Classes & Workshops
The Old Town Art Center
About the Old Town Art Center
Small class sizes allow students of all skill levels to take part in any given class. Instructors provide each individual student the amount of attention required. The focus is entirely on the visual arts – through drawing with pencils/charcoal and painting with oils, watercolor, pastels or acrylics. Sessions typically begin the first week of January, the last week of March and the first week of September. Short sessions are offered in the summer and toward the end of the year. Workshops are added periodically. Classes are offered during the day, at night and on weekends.
Register Now 2026 SUMMER Classes!
Registration is required. Scholarships are available. If you plan to pay for a class at the first session, please call the office (312.337.1938) to place a registration hold for the class you would like to attend – this will help us to ensure minimum/maximum attendance.
Art Class FAQs
- OTTA membership is open to all
- Up to two art classes can be made up within a session
- There are no refunds after the 1st class
- Classes with fewer than five students may be cancelled – class size is limited to sixteen students.
- Students provide their own supplies
- Scholarships are available – please scroll down for complete information
- If you would prefer to pay by check or in person, please call the office (312.337.1938) to reserve your space.
Suzanne Flavin Scholarships
The Old Town Art Center offers financial aid through the Suzanne Flavin Scholarship Fund. Financial assistance is provided for the complete cost of a class and is offered for each full 30 hour-session – any media. To apply, please complete the application found here or visit the OTAC (1763 N North Park Avenue) to pick up a copy. Recipients will be announced two weeks prior to the start of the next session.
Promotions
Representatives from OTTA may take photos of participants and/or their artwork during class sessions. These pictures are for OTTA use only and may be used in publications and/or website. Please notify us if you would not like photos to be taken of you.
Art Classes
Please note: If you have any questions or run into any problems attempting to register, please send an email to info@oldtowntriangle.com or call us at 312.337.1938. Those 65 and older – use code “senior” for additional $5 off!
Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting with Don Yang
Session 1 | Mondays | June 29 – August 3 | 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM | 5 Weeks
No class: July 20 | Fee: $200/$195 OTTA Members
Session 2 | Mondays | August 10 – September 28 | 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM | 5 weeks 5 Weeks
No class: August 17, September 7, September 21 | Fee: $200/$195 OTTA Members
In representational art (realistic art), sound drawing is the cornerstone of everything that follows. In this class, the main emphasis will be on how to accurately see and draw three dimensional objects in an environment in order to create convincing realism in space.
Oil Painting; Beginning to Intermediate and Beyond with Don Yang
Session 1 | Mondays | June 29 – August 3 | 10 AM – 1 PM | 5 Weeks
No class: July 20 | Fee: $200/$195 OTTA Members
Session 2 | Mondays | August 10 – September 28 | 10 AM – 1 PM | 5 Weeks
No class: August 17, September 7, September 21 | Fee: $200/$195 OTTA Members
This class is designed for students to have an opportunity to learn oil painting in a systematic way at a college level. This class is based on Oil Painting 101 to 400 level classes (from sophomore to senior students) at the American Academy of Art where Don taught painting and drawing for 22 years.
Oil Painting with Joe Taylor
Session 1: Tuesdays | June 23 – July 21 | 10 AM – 1 PM | 5 Weeks
Fee: $175/$170 members
Session 2: Tuesdays | August 4 – September 1 | 10 AM – 1 PM | 5 Weeks
Fee: $175/$170 members
Students take on projects of their own choosing. The first 15 minutes will emphasize preparatory sketches and composition. Joe provides support in difficult areas; whether color, mass, shadows or any other technique that fails. His level of instruction is dependent on each individual student’s needs. This class is as challenging for experienced painters as it is exciting for those expanding their knowledge.
Evening Sip and Paint: Oil Painting with Joe Taylor
Session 1 Wednesdays | June 24 – July 22 | 6:30 – 9:30 PM | 5 Weeks
Fee: $175/$170 members
Session 2: Wednesdays | August 5 – September 2 | 6:30 – 9:30 PM | 5 Weeks
Fee: $175/$170 members
Students take on projects of their own choosing. The first 15 minutes will emphasize preparatory sketches and composition. Joe provides support in difficult areas; whether color, mass, shadows or any other technique that fails. His level of instruction is dependent on each individual student’s needs. This class is as challenging for experienced painters as it is exciting for those expanding their knowledge.
Evening Sip and Paint: Students are welcome enjoy to adult beverages during class! This course is perfect for those looking to practice in a friendly and relaxed environment, or to decompress after work.
Digital Illustration: iPad Art with Cheryl Tyson
Session 1: Mondays | June 22 – July 20 | 5:30 – 7:00 PM | 4 Weeks
No class: July 6 | Fee: $75/$70 members
Session 2: Mondays | August 3 – August 24 | 5:30 – 7:00 PM | 4 Weeks
Fee: $75/$70 members
This beginner-friendly 4 week course is designed for adults who want to learn digital illustration in a relaxed, supportive environment-whether you’re completely new to drawing or returning to creativity after years away. In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of digital drawing using Procreate, one of the most popular digital art apps for iPad.
Alcohol Inks and Drinks with Helen Dannelly
Tuesdays | July 28 – August 11 | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM | 3 Weeks
Fee: $185/$180 OTTA Members
Enjoy painting both abstractly and realistically using vibrant alcohol inks! Learn techniques for working with vibrant, mesmerizing alcohol inks on Yupo (polypropylene sheets.) Students are welcome to enjoy adult beverages while creating their masterpiece! This course is perfect for those looking to learn a new style of art in a friendly and relaxed environment, or to decompress after work. Sign up with a friend and make this your new weeknight ritual!
Introduction to Encaustic Sculpture with Helen Dannelly
Thursdays | July 9 – July 23 | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM | 3 Weeks
Fee: $300/$290 OTTA Members
Students will learn basic structural techniques for creating three-dimensional forms utilizing wire mesh, plaster gauze and encaustic medium. students will discuss line, mass, volume, surface, scale, display options, relief versus free-standing sculpture, and hanging devices. Helen will share examples of sculptures from various eras and artists, including the contemporary use of encaustic in sculpture.
Creating Vibrant Watercolors: A Weekend Workshop with Tom Francesconi
July 18 & 19 | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM | One weekend
Fee: $200/$195 OTTA Members
Join Tom Francesconi for a weekend watercolor workshop, where he shares his process for creating fresh and vibrant paintings! Tom’s energetic instruction style and passion for painting combine to create an experience that is enjoyable and informative for students at every stage of experience. Throughout this two-day workshop, Tom will demonstrate how to go from sketch to finished work, with an emphasis on creating a rich and dynamic watercolor painting. Participants will learn how to use value, color, and edges to paint watercolors that are more expressive, unique, and personal.