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JEFFERSON PARK — A series of art classes and workshops to boost creativity on the Northwest Side is coming to a business incubator.
The Made Shop, 4440 N. Milwaukee Ave. — which sells handmade jewelry, candles, clothing and more from more than 30 Midwestern artists — will start classes this weekend.
People will be able to learn how to make candles and wellness products, sew and screen print while supporting local artists, owner Christina Parker said.
The classes are Saturday evenings at the shop and cost $25-$40.
Credit: Ariel Parrella-Aureli/Block Club ChicagoFirst up this month is a candle-making class 4-6 p.m. Saturday hosted by the owner of The Sista Friend, a candle and wellness startup. The class is $40 per person, and people will learn how to make one scented candle and get a cocktail. People can register online.
A sip and paint class taught by artist and teacher Liz Brent is 5-7 p.m. March 18. The class is $35, and tickets can be bought online.
Parker, who used to own a printing company, will teach a T-shirt-making class for beginners 6 p.m. March 25. Tickets are $25.
April events are in the works and will be posted to the shop’s social media, Parker said.
Upcoming classes will include a sewing workshop where people can make their own tote bag or pillow, a bath-bomb-making workshop and more sip and paint events, Parker said.
The Made Shop opened in 2021 with 20 vendors. It’s grown to hosting nearly 50 rotating artists. The shop offers an affordable way for artists, some of whom are from the Northwest Side, to gain exposure, make money and contribute to the energy of the area, Parker said.
With strains from the pandemic, social media pressure and the store’s quick expansion, Parker she said temporarily lost sight of what she wanted The Made Shop opened to be: a place that brings more arts to Jefferson Park and fosters collaboration among artists and opportunities to share skills.
The classes will help Parker realize those goals, she said.
“The original plan was to have classes here, too,” Parker said. “The whole point was a place where we can grow and learn from each other.”
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