Being Savvy: Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers and kids in Chicago, IL

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Petite Picassos: Art Classes for Preschoolers

April 06, 2009

If you have a budding artist at your house (like I do), you might be looking for an outlet for his or her creative energies.  Chicago has lots of art class options for young artists.  Here are three good choices.

Old Town School of Music.   I know, you probably think of Wiggle Worms and guitar lessons when you hear Old Town School of Music, but the truth is that they have lots more to offer than tunes -- like art classes.  My daughter is taking a class here now.  The class size is small and each kid seems to have the space to make their own unique creations.  The teacher reads a book to start the class and the students make a project based on the story.  Although the projects certainly aren't elaborate, the kids have had anopportunity to work with several different mediums.

The Paintbrush. This art studio focuses on art inspired by music (and what kid doesn't love both?).  Kids are promised a hands-on art experience plus lessons about the lives and works of influential composers and artists (frankly, I 'd like to sign myself up for this). The Paintbrush has classes for a range of age groups plus some cool summer camp offerings.

The Easel Art Studio. This Bucktown art studio is a newcomer to the kiddie art scene.  The Easel is owned by an art school grad and former nanny and cool offerings include Sibling Art Classes, Story Art, and a Friday Night Drop-Off.  I also love the "drop-in" option for many of the classes.

What art hot-spots do your kids love?  Read more...

Season's Greetings

December 05, 2008

Around this time of year, busy Moms and Dads are scrambling around, trying get all of the holiday shopping, decorating, and baking done. And the family holiday card is always part of a long to-do list. Why not incorporate your child's artwork into the family card this year? Use this project as an opportunity to teach your preschooler that sending holiday wishes means more than just signing your  Read more...

Getting Ready For Fall Crafts!

September 12, 2008

Cooler fall weather means more time spent indoors. And that means that moms need to be a little more creative to keep their preschoolers busy. Here are some of my tips for crafting and creating at home with little ones. Stock Up. Make a trip to the craft store to purchase some new materials to refresh your art supply box. Our favorites include watercolor  Read more...

The Budding Art Critic: How to Make the Art Institute a Place Your Child Loves

June 02, 2008

A trip to the Art Institute with a preschooler or two in tow might seem like a daunting endeavor. However, with ample preparation and patience, you can (and should) take the time to introduce your little one to fine art in Chicago . Plan, Plan, Plan . Before you go, talk to your preschooler about what the Art Institute has to offer. Look at some of the collections together  Read more...

The Littlest Picasso

May 20, 2008

My daughter's single favorite activity is an art project. Sometimes we work collaboratively on a big project (such as painting markers for our vegetable garden). Other times she works independently for a long stretch of time on a creation of her own (like a pipe cleaner family portrait). I try to encourage her interest, but also leave her lots of space to come up with ideas and work on her  Read more...

More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in chicago

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Creatures & Critters:
Our Urban Jungle

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Do, Re, Mi! Places to Hear, Sing & Play a Tune

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Artistic Endeavors:
Our Favorite Art Venues

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Room to Run:
Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors

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Rainy & Quiet Days:
Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun

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A Sense of History:
Our City's Stories

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Tot's Science Fair:
Science & Nature Sites

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Splash, Spray, Play! Local Spots to Get Wet

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The Most Fun in Life Is Free!

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The Best of... Our Top Can't-Live-Without Spots

The Voice of Being Savvy chicago:
Caitlin Giles

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