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SUMMARY:Peony Painting with Susan Sands
DESCRIPTION:Celebrate Summer with Peonies\nCelebrate the start of summer with the beauty of blooming peonies in this relaxed and inspiring 90-minute painting class. As we paint together\, you’ll use these lush seasonal flowers as inspiration for a floral masterpiece filled with soft color\, texture\, and charm. In addition\, we’ll pair our peonies with classic blue-and-white ginger jars to give each painting a timeless and elegant feel. \nWhat You’ll Learn\nThroughout the class\, I’ll guide you step by step through simple and approachable painting techniques. First\, you’ll explore color mixing and layering so you can create depth\, softness\, and movement within your flowers. Next\, you’ll practice loose and expressive brushwork that helps petals and leaves come to life on the canvas. Along the way\, you’ll also learn easy composition tips that bring balance and harmony to your artwork. As a result\, you’ll leave with a polished floral painting that feels uniquely your own. \nA Fun and Relaxing Creative Experience\nWhether you are brand new to painting or already enjoy creating art\, this class offers a welcoming and encouraging environment for all skill levels. Even if you have never picked up a paintbrush before\, you’ll feel comfortable following along with the guided instruction. Meanwhile\, the relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to unwind\, connect with others\, and enjoy the creative process. Whether you come with friends or simply treat yourself to a creative escape\, you’ll enjoy a fun and stress-free experience from start to finish. \nEverything Included\nFinally\, come ready to paint\, play\, and celebrate the season while surrounded by beautiful inspiration. Since all supplies are included\, you can simply relax\, enjoy the process\, and focus on creating something beautiful. \nTHIS CLASS IS BYOB! \n     \nSusan Covell Sands \nSusan received a BFA from Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia and a Masters in Clinical Community Counseling from Johns Hopkins University\, Baltimore. Susan Covell Designs opened in 2000\, specializing in interior painting and murals and moved into full interior design in 2015. Her design work is based in her training as an artist and as a therapist and is rooted in her deep belief that a home should be beautiful\, joyful and comfortable.   \nAs an artist\, Susan creates expressive abstract landscapes\, abstract color studies and large scale paintings of nostalgic items. Her color palette is bright and layered\, with each piece sharing a common theme of moments in time and memory. \nSusan grew up in the Washington\, DC area in a family of builders and creators and now lives and works on the North Shore of Chicago with her husband Jeremy\, son\, Emmett\, and Springer Spaniel\, Scarlett. 
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/peony-painting-with-susan-sands/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Art,Classes
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260603T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260603T193000
DTSTAMP:20260629T012626
CREATED:20260528T194501Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T190047Z
UID:20007282-1780509600-1780515000@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Peony Painting with Susan Sands
DESCRIPTION:Celebrate Summer with Peonies\nCelebrate the start of summer with the beauty of blooming peonies in this relaxed and inspiring 90-minute painting class. As we paint together\, you’ll use these lush seasonal flowers as inspiration for a floral masterpiece filled with soft color\, texture\, and charm. In addition\, we’ll pair our peonies with classic blue-and-white ginger jars to give each painting a timeless and elegant feel. \nWhat You’ll Learn\nThroughout the class\, I’ll guide you step by step through simple and approachable painting techniques. First\, you’ll explore color mixing and layering so you can create depth\, softness\, and movement within your flowers. Next\, you’ll practice loose and expressive brushwork that helps petals and leaves come to life on the canvas. Along the way\, you’ll also learn easy composition tips that bring balance and harmony to your artwork. As a result\, you’ll leave with a polished floral painting that feels uniquely your own. \nA Fun and Relaxing Creative Experience\nWhether you are brand new to painting or already enjoy creating art\, this class offers a welcoming and encouraging environment for all skill levels. Even if you have never picked up a paintbrush before\, you’ll feel comfortable following along with the guided instruction. Meanwhile\, the relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to unwind\, connect with others\, and enjoy the creative process. Whether you come with friends or simply treat yourself to a creative escape\, you’ll enjoy a fun and stress-free experience from start to finish. \nEverything Included\nFinally\, come ready to paint\, play\, and celebrate the season while surrounded by beautiful inspiration. Since all supplies are included\, you can simply relax\, enjoy the process\, and focus on creating something beautiful. \nTHIS CLASS IS BYOB! \n     \nSusan Covell Sands \nSusan received a BFA from Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia and a Masters in Clinical Community Counseling from Johns Hopkins University\, Baltimore. Susan Covell Designs opened in 2000\, specializing in interior painting and murals and moved into full interior design in 2015. Her design work is based in her training as an artist and as a therapist and is rooted in her deep belief that a home should be beautiful\, joyful and comfortable.   \nAs an artist\, Susan creates expressive abstract landscapes\, abstract color studies and large scale paintings of nostalgic items. Her color palette is bright and layered\, with each piece sharing a common theme of moments in time and memory. \nSusan grew up in the Washington\, DC area in a family of builders and creators and now lives and works on the North Shore of Chicago with her husband Jeremy\, son\, Emmett\, and Springer Spaniel\, Scarlett. 
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/peony-painting-with-susan-sands-2/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Art,Classes
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260604T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260604T213000
DTSTAMP:20260629T012626
CREATED:20260401T182821Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T154953Z
UID:20007150-1780599600-1780608600@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Take Your Painting to the Next Level
DESCRIPTION:Ready to take your painting to the next level?\nThis class is ideal for artists who already have some experience painting in Oil\, Acrylic\, Gouache\, or Pastel and are ready to grow their skills further. If you’ve been wanting to turn a photo into a painting or have started a piece but feel unsure about how to move forward\, this is the perfect opportunity to get expert guidance and renewed inspiration. \nEach student brings in either a reference photo or an unfinished painting to work on during class. From there\, artist and instructor Michael Latala provides hands-on\, individualized instruction to help you make confident artistic decisions. First\, he’ll show you how to evaluate your photo reference—guiding you in choosing what elements to include and what to leave out. Then\, through clear demonstrations\, he’ll help you resolve common issues like washed-out highlights or areas that have gone too dark to read. \nThroughout the class\, Michael gives each student personal attention. If you’d prefer to keep your canvas untouched\, he’s happy to demonstrate his suggestions digitally using Procreate on his iPad Pro. This digital approach allows you to visualize changes before applying them\, which can be especially helpful when exploring different color choices or compositional edits. \nImportantly\, this class is all about progress at your own pace. There’s no pressure to finish quickly. Instead\, you’re encouraged to slow down\, focus on what you’re learning\, and enjoy the process. With consistent support and practice\, you’ll discover how to turn your ideas into beautiful\, well-executed paintings—just the way you imagined them. \nThis series runs on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month: \n\nMay 14\nJune 4\, 11 & 25\nJuly 9 & 23\nAugust 13 & 27
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/take-your-painting-to-the-next-level-may-28/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Art,Classes
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260605T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260605T210000
DTSTAMP:20260629T012626
CREATED:20260331T172850Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T182326Z
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SUMMARY:Palette & Pours: Inspired by Mondrian
DESCRIPTION:Palette & Pours: Inspired by Mondrian – A Wine & Paint Night for Adults\nGet ready for Palette & Pours – a lively\, adults-only night where art and wine flow together! This isn’t your average painting class. It’s a chance to laugh\, sip\, and let your creativity shine. \nThis session’s theme\, Inspired by Mondrian\, explores bold primary colors\, clean lines and balanced geometric design. \nBut this evening is about more than just technique. Art has a way of relaxing the mind and lifting the spirit. With each brushstroke\, you’ll let go of stress and slip into a creative flow. Whether you’re an experienced painter or picking up a brush for the very first time\, you’ll discover just how joyful and freeing painting can be. \nAnd don’t worry – you won’t be alone. Talented local artists Sandie Bacon and Lezlie Lenz will guide you step by step\, making sure you feel supported while still encouraging your personal style. You’ll learn\, laugh\, and create at your own pace. By the end of class\, you’ll have an original painting you’ll be proud to take home. \n \n  \nOf course\, no Palette & Pours night would be complete without a glass in hand. All painting materials are included\, along with complimentary wine to enjoy while you work. Prefer something else? Bring your favorite beverage and sip as you create. \nSo grab a friend\, bring a date\, or come solo and make new connections. Either way\, you’ll leave with more than just a painting – you’ll walk away with memories\, laughter\, and maybe even a brand-new hobby. \n*All wine will be included. Guests are also welcome to bring their own if they would like!
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/palette-pours-inspired-by-mondrian/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Age,Art,Classes
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260606T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260606T110000
DTSTAMP:20260629T012626
CREATED:20260429T174732Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260515T204219Z
UID:20007229-1780740000-1780743600@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Little Pot Studio
DESCRIPTION:Let your child’s creativity bloom in Little Pot Studio\, a hands-on art experience! In this engaging class\, kids will transform simple terracotta pots into colorful\, personalized masterpieces using a variety of materials like vibrant paints\, playful stickers\, and exciting mixed media elements. From bold patterns to imaginative designs\, each child is encouraged to express their unique artistic style while experimenting with texture\, color\, and composition. \nAlong the way\, they’ll build confidence in their creative abilities\, develop fine motor skills\, and enjoy the freedom of self-expression in a supportive\, upbeat environment. Best of all\, each participant will leave with a one-of-a-kind decorated pot they can proudly display at home—or even use to plant something special. It’s the perfect blend of art\, imagination\, and hands-on fun! \nAges 4 – 8 \n \nHi! My name is Ms. Akhira. Some of you may know me from The Gorton Children’s Learning Center as I have been a familiar face as a teacher of 3 years. I have a big love for teaching and all things creative. I enjoy helping little ones explore\, imagine\, and express themselves through art—and I can’t wait to create\, paint\, and have fun together in this class!
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/little-pot-studio/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Art,Classes,Youth
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