Meet us where art is created fearlessly
Most of the new students who walk through the doors of this Oak Park studio have never created art before. This welcoming space rolls out the welcome mat for beginning and skilled artists alike, encouraging all who enter to create without fear.
Art here is treated as a therapeutic process for students who range from high school-aged to retirees.
Classes and workshops are available in drawing and sketching as well as painting and mixed media. There are also open studio hours for students to create.
Some of the student pieces are incorporated into the Studio of Art gallery, which features the artwork of local artists and studio instructors.
Gallery hours are Thursday from 10am to 2pm, and Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Classes, workshops, and open studio hours vary.
A six-session drawing and sketching course at the art studio is $180. A six-session abstract painting class is $240. Parties and events are also available for booking at the art studio.
The creator behind Studio of Art is Melody Kratz, co-owner of the vintage boutique Studio 8 in Forest Park.
After her twins were born, this mother of three and Oak Park resident started recreating furniture that she found in alleyways. After a while, she started to get custom furniture requests, and before long, Studio 8 was born!
While her boutique shop keeps her busy, Melody still finds time to host parties, events, and workshops at Studio of Art where she creates a space where new artists can feel comfortable trying their hand at drawing and painting.
For Kratz, painting is calming and therapeutic. She hopes others will experience this sense of calm at the Studio of Art in Oak Park.
Located at 451 South Boulevard in Oak Park, Studio of Art is just a three-minute walk from the Ridgeland Stop on the CTA Green Line.
