Many of the Studio Artists also participated in programs that bring art and artists to the elementary schools for a day of participation and demonstrations.

Numerous higher education facilities use the Gallery to enhance their students understanding of contemporary art & artists by offering field trips and presenting assignments to be completed by visiting the Gallery.

USG Field Trip Program

Field Trip: Marian Catholic High School, Chicago Heights

Union Street Gallery offers FREE field trips to schools and youth organizations.

Union Street Gallery's Field Trip Program provides classes with an educational tour of the gallery and studios, and an artist lead hands-on art project relating to the current exhibit. Art projects depend on the availability of the artists and the classroom. Projects are based on age group.

Please contact the gallery 2 weeks in advance to schedule field trips and tours.

FIELD TRIP FORM

Classes & Workshops

Open Critique Series

Union Street Gallery & studio artists invite local artists to participate in an intellectually stimulating and constructive conversation about their artwork. Critiques are a great way to get valuable constructive feedback from peers and help progress your work and grow as an artist.

The crit is open to 6-8 artists on a first-come-first-served basis. This event is not open to general members of the public, must be taking part in the critique to participate.

Format
Artists get 5 minutes to present themselves and their work, and then 15 minutes for group discussion. Artwork being critiqued may be complete or in progress, no more than 2 works of art. To be fair and ensure everyone gets their allotted time, conversation will be stopped by a gallery representative after 20 minutes have passed.

When an artist is presenting, all conversation is focused on them and their work. All participants are asked to be respectful and keep all side conversations until after the critique.

A little more about art critiques

Art criticism is the discussion and evaluation of visual art. One of criticism's goals is the pursuit of a rational basis for art appreciation. As such, art critiques involve much more than the relatively simple act of judging--of determining whether one "likes" or "dislikes" a piece. Rather, crits are a means toward the end of understanding a work of art. Art critiques or "crits" are an important tool in the art world. Crits help artists at all levels further develop their work by giving them the opportunity to verbalize their concept and process and in return get constructive feedback and fresh ideas from fellow artists.

REGISTRATION

Please register to take part at unionstreetart@gmail.com or (708)754-2601

Minimum 4 artists required to host a critique

Ginny Raftery Studio Workshops

Contact Ginny Raftery to Register

(708)231-6273 or gmraftery@gmail.com

ABSTRACT PAINTING WORKSHOP - Adults
Learn some easy techniques using acrylic paint, pens and dimensional paint.
Go home with a finished canvas to show off with pride. All materials included.
This is a five hour workshop, so bring your lunch and something to drink, and
also an apron or smock.

Tuesday, May 7   |  10am - 3pm
Tuesday, May 21 |  10am - 3pm
Fee: $55

Pastel Painting with Marikay Peter-Witlock

Spring classes in soft pastel with Marikay Peter Witlock begin again Saturday, March 30 and Tuesday, April 2. Classes are taught in groups of 5 lessons, meeting every other week with suggested artmaking to be done between class meetings.

Trial materials are available to all new students.  Returning students are asked to provide their own supplies.  Classes are open to all skill levels. Classes emphasize individual instruction plus 2 or more group critiques during every class meeting.  All classes meet in the second floor classroom at Union Street Gallery. 

For more information, or to sign up for classes, contact Marikay at 

708-755-1073 or by email at mpwitlock@sbcglobal.net

To "Dye" for

Dye Workshop Presented by USG Studio Artist Dorita Fuller

Learn creative dye techniques to dye a favorite piece of clothing or fabric. Add hand painting and stamping. Bring your own fabric or clothing to dye or purchase 'blanks' onsite. Dorita usually has in stock: white bandannas and Javanese hand-woven scarves of various sizes and lacy weaves in cotton. Contact the gallery to see Dorita has in stock beforehand.

Dye workshop located in common area on the 3rd floor. Wear clothes you

don’t mind getting dirty or bring a smock, and please feel free to bring

finger food to eat and share!

REGISTRATION

Please register to take part at unionstreetart@gmail.com or (708)754-2601

Fee can be paid cash or check  |  Make checks payable to Dorita Fuller

Estsy For Artists

Instructor: USG Studio Artist Madeline Henry

This three hour class we will give artists a crash course in setting up a basic shop for your Etsy store (online). In the first part of the class Madeline will cover: naming your shop, registering your shop, how to make a banner for your shop, setting up information for your shop, shop policies, etc. Madeline will also discuss how to photograph items for your Etsy shop which including how to set up a digital camera, how to edit and format photos specific for Etsy, and how to use or create a light box and other items to enhance photo quality. This class will also touch on how to market your shop such as setting up a facebook business page, blogging and branding your shop.

REGISTRATION

Participants must register by Wednesday June 19th.

Register to take part at unionstreetart@gmail.com or (708)754-2601

Photography for Beginners

ages 8-12

Instructor: Kate Froemling, professional photographer, USG staff member

The objective of this class will be to teach young students the basic rules of composition, framing, angle and subject matter in photography.

First Class Session: students will learn the basics and then take a variety of photos in a scavenger hunt style to apply what they have learned.

Second Class Session: students printed photos will be set up in a small exhibit in the classroom. Students parents and families are welcome to join the students for a small reception. Light refreshments will be provided. Students will get to talk about their photos and take them home at the end of the class.

REGISTRATION

Students must register by June 15th to take this class.

Register at unionstreetintern@gmail.com | (708) 754-2601

High School Exhibition Opportunity

Gallery exhibit experience gives the students opportunities to prepare a group exhibition complete with an evening reception. Gallery experience can be further expanded to include gallery talks, art workshops, music, and poetry readings. For more information email the Gallery unionstreetart@gmail.com.