Top Illinois Art & Culture Classes

Souvenirs can be a fantastic way to remember a trip, but ones you’ve made yourself are even more special. In this small-group perfume-making class, craft your ideal fragrance from a range of different scents, from soft floral notes to exotic spices, and when you’re finished, personalize your bottle with a name or initials.

Souvenirs are a great way to remember a trip, but ones you’ve hand-crafted yourself can be even more special. In this crafting workshop, learn how to create a soy wax candle and customize each with your own personally chosen fragrance. Take home your candle at the end of the course to light at home or keep to cherish the memories.

Unleash your creativity at the Glow Workshop, a unique art experience where vibrant neon paints glow under blacklight. Guided by talented street art instructors, you’ll create a stunning 12x16" canvas masterpiece that comes to life in the dark. Perfect for a fun night out or a memorable date, this high-energy workshop offers an inviting atmosphere to connect with friends while enjoying your first craft brew on us. Bring your imagination and prepare for a night of painting, laughter, and glowing art.

SHOOTING&SPINNING IS ALLOWED FROM 18 YEARS OF AGE. In case it is a group, everyone must be 18+ Whether you're a seasoned artist or just looking for an exciting new experience, our activity promises a one-of-a-kind artistic journey. Book now and embark on an adventure that will leave you with an extraordinary masterpiece and unforgettable memories.

Step into our vibrant candle-making studio and unleash your creativity! Craft candles with friends and family, blending custom scents in a welcoming space. Take home your masterpiece the same day, making memories and experiencing Chicago in a unique, unforgettable way. Join us for a non-traditional workshop designed for instant gratification and lasting inspiration!

Paint ""Therapy"" is allowed for individuals aged 18 and over. In the case of a group, all participants must be 18 or older Engage in a vibrant explosion of creativity with the Neon Paint Therapy Experience at Shot Of Art. This immersive 30-minute activity invites adults aged 18 and over to unleash their artistic flair while surrounded by glowing neon lights and energetic vibes. Armed with water guns filled with neon paint, participants can freely express themselves on canvas and walls, creating a unique masterpiece. With premium clothes protection provided, enjoy the thrill of painting without worry. Capture the moment and let your imagination run wild in this exhilarating art session.

Step into Chicago’s coolest hidden bars on a mid-century cocktail adventure! Join a local guide to discover vintage lounges, secret speakeasies, and retro bars most tourists miss. Savor expertly crafted cocktails (own expense), hear untold stories of the city’s nightlife boom, and soak in stylish decor straight from the 1950s and 60s. This small-group tour is perfect for cocktail lovers, architecture buffs, and anyone seeking an off-the-beaten-path night out in the Windy City.

SHOOTING&SPINNING IS ALLOWED FROM 18 YEARS OF AGE. In case it is a group, everyone must be 18+ Experience the enchantment of Shot of Art - After Dark, where creativity meets nightlife in a truly unique way. Step into our atmospheric setting and let your imagination run wild as you paint and create amidst the evening glow. Our signature Shooting/Spinning activity adds an exhilarating twist to your artistic journey. Armed with an airsoft gun, you'll aim at balloons filled with vibrant paint, unleashing a burst of color onto your canvas. Then, watch in awe as we spin your paint-splashed masterpiece into a stunning abstract work of art, creating mesmerizing patterns and textures. Ideal for date nights or group outings, Shot of Art - After Dark promises an unforgettable experience filled with creativity, laughter, and excitement. Embrace the magic and let your inner artist shine! Please note: This activity is suitable for ages 18 and above.

Unleash your creativity and learn the basics of screen printing in this beginner-friendly Chicago workshop. Bring your own t-shirt or sweatshirt and use professional equipment—and 20+ bold, premade designs—to create a unique, wearable piece of art. Guided by local experts at Remade in Chicago, you’ll master the ink-pulling technique, try layering or mixing designs, and leave with a one-of-a-kind upcycled tee. No experience or art skills required—just bring your imagination and a shirt to print. Perfect for individuals, friends, or creative groups!

Our "Fluid Art" experience is truly unique. It offers a mesmerizing journey into the world of art unlike any other. Participants are guided through an exciting process using acrylic paints, silicone, a hair dryer, and a gas burner to create captivating patterns on canvas. This dynamic and spontaneous art form is suitable for everyone, whether you're an art enthusiast or a beginner. You'll be amazed by the intricate and unexpected designs that emerge, making each piece one-of-a-kind. It's a therapeutic and enjoyable activity that guarantees a memorable artistic adventure.

Get ready to unleash your creativity at the BYOB Candle-Making Class at Chicago Candle Co. This hands-on workshop invites you to craft stunning, personalized candles from upcycled wine bottles, all while enjoying your favorite drinks. Under the guidance of friendly instructors, you’ll learn the art of glass cutting and soy wax pouring, choosing from a variety of cocktail-inspired scents. Bond with friends or make new ones in a welcoming atmosphere as you create unique pieces that reflect your individual style and eco-friendly values. Perfect for a fun night out or a memorable group activity in the heart of Chicago.

Visitors to Chicago who want to capture fantastic vacation photos shouldn’t settle for smartphone selfies when you can book a professional photographer. With this photo shoot experience, simply meet your photographer-guide and enjoy a session with iconic Chicago landmarks as your backdrop. Photo shooting spots in Chicago: Millennium Park (including Cloud Gate) Willis Tower Skydeck Chicago Riverwalk Navy Pier North Avenue Beach The Magnificent Mile Wicker Park Lincoln Park Rooftop Chicago (extra charge may apply depending on the venue) Capture your most memorable moments during this private photo shoot. Return from your trip with beautiful, high-quality vacation photos — the best souvenir you can take home. PLEASE NOTE: This photo shoot package covers only one location from the list. Adding more locations will increase the package fee. The service fee mentioned is per person. This is not a group price. Please specify your preferred location from the list when making your booking.

Unleash your creativity at a private Art Splash painting session in Chicago. Perfect for group celebrations, birthdays, or corporate events, this 40-minute experience lets you get hands-on with bold paints, premium tools, and a 12x16 canvas to take home. Protective clothing is provided—so you can embrace the splash, layer colors, and express yourself freestyle, no art skills needed! Your group gets a private room and expert guidance, ensuring an unforgettable, laughter-filled activity for anywhere from 6 to 80 people. Just arrive ready for creative fun and leave with a unique piece of art (allow up to five days for full drying).

SHOOTING&SPINNING IS ALLOWED FROM 18 YEARS OF AGE. In case it is a group, everyone must be 18+ What sets our Date Night Art Experience apart is the perfect blend of excitement, creativity, and connection in a vibrant, interactive setting. You won’t just paint—you’ll shoot paint-filled bombs with a BB gun, spin your canvases to create mesmerizing fluid art patterns, and splash paint freely in a dedicated studio space where messy fun is encouraged. Plus, you can customize playful "hugs" T-shirts as part of the experience. This exclusive combination of dynamic art techniques and uninhibited expression makes the experience energetic, memorable, and deeply engaging. Whether it’s your first date, anniversary, or a special night out, you’ll leave with unique, colorful masterpieces—and unforgettable memories shared in a lively, joyful atmosphere. Book now to turn your date into a creative celebration that’s truly one of a kind!

You’ll be creating a unique fragrance that is true to you! We save it on file so you can order refills (at a discounted rate as long as you keep your bottle) and we rotate fragrances on the bar so you can always come in to create a new scent too! We’ve been around for over 30 years (established 1993) and have been a hidden gem in Chicago’s beautiful Lincoln Park area for the entire time. Nothing beats experience and trained perfumers to help guide and create the right proportions for you! We are BYOB—just board liquor allowed. But beer, wine, or a few hard seltzers are ok. It’s the perfect outing for date night, bachelorette parties, bridal showers, birthdays, business outings or even solo! For bigger groups (5+) you will have to book on our website or give us a call for instructions. It is a private activity in the sense that you get your own table or seating with your reservation—just like you would at a restaurant.

Here's what you can expect during your 1.5-hour private room experience: Shooting/Spinning Art Experience: Collaborate with your group to create a masterpiece on a large canvas (24x36 inches) using our unique Shooting/Spinning technique. Each team of seven people will work together to shoot down balloons filled with paint, then watch as we spin your canvas to create mesmerizing abstract art. Art Room Experience: Indulge your inner artist as you each create your own masterpiece on a personal canvas (16x20 inches). Choose your colors, unleash your creativity, and bring your vision to life in our inviting art room. Paint: High-quality acrylic paints provided for all your artistic endeavors. Premium Clothes Protection: Keep your party attire clean and stylish with our premium clothes protection, ensuring a worry-free painting experience. Book your party at Shot of Art today and prepare for an unforgettable experience!

Unleash your creativity in a Turkish Mosaic Art workshop at our Naperville studio, where you’ll craft your own stunning mosaic lamp. Guided by experienced instructors, learn the art of mosaic design as you select vibrant glass pieces and decorative beads to create a personalized masterpiece. Enjoy the rich flavors of Turkish coffee and indulge in delightful sweets, all while immersing yourself in the captivating history of Turkish mosaic art. Perfect for beginners and families, this workshop promises a unique blend of art, culture, and fun.

Chicago has architecture that stops you in your tracks, a lakefront that stretches to the horizon and neighborhoods full of color and character. With instruction tailored entirely to your group of 2 to 4, you'll quickly get to grips with the skills that separate memorable images from forgettable ones: light, composition, exposure and framing, whether you're on a smartphone or a digital camera. No rushed theory, no generic advice. Just hands-on coaching at your own pace. Then it's out into the city itself. On a guided photo walk through urban landmarks and open lakefront scenes, your instructor will be right there with you, helping you read the light and find the correct frame. Leave with sharper instincts, full control of your device and a collection of images that finally do Chicago justice. Perfect for groups of friends, couples or families, whether you're visiting for the first time or you've lived here for years and never quite managed to capture it the way you imagined.

This tour is special because it combines a personalized street and night tour experience with expert photography guidance in Chicago. You’ll explore both iconic landmarks and hidden streets, capturing the city’s character from golden hour through to its dazzling night lights. As skyscrapers glow and trains blur past, your professional guide helps you master techniques like composition, long exposure, and low-light shooting. Designed around your skill level, this private tour ensures one-on-one coaching, creative development, and unique photo opportunities. It’s more than sightseeing—it’s a hands-on journey through Chicago’s streets after dark, where every corner becomes a chance to create striking images. Creative composition, using lines, repetition, camera angles Training your eye: finding subjects, lighting, composition Taking control of your camera: f-stop, shutter speed, ISO and focusing Reviewing your photography

This is a unique opportunity to design AND print your t-shirts. Upcycle screen printing is an eco-friendly alternative to commercial t-shirt printing.