Your browser is not optimized for viewing this website.

More information »

ArtStart



Our Classes

Puppetry and Storytelling & Folk Arts

$250

with Julie Boada and Shakun Maheshwari

Calendar Jul 14, 2025 at 8:30 am, runs for 1 week

Ages: 6 - 8

8:30am

Kathputli is the Indian name for “string puppet theatre.” Native to Rajasthan in northern India, it is the most popular form of Indian puppetry. Work with artist Julie Boada to create your own marionette puppet and join the ArtStart puppet troupe to retell a favorite Indian fable.

10:15am

Artist Shakun Maheshwari introduces you to India through art, dance, andstory. Learn about traditional Indian dress, foods, celebrations like the Festival of Light or Diwali, and the importance of the Ganges River considered the most sacred river in India. Create a mandala, henna art, and more.

For ages 6 – 8.

Payment plan available: $150 deposit plus 2 payments of $50.00, paid every two weeks.

Puppetry and Storytelling & Mixed Media

$250

with Gustavo Boada and Tara Fahey

Calendar Jul 14, 2025 at 8:30 am, runs for 1 week

Ages: 6 - 8

8:30am

Kathputli is the Indian name for “string puppet theatre.” Native to Rajasthan in northern India, it is the most popular form of Indian puppetry. Work with artist Gustavo Boada to create your own marionette puppet and join the ArtStart puppet troupe to retell a favorite Indian fable.

10:15am

India is known for its colorful paper and fabric lanterns. Get inspired by the beautiful star-shaped pieces commonly displayed during Diwali, and the fabric ones known in Rajasthan.  Then work with artist Tara Fahey to create your own vibrant vessels of light to decorate your room.

For ages 6 – 8.

Payment plan available: $150 deposit plus 2 payments of $50.00, paid every two weeks.

Decorative Arts & Drawing and Painting

$260

with Gustavo Boada and Melodee Strong

Calendar Jul 14, 2025 at 12:30 pm, runs for 1 week

Ages: 9 - 12

12:30pm

Rajasthan in northern India is the main center for brass engraving. Traditional designs and floral patterns are hammered or embossed on the surface of the metal. Work with artist Gustavo Boada to learn the technique of embossing. Then incorporate traditional Indian designs and create a beautiful photo frame or box wrapped in metal. Additional $10 materials fee.

2:15pm

Some of the best known Indian folk paintings are the Mithila paintings from the Madhubani region of Bihar state in northeast India. For centuries the women of Mithila have decorated the walls of their houses with these intricate paintings. Work with artist Melodee Strong to draw and paint your own Mithila inspired piece.

For ages 9-12.

Full Course

Drawing and Painting & Decorative Arts

$260

with Melodee Strong and Gustavo Boada

Calendar Jul 14, 2025 at 12:30 pm, runs for 1 week

Ages: 6 - 8

12:30pm

Some of the best known Indian folk paintings are the Mithila paintings from the Madhubani region of Bihar state in northeast India. For centuries the women of Mithila have decorated the walls of their houses with these intricate paintings. Work with artist Melodee Strong to draw and paint your own Mithila inspired piece.

2:15pm

Rajasthan in northern India is the main center for brass engraving. Traditional designs and floral patterns are hammered or embossed on the surface of the metal. Work with artist Gustavo Boada to learn the technique of embossing. Then incorporate traditional Indian designs and create a beautiful photo frame or box wrapped in metal. Additional $10 materials fee.

For ages 6-8.

Payment plan available: $150 deposit plus 2 payments of $55.00, paid every two weeks.

Drawing and Painting & Instrument Making

$260

with Karen Anderson and Jeanette Dickinson

Calendar Jul 14, 2025 at 12:30 pm, runs for 1 week

Ages: 6 - 8

12:30 pm

Some of the best known Indian folk paintings are the Mithila paintings from the Madhubani region of Bihar state in northeast India. For centuries the women of Mithila have decorated the walls of their houses with these intricate paintings. Work with artists Karen Anderson and Melodee Strong to draw and paint your own Mithila inspired piece.

2:15 pm

Originally associated with dance traditions, the tabla is now used in a variety of genres and styles of Hindustani music. Tabla can be documented in India from the late 18th century, though some believe the origin can be traced to the indigenous ancient civilization. Join Jeanette Dickinson to make your own tabla with a variety of fun materials. Additional $10 materials fee. 

For ages 6-8.

Full Course

Instrument Making & Drawing and Painting

$260

with Jeanette Dickinson and Karen Anderson

Calendar Jul 14, 2025 at 12:30 pm, runs for 1 week

Ages: 9 - 12

12:30pm

Originally associated with dance traditions, the tabla is now used in a variety of genres and styles of Hindustani music. Tabla can be documented in India from the late 18th century, though some believe the origin can be traced to the indigenous ancient civilization. Join Jeanette Dickinson to make your own tabla with a variety of fun materials. Additional $10 materials fee. 

2:15pm

Some of the best known Indian folk paintings are the Mithila paintings from the Madhubani region of Bihar state in northeast India. For centuries the women of Mithila have decorated the walls of their houses with these intricate paintings. Work with artist Karen Anderson to draw and paint your own Mithila inspired piece.

For ages 9-12.

Payment plan available: $150 deposit plus 2 payments of $55.00, paid every two weeks.

Music & Textiles

$250

with Krissy Bergmark and Julie Boada

Calendar Jul 14, 2025 at 12:30 pm, runs for 1 week

Ages: 9 - 12

12:30pm

Join Chicago-based performing artist Krissy Bergmark to learn about Indian classical music of the north! In this fun interactive class, you will play clapping games, try out tabla, and explore storytelling through rhythm and gestures. Learn the different names for sounds played on tabla and how to count basic teentaal.

2:15pm

In India beaded embroidery, Moochi Aari or just Aari, is a popular way to decorate garments and other furnishings. Join artist Julie Boada as she teaches the technique of using a special needle to apply beads, pearls, and sequins to fabric. Then using the Aari technique create your own special Indian inspired design on fabric. 

For ages 9-12.

Payment plan available: $150 deposit plus 2 payments of $50.00, paid every two weeks.

Textiles & Music

$250

with Julie Boada and Krissy Bergmark

Calendar Jul 14, 2025 at 12:30 pm, runs for 1 week

Ages: 6 - 8

12:30pm

In India beaded embroidery, Moochi Aari or just Aari, is a popular way to decorate garments and other furnishings. Join artist Julie Boada as she teaches the technique of using a special needle to apply beads, pearls, and sequins to fabric. Then using the Aari technique create your own special Indian inspired design on fabric.

2:15pm

Join Chicago-based performing artist Krissy Bergmark to learn about Indian classical music of the north! In this fun interactive class, you will play clapping games, try out tabla, and explore storytelling through rhythm and gestures. Learn the different names for sounds played on tabla and how to count basic teentaal. 

For ages 6-8.

Payment plan available: $150 deposit plus 2 payments of $50.00, paid every two weeks.




Forgot password?
Staff Log In