Brushwood Center will be closed on Thursday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth.

August 30 @ 10:00 am 3:00 pm

Initiatives

Public Arts Programs
Free
21850 Riverwoods Rd.
Riverwoods, IL 60015 United States
+ Google Map
224.633.2424

You Choose the Project · Use Tools and Supplies From BASE · Get Help When You Need It

Open Art Workshop is open to anyone who wants to make something in any area of visual arts and crafts, from the experienced artist looking for a community of others to work with, to the complete novice who just wants to try something out in a low pressure environment, or the family looking for a fun kids’ activity to fill their afternoon – this workshop is for you!

This month, our upcoming September Artist of the Month, Kirsten Saunders will be our guest artist. Kirsten is a potter and mosaicist. Stop by to learn from Kirsten!

WHEN DOES IT HAPPEN? 10am-3pm, the last Saturday of every month (no meetings in November and December 2025). Come anytime during the day, and stay as long as you’d like.

WHAT DOES IT COST? Workspace, use of our tools and any instruction or assistance you need is free; supplies from BASE are “pay what you want” (free to teachers and organizations).

WHAT CAN I MAKE? Almost* anything! Come with a project you want to work on in mind, or pick one from our list of project ideas for all ages and abilities. You are welcome to bring your own supplies and tools, or use ones from BASE. You can work independently, or work with an instructor. Here are just a few ideas of what you can learn and do at the Open Art Workshop:

Watercolor · Embroidery · Mosaics · Book Binding · Charcoal Drawing · Knitting & Crochet · Decoupage · Sewing & Mending · Jewelry Making · Plein Air Painting · Basket Weaving · Picture Framing · Card Making · Kids Art Projects · Block Printing · Stained Glass · Acrylic Painting · Costume Making · Weaving · Collage · UpCycling · Gift Wrapping · Sculpture · Upholstery · Colored Pencil · Wreath Making · Beading · Rubber Stamps · Oil Painting · Quilting · Pastels · Macramé · Miniatures

*We will do our best to accommodate all types of projects, but there may be limitations on what is possible on a particular day due to limitations of space, supplies or tools (supplies and tools are mostly donated, and what is available is always changing), or due to a particular project being too messy or dangerous to be done in a public space. If a particular project cannot be worked on during the Workshop that day, we will do our best to help you figure out how to proceed on a future Workshop date or on your own. Since this Workshop is open to ALL topics and media, we won’t be experts on everything, but we can definitely help you get started.

If you have questions about Open Art Workshop or BASE, please contact Julia Kemerer at 224-633-2426 or jkemerer@brushwoodcenter.org.

July 26 @ 10:00 am 3:00 pm

Initiatives

Public Arts Programs
Free
21850 Riverwoods Rd.
Riverwoods, IL 60015 United States
+ Google Map
224.633.2424

You Choose the Project · Use Tools and Supplies From BASE · Get Help When You Need It

Open Art Workshop is open to anyone who wants to make something in any area of visual arts and crafts, from the experienced artist looking for a community of others to work with, to the complete novice who just wants to try something out in a low pressure environment, or the family looking for a fun kids’ activity to fill their afternoon – this workshop is for you!

This month, our upcoming August Artist of the Month, Susan teller, will be our guest artist. She currently teaches workshops in paper making, watercolor painting, and book binding. She also teaches classes about women artists, the process of making art, and storyboard drawing and development. Stop by to learn from Susan!

WHEN DOES IT HAPPEN? 10am-3pm, the last Saturday of every month (no meetings in November and December 2025). Come anytime during the day, and stay as long as you’d like.

WHAT DOES IT COST? Workspace, use of our tools and any instruction or assistance you need is free; supplies from BASE are “pay what you want” (free to teachers and organizations).

WHAT CAN I MAKE? Almost* anything! Come with a project you want to work on in mind, or pick one from our list of project ideas for all ages and abilities. You are welcome to bring your own supplies and tools, or use ones from BASE. You can work independently, or work with an instructor. Here are just a few ideas of what you can learn and do at the Open Art Workshop:

Watercolor · Embroidery · Mosaics · Book Binding · Charcoal Drawing · Knitting & Crochet · Decoupage · Sewing & Mending · Jewelry Making · Plein Air Painting · Basket Weaving · Picture Framing · Card Making · Kids Art Projects · Block Printing · Stained Glass · Acrylic Painting · Costume Making · Weaving · Collage · UpCycling · Gift Wrapping · Sculpture · Upholstery · Colored Pencil · Wreath Making · Beading · Rubber Stamps · Oil Painting · Quilting · Pastels · Macramé · Miniatures

*We will do our best to accommodate all types of projects, but there may be limitations on what is possible on a particular day due to limitations of space, supplies or tools (supplies and tools are mostly donated, and what is available is always changing), or due to a particular project being too messy or dangerous to be done in a public space. If a particular project cannot be worked on during the Workshop that day, we will do our best to help you figure out how to proceed on a future Workshop date or on your own. Since this Workshop is open to ALL topics and media, we won’t be experts on everything, but we can definitely help you get started.

If you have questions about Open Art Workshop or BASE, please contact Julia Kemerer at 224-633-2426 or jkemerer@brushwoodcenter.org.

June 28 @ 10:00 am 3:00 pm

Initiatives

Public Arts Programs
Free
21850 Riverwoods Rd.
Riverwoods, IL 60015 United States
+ Google Map
224.633.2424

You Choose the Project · Use Tools and Supplies From BASE · Get Help When You Need It

Open Art Workshop is open to anyone who wants to make something in any area of visual arts and crafts, from the experienced artist looking for a community of others to work with, to the complete novice who just wants to try something out in a low pressure environment, or the family looking for a fun kids’ activity to fill their afternoon – this workshop is for you!

This month, our upcoming July Artist of the Month, Maryann Wattelle, will be our guest artist. Maryann focuses on painting, drawing, and art therapy. She uses oil, watercolor, found materials, and recycled paper in her work. Her greatest passions are sharing the experience of making art with others and guiding them through their own creative process. Stop by to learn from Maryann!

WHEN DOES IT HAPPEN? 10am-3pm, the last Saturday of every month (no meetings in November and December 2025). Come anytime during the day, and stay as long as you’d like.

WHAT DOES IT COST? Workspace, use of our tools and any instruction or assistance you need is free; supplies from BASE are “pay what you want” (free to teachers and organizations).

WHAT CAN I MAKE? Almost* anything! Come with a project you want to work on in mind, or pick one from our list of project ideas for all ages and abilities. You are welcome to bring your own supplies and tools, or use ones from BASE. You can work independently, or work with an instructor. Here are just a few ideas of what you can learn and do at the Open Art Workshop:

Watercolor · Embroidery · Mosaics · Book Binding · Charcoal Drawing · Knitting & Crochet · Decoupage · Sewing & Mending · Jewelry Making · Plein Air Painting · Basket Weaving · Picture Framing · Card Making · Kids Art Projects · Block Printing · Stained Glass · Acrylic Painting · Costume Making · Weaving · Collage · UpCycling · Gift Wrapping · Sculpture · Upholstery · Colored Pencil · Wreath Making · Beading · Rubber Stamps · Oil Painting · Quilting · Pastels · Macramé · Miniatures

*We will do our best to accommodate all types of projects, but there may be limitations on what is possible on a particular day due to limitations of space, supplies or tools (supplies and tools are mostly donated, and what is available is always changing), or due to a particular project being too messy or dangerous to be done in a public space. If a particular project cannot be worked on during the Workshop that day, we will do our best to help you figure out how to proceed on a future Workshop date or on your own. Since this Workshop is open to ALL topics and media, we won’t be experts on everything, but we can definitely help you get started.

If you have questions about Open Art Workshop or BASE, please contact Julia Kemerer at 224-633-2426 or jkemerer@brushwoodcenter.org.

November 19 @ 7:00 pm 9:00 pm

Initiatives

Public Arts Programs
$20.00
21850 Riverwoods Rd.
Riverwoods, IL 60015 United States
+ Google Map
224.633.2424

BASE: Create & Sip – Experimental Mixed-Media Paintings with Katherine Lampert

Create & Sip is a monthly workshop hosted at Brushwood Center where participants can explore fun projects using supplies and tools from the Brushwood Art Supply Exchange, BASE. It’s an opportunity to get creative, try something new, and enjoy the company of fellow art enthusiasts in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

This month’s class will be led by November’s Artist of the Month, Katherine Lampert, who will teach us to make Experimental Mixed-Media Paintings. Join us for this fun workshop designed for all experience levels. Together we will create mixed media paintings inspired by patterns in nature in a fun and supportive environment. We will use a variety of experimental techniques, tools and methods for creating interesting textures and visual interest. Try out a variety of water-based materials, handmade stamps and stencils, and learn to apply paint with inventive and unexpected tools. Demonstrations as well as time to create your own unique artwork will be provided. You can also see Katherine’s work displayed in the Brushwood Center Gallery from October 25 – November 29.

We’ll have a variety of supplies and tools available. Everyone’s project will be unique. No experience necessary, all skill levels are welcome.

About the Artist:

Katherine Lampert’s multi-layered paintings begin with a study of pattern in nature, such as the rhythmic elements of landscape or the lace-like remnants of a fossilized sea creature. These images serve as inspiration and a point of departure for her semi-abstract works. Lampert received a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA from Northwestern University. She has exhibited internationally, with a recent solo show at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago. She has been a Community Artist in Residence at the Hyde Park Art Center in Chicago, an Artist In Residence at the Cooper Union, and received two fellowships from the Vermont Studio Center. Lampert is also the recipient of a Full University Fellowship and a Teaching Fellowship from the Graduate School at Northwestern University, a City of Chicago Community Arts Assistance Program Grant, and a pARTners of Jackson Hole Grant. Her work has been featured in a number of publications, including the Chicago Tribune, Hyperallergic, and Michigan Avenue Magazine, among others. Lampert lives and works in Chicago, IL.

What to Bring:

  • Your favorite beverage (alcohol is allowed for those 21 +)
  • Some snacks to enjoy as you immerse yourself in the creative process
  • Your friends (make sure they register!)
  • Any extra supplies you want to incorporate into your project (Optional! We have lots of supplies!)

Questions? Please contact Director of Public Programs and Music, Parker Nelson at pnelson@brushwoodcenter.org

$20/person. Please register by November 17. BYOB. 

October 15 @ 7:00 pm 9:00 pm

Initiatives

Public Arts Programs
$20.00
21850 Riverwoods Rd.
Riverwoods, IL 60015 United States
+ Google Map
224.633.2424

BASE: Create & Sip – Portrait of a New Friend with alexandra ok

Create & Sip is a monthly workshop hosted at Brushwood Center where participants can explore fun projects using supplies and tools from the Brushwood Art Supply Exchange, BASE. It’s an opportunity to get creative, try something new, and enjoy the company of fellow art enthusiasts in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Are you looking for a one-of-a-kind art experience? Join Artist of the Month alexandra ok for a blind contour drawing class, where you just might make a new friend. Participants will be paired up to interview and create portraits of each other. The drawings will become colored by the words exchanged and the experience of blind contour. Alexandra will guide the discussion and the creation of these new works of art. You can also see alexandra’s work displayed in the Brushwood Center Gallery from September 27 – October 25.

We’ll have a variety of supplies and tools available. Everyone’s project will be unique. No experience necessary, all skill levels are welcome.

About the Artist:

alexandra ok is a midwest based painter showcasing the beauty of queer community. ok received their BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2023, where they honed their figurative painting abilities and passion for color work.

What to Bring:

  • Your favorite beverage (alcohol is allowed for those 21 +)
  • Some snacks to enjoy as you immerse yourself in the creative process
  • Your friends (make sure they register!)
  • Any extra supplies you want to incorporate into your project (Optional! We have lots of supplies!)

Questions? Please contact Director of Public Programs and Music, Parker Nelson at pnelson@brushwoodcenter.org

$20/person. Please register by October 13. BYOB. 

September 17 @ 7:00 pm 9:00 pm

Initiatives

Public Arts Programs
$20.00
21850 Riverwoods Rd.
Riverwoods, IL 60015 United States
+ Google Map
224.633.2424

BASE: Create & Sip – Clay Ornaments with Kirsten Saunders

Create & Sip is a monthly workshop hosted at Brushwood Center where participants can explore fun projects using supplies and tools from the Brushwood Art Supply Exchange, BASE. It’s an opportunity to get creative, try something new, and enjoy the company of fellow art enthusiasts in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

This month’s class will be led by September’s Artist of the Month, Kirsten Saunders, who will teach us to make Clay Ornaments. Use clay, large cookie cutters and clay stamps to create your own ornaments for any occasion. Great for ages 10+. Working with clay relieves stress, increases focus, and engages both hands and mind. It’s a fun way to expand your creative and expressive repertoire! You can also see Kirsten’s work displayed in the Brushwood Center Gallery from August 30 – September 27.

We’ll have a variety of supplies and tools available. Everyone’s project will be unique. No experience necessary, all skill levels are welcome.

About the Artist:

Kirsten began working with clay in college in 1982 and was hooked right away. Though her B.A. is in Psychology/Sociology, she took many fine art classes and workshops through the years to hone her skills and develop her own style. She taught children’s art classes while raising her own children, and still enjoys teaching occasionally and experiencing children’s playfulness and discovery. She is most inspired by her ever changing garden, whimsy, and her love of nature and it’s amazing creatures. Each piece is one of a kind, created in her home studio in Gurnee Illinois. Working mostly with Terra Cotta clay, pieces are wheel thrown, hand built, or a construction of both. Her mosaics are a blend of crockery, her own pottery, glass and other enticing items.

What to Bring:

  • Your favorite beverage (alcohol is allowed for those 21 +)
  • Some snacks to enjoy as you immerse yourself in the creative process
  • Your friends (make sure they register!)
  • Any extra supplies you want to incorporate into your project (Optional! We have lots of supplies!)

Questions? Please contact Director of Public Programs and Music, Parker Nelson at pnelson@brushwoodcenter.org

$20/person. Please register by September 15. BYOB. 

August 13 @ 7:00 pm 9:00 pm

Initiatives

Public Arts Programs
$20.00
21850 Riverwoods Rd.
Riverwoods, IL 60015 United States
+ Google Map
224.633.2424

BASE: Create & Sip – View From Your Window Accordion Art Books with Susan Teller

Create & Sip is a monthly workshop hosted at Brushwood Center where participants can explore fun projects using supplies and tools from the Brushwood Art Supply Exchange, BASE. It’s an opportunity to get creative, try something new, and enjoy the company of fellow art enthusiasts in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

This month’s class will be led by August’s Artist of the Month, Susan Teller, who will teach us to make Accordion Art Books. Recycle paper CD covers into your own unique accordion art book! Participants will paint, draw, and / or collage each page, with Susan’s guidance.You can also see Susan’s work displayed in the Brushwood Center Gallery from July 26 – August 30.

We’ll have a variety of supplies and tools available. Everyone’s project will be unique. No experience necessary, all skill levels are welcome.

About the Artist:

Susan Teller graduated from the University Of Illinois Chicago with a BFA in 1979. She worked at Spring Studio, United Letter, and the Marshall Fields Advertising Department. She was the Skokie Public Library Staff Artist/ Librarian, from 1997-2022. She currently teaches workshops in paper making, watercolor painting, and book binding. She also teaches classes about women artists, the process of making art, and storyboard drawing and development.

What to Bring:

  • Your favorite beverage (alcohol is allowed for those 21 +)
  • Some snacks to enjoy as you immerse yourself in the creative process
  • Your friends (make sure they register!)
  • Any extra supplies you want to incorporate into your project (Optional! We have lots of supplies!)

Questions? Please contact Director of Public Programs and Music, Parker Nelson at pnelson@brushwoodcenter.org

$20/person. Please register by August 11. BYOB. 

July 16 @ 7:00 pm 9:00 pm

Initiatives

Public Arts Programs
$20.00
21850 Riverwoods Rd.
Riverwoods, IL 60015 United States
+ Google Map
224.633.2424

BASE: Create & Sip – Constructing and Deconstructing with Maryann Wattelle

Create & Sip is a monthly workshop hosted at Brushwood Center where participants can explore fun projects using supplies and tools from the Brushwood Art Supply Exchange, BASE. It’s an opportunity to get creative, try something new, and enjoy the company of fellow art enthusiasts in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

We’ll have a variety of supplies and tools available. Everyone’s project will be unique. No experience necessary, all skill levels are welcome.

Learn to draw a face and use found materials from BASE to create a portrait. Artist of the Month Maryanne Wattelle will teach the class an easy way to breakdown the dynamics of drawing a face and the correct proportions and ratios. She’ll provide insights and shortcuts to capturing the placements of the features of eyes, noses, mouth and hair. Then, using collage and found materials, participants will be invited to embellish the portrait with materials like buttons, yarn, rolled paper, paint and magazine scraps. This workshop will be fun and user-friendly

About the Artist:

Maryann Wattelle is a BFA graduate from the Art Institute of Chicago. Her focus has been on painting, drawing and Art Therapy. Oil, watercolor, found materials and recycled paper are the elements she utilizes in her creative pursuits. She loves using recycled frames and materials. Her work is currently on display at the following locations: Forshey Gallery Tall Grass Arts Association Dragon Fly Gallery Chicago Downers Grove Library Elmhurst Art Museum, and artist guild Artsy Gallery. She’s a mom of four and also a foster mom. In addition to her artistic pursuits, she has worked for American Airlines for 25 years. Her greatest passions are sharing the experience of making art with others and guiding them through their own creative process. She has taught classes for children, young adults and seniors. In her artistic work nature always influences, nourishes and inspires her color choices and themes. She participated in the recent show At Ease in Nature and enjoyed it very much.

What to Bring:

  • Your favorite beverage (alcohol is allowed for those 21 +)
  • Some snacks to enjoy as you immerse yourself in the creative process
  • Your friends (make sure they register!)
  • Any extra supplies you want to incorporate into your project (Optional! We have lots of supplies!)

Questions? Please contact Director of Public Programs and Music, Parker Nelson at pnelson@brushwoodcenter.org

$20/person. Please register by July 14. BYOB. 

June 18 @ 7:00 pm 9:00 pm

Initiatives

Public Arts Programs
$20.00
21850 Riverwoods Rd.
Riverwoods, IL 60015 United States
+ Google Map
224.633.2424

BASE: Create & Sip – Junk Journals with Magdalena Kranc-Velasquez

Create & Sip is a monthly workshop hosted at Brushwood Center where participants can explore fun projects using supplies and tools from the Brushwood Art Supply Exchange, BASE. It’s an opportunity to get creative, try something new, and enjoy the company of fellow art enthusiasts in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

We’ll have a variety of supplies and tools available. Everyone’s project will be unique. No experience necessary, all skill levels are welcome.

About the Artist:

Magdalena Kranc-Velazquez is a mixed media artist, working in collage. Her work includes intricate collages that feature layering and delicate, yet dramatic, hand painting and drawing. She also creates altered books, creating one-of-a-kind keepsake memory books for her clients, using their photos, jewelry, documents, buttons, and fabrics

What to Bring:

  • Your favorite beverage (alcohol is allowed for those 21 +)
  • Some snacks to enjoy as you immerse yourself in the creative process
  • Your friends (make sure they register!)
  • Any extra supplies you want to incorporate into your project (Optional! We have lots of supplies!)

Questions? Please contact Director of Public Programs and Music, Parker Nelson at pnelson@brushwoodcenter.org

$20/person. Please register by June 15. BYOB. 

Artist of the Month is a new program at Brushwood Center featuring artists who align with Brushwood Center’s mission and explores themes of health, equity and justice, nature and the environment. Each month we feature an artist who will:

  • Display their work at Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods
  • Teach a Create and Sip Workshop in their area of expertise
  • Demonstrate their work at an Open Art Workshop

Meet Magdalena Kranc-Velazquez

Magdalena Kranc-Velazquez is a mixed media artist, working in collage. Her work includes intricate collages that feature layering and delicate, yet dramatic, hand painting and drawing. She also creates altered books, creating one-of-a-kind keepsake memory books for her clients, using their photos, jewelry, documents, buttons, and fabrics.

Magdalena’s Artist Statement

A vintage mirror frame, holding a collage featuring butterflies and a woman's face.

“I discovered passion for art while recovering from cancer. During this time I drew closer to God and he showed me places of myself I wasn’t aware of. In my art I want to grasp a longing for unknown world. A safe place. Home for healing, acceptance, joy and love. When I create, I’m in the flow where I’m enjoying the process and trust my artistic choices. Creating art makes me feel relaxed and in the moment where time doesn’t exist.”

Image: Curiosity, by Magdalena Kranc-Velasquez
Media: Paper collage, acrylic paint, vintage mirror frame

Artist of the Month Events

Mixed media paper collage inside vintage mirror frame.

May 31 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Open Art Workshop with Magdalena Kranc-Velasquez

Open Art Workshop is open to anyone who wants to make something in any area of visual arts and crafts, from the experienced artist looking for a community of others to work with, to the complete novice who just wants to try something out in a low pressure environment, or the family looking for a fun kids’ activity to fill their afternoon – this workshop is for you!

Image: Way home by Magdalena Kranc-Velasquez
Media: Mixed media paper collage, vintage mirror frame

A collection of junk journals, handmade books made of various materials.

June 18 | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Create & Sip – Junk Journals

Create & Sip is a monthly workshop hosted at Brushwood Center where participants can explore fun projects using supplies and tools from the Brushwood Art Supply Exchange, BASE. It’s an opportunity to get creative, try something new, and enjoy the company of fellow art enthusiasts in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Image: A collection of junk journals by Magdalena Kranc-Velasquez. Media: Paper, fabric, thread, mixed media

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