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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261021T163000
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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-october/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Art,Classes,Youth
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261021T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261021T200000
DTSTAMP:20260820T202847Z
CREATED:20260806T171732Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T202847Z
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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-october-21/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Art,Classes
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261022T161500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261022T173000
DTSTAMP:20260821T180402Z
CREATED:20260807T183605Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260821T180402Z
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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-october/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Art,Classes,Youth
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261022T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261022T203000
DTSTAMP:20260909T150701Z
CREATED:20260824T171925Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260909T150701Z
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SUMMARY:Between the Pages: Artist Book Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Step into the creative world of handmade artist books. Discover how words\, images\, colors\, and textures can come together to tell a story. Each month brings a new theme and a fresh opportunity to create something completely your own. \nExplore a variety of materials as you build your book from the ground up. Work with handmade papers\, collage\, drawing\, painting\, and found objects. Add meaningful words\, favorite images\, personal stories\, or unexpected details. Then\, experiment with different combinations and see where your creativity takes you. \nAlong the way\, learn simple bookmaking techniques that make it easy to turn individual pages into a finished work of art. Play with layout\, texture\, color\, and composition. Try new ideas without worrying about making everything perfect. Each book will reflect your individual style and creative point of view. \nMost importantly\, this class focuses on exploration and self-expression. There is no single way to create an artist book. You can make your project thoughtful\, playful\, colorful\, abstract\, or personal. Let each monthly theme inspire you while still making the project your own. \nNo writing\, art\, or bookmaking experience is required. Just bring your curiosity and a willingness to experiment. Come ready to cut\, paint\, draw\, layer\, assemble\, and create a one-of-a-kind book that tells your story. \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-october/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Art,Classes
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261022T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261022T210000
DTSTAMP:20260827T161710Z
CREATED:20260824T182317Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260827T161710Z
UID:20007511-1792695600-1792702800@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Mindful Making: Adult Drop In Art Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Evening Craft Sessions\nSlow down and spend an evening creating something beautiful with your hands at Mindful Making. Join us from 7–9pm for a relaxed creative escape. No experience needed. No pressure to create “perfect” art. \nEach week\, we give old and forgotten items a fresh new life. Work with thrifted crockery\, old clothing\, pre-loved jewelry\, beads\, dried flowers\, and other unique materials. \nCreate something new each week. Make jewelry and bead collages. Decorate vessels and create mosaic china coasters. Design pressed-flower bookmarks\, handmade gift tags\, postcards\, and stationery. You can also embellish keepsake boxes or make a special gift for someone you love. \nEnjoy chilled music and good company as you create. Bring a cup of something warm or a favorite drink. We’ll provide a table full of beautiful materials and plenty of inspiration. \nUpcycling gives old objects a second life. It also offers a mindful and sustainable way to create. Take a break from your busy schedule and enjoy some time for yourself. \nWhether you’re a complete beginner or simply want a fun creative night out\, you’ll leave with a handmade keepsake and a refreshed mind. \nAll materials and guidance are included. Just bring yourself and your creativity!
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/mindful-making-adult-drop-in-art-workshop-october-22/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Art,Classes
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261024T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261024T110000
DTSTAMP:20260827T160033Z
CREATED:20260825T191437Z
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UID:20007525-1792836000-1792839600@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Pumpkin Canvas in Acrylic/Mixed Media
DESCRIPTION:Get into the spirit of the season with a fun\, hands-on painting experience! Create your own autumn or Halloween-inspired artwork on an 8″ x 10″ canvas. Choose a festive theme that inspires you. Think colorful fall leaves\, pumpkins\, spooky scenes\, or other seasonal favorites. Then\, bring your idea to life with acrylic paint. \nFirst\, explore the basics of acrylic painting. Learn how to layer colors and build your design step by step. Then\, experiment with different brush techniques to create texture and dimension. Mix colors to create your own seasonal palette. You can go bold and bright or choose warm\, classic autumn shades. \nNext\, add even more personality to your painting with stencils. Use them to create patterns\, shapes\, and eye-catching details. Combine techniques as you work. Most importantly\, add your own creative touches to make your artwork unique. \nThroughout the class\, you’ll receive helpful guidance and encouragement. Follow along with demonstrations while still making plenty of your own artistic choices. No painting experience is necessary. Beginners are welcome! Simply bring your imagination and get ready to create. \nPlus\, this relaxed class gives you the chance to try something new without any pressure. Explore different ideas\, play with color\, and enjoy the creative process. Whether you love everything about autumn or can’t wait for Halloween\, you’ll have plenty of inspiration. \nFinally\, take home your finished 8″ x 10″ canvas. Display your seasonal masterpiece as part of your fall décor. Or\, give it to someone special as a one-of-a-kind handmade gift. \nCome ready to paint\, experiment\, and celebrate the season with creativity!
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/pumpkin-canvas-in-acrylic-mixed-media/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Art,Classes,Youth
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