z
UID:20007406-1789826400-1789831800@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Build a Mini Woodland House
DESCRIPTION:Build a Mini Woodland House in this fun\, hands-on workshop designed for older kids who love to create. Over two sessions\, young makers will design and build a mini woodland house from start to finish. Along the way\, they’ll practice problem-solving\, use their imagination\, and develop basic woodworking and crafting skills.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst\, participants will sand and assemble their miniature house using small pieces of wood and driftwood. Then they’ll bring their creation to life with paint and other decorative details. Every house will be unique and reflect each child’s creativity. \nNext\, during the second session\, students will mount their finished house on a sturdy base. They’ll also create a charming woodland landscape using natural materials such as moss\, rocks\, sticks\, and bark. Finally\, they’ll add whimsical finishing touches\, including a tiny twine clothesline and other found objects\, to complete their magical scene. \nBy the end of the workshop\, each child will build a mini woodland house to take home and proudly display. This beginner-friendly class encourages creativity\, builds confidence\, and inspires a deeper appreciation for nature through imaginative\, hands-on making. \nAges 9 – 12
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/build-a-mini-woodland-house/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Art,Classes,Youth
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