The Paintbrush

Chicago, United States

4.2

Open now

10 reviews

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 773-636-1968
Website:
www.thepaintbrush.net
Address:
2646 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL, 60614
b/t Wrightwood Ave & Schubert Ave
Lincoln Park, DePaul
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.2 miDiversey
0.3 miClark & Schubert SB
0.3 miClark & Schubert NB
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Bussiness info

Good for Kids
Yes

Today

Today 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
Open now
Local time (Chicago) 1:24 PM Friday, November 29, 2024

Business hours

Monday 9:00 am – 11:30 am
Tuesday 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
Friday 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday 10:30 am – 5:00 pm

Description

Specialties

Can your four-​year-​old identify art by Miro or Picasso? If she attends classes at The Paintbrush she can. At The Paintbrush kids do more than just paint. Starting at just 18 months old kids at The Paintbrush learn about artists, listen to music, and create their own inspired works of art. Classes Monday-​Saturday, Drop-​In ART, Year ‘Round ART Camp, birthday pARTies, monthly Kids’ Nights Out, ART Workshops, Summer Art int he Park, and more. The Paintbrush … It’s where a lifelong love of art begins! Visit www​.The​P​aint​brush​.net or call 773.636.1968 to get your little artist inspired today.

History

Established in 2005.

Founded by a Lincoln Park native (and single mom) The Paintbrush — a family-​owned, family-​friendly local business — opened in April 2005.

Filling a niche for children who want and need more enrichment in their early education — and keeping the art mess in our studio and out of your house — The Paintbrush strives to introduce children to the wonderful art world and start building a foundation for a lifelong love of art through hands-​on art lessons. You’re never too young to love art!

Meet the Business Owner

Melanie A.

Business Owner

Melanie graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre Arts from Bradley University, and earned a subsequent bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Care from National-​Louis University. She worked as a pediatric respiratory therapist at Children’s Memorial Hospital for six years. Melanie has also been a freelance writer of predominantly children’s books (plus the popular pictorial histories Lincoln Park: Chicago and Lincoln Park Revisited, as well as Cystic Fibrosis: The Ultimate Teen Guide) since the mid-​1990s. Melanie is an at-​home single mom to two energetic boys, a busy PTA volunteer and an all around mulitasking queen.

The Paintbrush also recommends

George Street Pub

199

reviews

Pubs

Melanie A. says,

«The Paintbrush and George Street Pub, a great duo for parents while their kids are in class or at a birthday pARTy. Incredible food.»

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10 reviews of The Paintbrush

No registration required
Place rating: 3
Chicago, IL
We bought a 5-​class pass for The Paintbrush and intended to sign up for «Little Art Explorers» but that was not being offered so we ended up signing up for «Tiny Artists» instead. The space is really cute and cozy, there were plenty of little kids for my child to interact with, the teacher seemed very knowledgeable about art and various mediums, and we brought home some really cute artwork. BUT the teacher seemed a little clueless about the kids’ actual developmental level. It is really a CLASS where they are expected to sit still, move from station to station, listen quietly, follow instructions, and not spill or eat various art materials ranging from water to paint to glue. This is a challenge for ANY toddler, and the teacher did not seem to know that or be ok with it. I think it would be nice if they added a song about colors or something that the kids could sing as they’re getting started or saying goodbye– that is after all a really basic way that kids this age learn. I also think it would be cool if they focused on teaching about colors, shapes, and maybe textures, not just particular artists– most kids this age do not know what «red» is let alone what a «warm» color is. And they were sometimes asked to paint stuff that doesn’t really capture their interest (like still lifes of flowers). Overall, I think it was a positive experience, but we probably won’t come back until our child is at least in preschool or kindergarten so we can really reap the benefits.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
My 2 year old and 9 year old just finished a 5 week class at the Paintbrush. Both had a great time and enjoyed all of the projects. Not only did they complete one or two really cool projects each week, but they also learned about a new artist each week. Their teacher, Ms. Kate, was very knowledgeable about all of the artists that were covered and really seemed interested in teaching the children new techniques each week. Ms. Kate is great with kids and so laid back, I really liked her style. The owner was also very helpful in scheduling my classes as well as accommodating me by allowing both of my children to participate in the same class despite the age difference. My kids loved it and I loved that they were able to have fun painting without making a mess at our house!
Place rating: 2
Chicago, IL
I have a grandson who loves art in all forms. I was excited to find this business and have him attend the Summer Art Camp. While he was happy to just be involved, I was disappointed. The classes weren’t as well rounded or involved as I expected. I thought there would be art education, along with related projects. That was not my experience. It really felt like an expensive arts and crafts class. I don’t think it was worth the cost.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
Love The Paintbrush. It’s a wonderful place for kids to make art (and a mess that I don’t have to clean up) while they learn something. We’ve also been to birthday parties at The Paintbrush and everyone had a great time – and the kids come home with their own work of art… the perfect goody bag. I love how they offer drop-​in art days, where kids can be free to create on their own. It’s a great laid back atmosphere that’s just fun.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
This is a great place to have a birthday party. The kids had so much fun and there was seriously no work for me. As soon as we arrived the staff took everything off my hands and allowed me to enjoy the party with my daughter. They led the activities, helped the kids clean their hands when necessary, served the food, everything. Melanie was super accommodating in creating awesome goodie bags that fit with our party theme and overall I couldn’t have been happier with how things went. Thanks for a great party!
Place rating: 2
Chatham, NJ
After a very average experience at their summer camp last year, I decided to try the Paintbrush again this Spring for a six-​week drawing class for my daughter. Unfortunately, that was a mistake. The teacher seemed nice enough, but given that the class was named and advertised as a drawing class, they did very little actual drawing. I’m all for learning the fundamentals, but either because of poor time management or lack of planning on the teacher’s part, my daughter did not bring home one piece of paper in which she actually drew something based on the teacher’s instruction. Very disappointing, especially at $ 25/​hour. We will not be returning to the Paintbrush again.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
My daughter took the President Day Art bootcamp today and made an awesome picture for us to hang up! She loved the class and wants to take more classes! This is huge for my very picky girl who doesn’t like new things! Can’t wait to sign her up for more classes this summer!!!
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
The Paintbrush is wonderful! My 5yo daughter has learned tons in the last couple of years. She loves to go to the Art Institute because she can identify all sorts of artists and their words. (it gets interesting reactions from other adults standing near her) She adores Miss Mindy and can’t wait to go to art class. We occasionally do a camp day during the summer, which puts her over the moon. I would definitely suggest arranging for a trial class to see for yourself.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
My son has taken art classes here and absolutely loves it. When we have taken the classes, they have been anywhere from 5 – 10 kids. Mindy, the teacher, is sweet, fun, and creative with her art project ideas (some of them are totally funky)! I love the way they have the classes set up. the children do a mini «art history lesson» about the artist while listening to music from the artist’s era and home country at the beginning of class. Then the children do a very fun/​creative art project. Job well done!
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
My son has taken classes here and absolutely loves it!
The Paintbrush allows kids to learn more about the artist while listenening to the music the artist would have been listening to at the time. Very cool concept. Where else can your child learn about art and music history as well as make a project in a 45 minute class weekly?
We have not come across a more complete art program!
My son’s favorite project was the Jackson Pollack inspired painting.
We haven’t done it yet but, they have summer camps and also, day camps open on school holidays.
The Paintbrush is a refreshing change from other art programs we’ve tried, this is an intimate setting, small class sizes and Mindy (the teacher) focuses on each child’s learning styles.
Gotta love it when your kid teaches you something new about an artist!