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SUMMARY:Teen Draw & Paint with Joalida Smit
DESCRIPTION:Draw & Paint with Joalida\nCome hang out in a space where creativity comes alive. Artist and educator Joalida Smit invites teens to join her ongoing art class at the Gorton Center. This class is all about exploring\, experimenting\, and finding your own artistic voice. From the start\, the studio feels welcoming\, inspiring\, and full of possibility. \nFirst\, students ages 11 to 17 get to try out a wide mix of materials. They might begin with drawing or painting\, and then move on to mixed media. As they experiment\, they gain confidence. Little by little\, they start developing a style that feels uniquely their own. \nOn top of that\, Joalida’s teaching style makes this class stand out. Instead of rigid\, step-by-step lessons\, her approach is flexible and student-focused. She meets each young artist right where they are. Maybe your teen sketches all the time. Maybe they’ve never touched a paintbrush before. Either way\, Joalida gives encouragement and guidance to help them grow. \nHands-On Experience\nNext\, comes hands-on practice. Students work with graphite\, charcoal\, acrylics\, watercolor\, ink – you name it. They mix materials\, test new techniques\, and see what happens. Because of this\, every class feels fresh and exciting. \nAnd here’s the best part: the goal isn’t to finish identical projects. Instead\, the focus is on exploration\, creativity\, and storytelling. Students learn how to express themselves\, share their ideas\, and bring imagination to life. As a result\, they walk away with more than just artwork. They leave with stronger skills\, bigger confidence\, and a deeper connection to their creativity. \nFinally\, this class gives teens a safe\, supportive space to take risks\, try new things\, and grow as artists. Step by step\, they discover the joy of creating something that’s truly their own. \nSo\, why not join Joalida in the studio? It’s a place where individuality is celebrated\, creativity flows\, and every teen has a chance to shine. \nAll materials are provided\, so students can fully immerse themselves in the process without the need to bring supplies. Ages: 11 – 17 \nSkill Level: Intermediate to advanced – Prior art experience and a sincere interest in art are required. \nNote: This is an art development class\, not a recreational after-school club. Students are expected to take their art practice seriously and to respect the shared studio space. Teens who cannot adhere to the expectations of the class may be asked to leave. \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/joalida-art-january/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Art,Classes,Youth
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260109T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260109T210000
DTSTAMP:20260714T050419
CREATED:20251210T182859Z
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UID:20006836-1767985200-1767992400@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Palette & Pours: Winter Birds
DESCRIPTION:Palette & Pours: Winter Birds Inspired by Vicki Sawyer – 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\, Winter Birds\, sets the stage for bold colors and expressive brushwork. Inspired by your best friend\, you’ll dive into bringing their physical characteristics to life with a piece that’s as fun to paint as it is to admire.  \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. \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/pallete-pours-birds/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Art,Classes
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SUMMARY:Express Yourself Studio
DESCRIPTION:In this six-week course\, kids explore who they are through fun\, hands-on projects they’ll be proud to bring home. \nEach week introduces a new personalized activity; \nWeek 1 – Logo Hanging Flag\nChildren create their own personal logo and paint it on a canvas flag — perfect for hanging on their bedroom door! \nWeek 2 – T-Shirt Collage Design\nChildren design a custom T-shirt transfer using magazine collage\, cut-outs\, and creative composition to make a wearable piece of art. \nWeek 3 – Self-Expression Portrait Sketch\nKids sketch their own portrait and fill it with meaningful words that make up who they are and who they hope to become — an exercise for self reflection and expression. \nWeek 4 – Denim Pocket Keepsake Frame\nThis week\, children decorate and frame a denim pocket using gems\, paint\, charms\, and more to create a personalised spot for their secret treasures. \nWeek 5 – Canvas Flower Fun\nChildren paint their favourite flowers on canvas using playful\, unexpected\, and experimental techniques that boost creativity and confidence. \nWeek 6 – Bookmarks Two Ways\nKids design and make personalised bookmarks using a mix of techniques — from packing-tape collage to beads\, charms\, and layered paper designs. \nAges 8 – 12 Years Old
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/express-yourself-studio/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Art,Classes,Youth
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SUMMARY:After School Art Club with Lezlie
DESCRIPTION:Do you have a budding artist in the family? Give their creativity room to grow in this engaging after-school art class designed specifically for students in Grades 1–4! \nEach class is thoughtfully structured to balance artistic freedom with meaningful learning. We begin with a free-draw session\, allowing students time to warm up\, express themselves\, and get their creative energy flowing. From there\, we dive into the world of art history by introducing an “Artist of the Day”—a renowned or influential figure whose work provides the inspiration for that day’s project. \nStudents will explore various artistic movements\, mediums\, and styles from around the world\, helping them gain a broader understanding of art and its cultural significance. With guidance and encouragement\, they’ll create their own artwork inspired by the featured artist\, putting their personal spin on classic techniques while developing new skills and confidence. \nThe class wraps up with group clean-up\, an age-appropriate art discussion that encourages observation and expression\, and a fun “draw-a-long” activity to reinforce what they’ve learned in a playful and supportive way. \nMore than just an art class\, this is a space where young artists can explore\, reflect\, and connect with the wider world through creativity. It’s a perfect opportunity for self-expression\, experimentation\, and cultivating a lifelong appreciation for the arts and global perspectives.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/after-school-art-club-with-lezlie-january/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Art,Classes,Youth
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