What is
Mixed Media?
"A technique involving the use of two or
more artistic media, such as ink and pastel or
painting and collage, that are combined in
a single composition"
At Mixed Media Chicago we use an Interdisciplinary approach to teaching art. This does not necessary mean each piece is mixed media but that the curriculum is open to many materials and disciplines. I offer a combination of lessons on painting, drawing, sculpture, fashion, graphic design, professional practice, creative writing, and many more processes for each class. Each student selects their interests and we come up with goals and a plan for the following lessons and adjust as new interests develop.
focus mental wellness
My goals and projects are oriented towards
Learning to express difficult emotions is a safe an healthy way
Reclaiming body and identity after an illness or event.
Taking back control of your life and story
Building confidence in self and skills
Exploring identity and representation
Hope and excitement for the future
Provide examples of successful people and artists with similar illnesses
WHAT TO Expect
Before the first class
All students will receive a work sheet for the to fill out their prior experience and interests one week in advance so I can put together a loose calendar for the next 1-2 months to review with the student. They can make any changed they would like and switch projects whenever they feel ready.
The first class
will be mostly getting introduced to the space and getting a feel of what direction each student would like to go in. I generally start with a variety of materials and encourage material exploration but if a student has a particular interest I am happy to make that the focus.
lesson plan
Art is meant to be fun and the process is meant to be enjoyed and fulfilling so I do not push assignments that the student does not want to work on. Being interdisciplinary and encouraging mixed media art works is an opportunity to explore and find where you fit in the art world. I assign optional homework an din class focus on both learning exercised and making a "final piece." The final product is not the point of this class, it is to learn, grow, deepen your love of art and learn about the endless possibilities of being an artist.
WHAT IS PROVIDED
Space to work, a locker, all art supplies
What to bring
A sketch/notebook if you have one you want to use, if not I will provide one
Clothes you don't mind getting dirty
Close toed shoes
Materials
My main concerns when deciding on materials and processes are
health and safety, quality, environmental impact, and student interest
Health and Safety
Many Materials are not as safe as their packaging may lead
you to believe. The long term effects of some materials can be devastating
if it builds up in one's body. Since we are starting young and I hope to inspire a long term interest in the materials I provide I am careful that they are not exposed to anything potentially harmful.
Art Resins are a great example of this. They are INCREDIBLY TOXIC. Even the ones sold in art stores under the name "art resin" require extensive ventilation that most people don't have or know they need. The warning labels on these products do not accurately communicate the safety requirements and potential health effects. The long term effects of exposure to resin fumes, including all art resins, can cause cancer, early onset Alzheimer's, and many more health issues later on in life. It is also devestating for the environment in its production, curing process, and disposal. Using it infrequently and safely is unlikely to cause harm but because of the potential risks and environmental impact,
all resins and similar materials are banned from my studio.
I have a ventilation system, dust masks, gloves, and safety goggles
that are required when using certain tools and materials.
If you have any questions about the safety, contents, or
potential risks of a material we are using, please
contact me and I can get you more information
or find an alternative material.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Many art materials are horrible for the environment in their making, use, and disposal. I prioritize buying recycled and sustainably produced materials. Toxic ingredients aren't just bad for our health, their also bad for the environment. It is impossible to completely avoid unsustainable materials and creating waste but I make an effort to minimize the impact of art on the environment.
Student interest
The material choices are guided by the interests of each individual student.
QUALITY
Does it matter? Yes!
For final pieces and projects students are
passionate about or dedicate lots of time to the quality of the materials is important for many reasons.
Durability Not all materials are made to last a long time, some can yellow, fade, or fall apart with time. Using higher quality papers, glues, pigments, and tools will help make a piece of art last a life time. Learning how to care for your art will lead to good habits that help artistic careers. The materials themselves are also likely to have a longer shelf life and can be kept in storage for long amount of time and used again.
Aesthetics: Better or more expensive materials tend to look better on a final product. Acrylic paints for example come in grade a-something. Paints of a higher grade are thicker, more vibrant, and feel smoother to paint with.
Confidence: Moving to using professional grade materials can inspire confidence in ones ability and potential to be a professional artist. Seeing the colors get as vibrant and
long lasting as the paintings in museum is much better
than the washed out colors you get with craft paints
and raises the quality of the piece itself.
Safety
AGE RESTRICTION I teach students age 8-18. My reasoning is that the materials I use are not recommended for children under the age of 8-12 years old. safety is number 1 so the interdisciplinary curriculum is more difficult for children below those ages. If your student is under 12 for a material that is not recommended for that age I will find an alternative material.
Assignments
Homework
optional
Each week I give an optional homework assignment and strongly encourage students to spend time making art at home each week. These assignments usually consist of sketching out ideas, creative writing, list making, drawings, finding objects to work from and other fun exercises to explore and strengthen skills. These assignments are so we can move on more quickly in class time and start the brainstorm before getting here so we can get moving! I understand students have busy schedules and other homework to prioritize so I always try to make them quick, fun, and optional.
All homework and plans for next class will be written out and given to each student at the end of class
Notebook
required
In Class
I will have an activity/project planned out based on a conversation the previous week. At the start of class I will talk about a project I introduced the week before.
Examples of assignments
Making plaster hands, self portraits, tattoo designs, making album covers, writing short comics/zines, making coloring books, mold making/casting, as well as free painting/drawing/experimenting time, spray paint and stencil making,
Studio Space
CANCELATION POLICY
$75 FEE FOR CANCELATIONS WITHIN 48 HOURS
$150 FEE FOR NO-SHOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund?
I cannot offer a refund after the class has been completed. If you pay in advance and the appointment is cancelled 48 hours in advance you will receive a full refund or can apply credit to your next class.
Is this art therapy?
No! I am not a therapist, just an artist with experiences in coping with struggles using art
Do you offer group lessons?
As of now I do not offer group lessons. If this is something of interest to you let me know and I will keep it in consideration
Age restriction?
Ages 8-18
Cancellation policy?
APPOITMENTS MUST BE CANCELED 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE
(with the exception of a positive COVID test)
The fee for cancelling within 48 hours is $25 to cover my time and the materials I had purchased and prepared for the lesson. I spend the day before and day of the class doing quite a bit of prep work.
No-shows have a $75 fee. I spend a lot of time preparing, researching, and gathering supplies and I will wait up to 20 mins.
If your running late please call in as soon as possible to I know to wait for you!
There is no fee for being late but lesson time may not be extended.
Can I bring my own materials?
Definitely, let me know what you're interested in bringing and I will get the space set up.
Can I stay for my child's class?
Absolutely, you are welcome to hang out in my studio, wait outside, or leave and come back when the class is over.
How do I pay?
I ask that the class is paid for in advance but can make adjustments if payment is not possible. I never want to turn away a kid wanting to make art so if the cost of the class becomes to much, please get in touch with me.
I accept cash, venmo, checks, zelle, paypal, and cashapp or through the website (link to sign up/pay)
Will I have to buy anything for the class?
I provide all art making tools and materials but I recommend finding clothing you can get dirty.
If a student develops in interest in a process or material that exceeded $50 you may purchase the material and bring it with you or we can find an alternative.
Why did you start Mixed Media Chicago?
How much does it cost and why that amount?
1 hour: $35 1.5 Hours: $50
MATERALS STUDIO SPACE TIME EXPERIENCE
I have spend a lot of time studying various art forms on my own and in school settings and developed a wealth of knowledge on materials and artistic processes. I also spend time setting up lesson plans, buying materials, research, and general prep for a project.
I use high quality materials for larger projects as well as a wide variety of materials. Because the class in interdisciplinary the cost of materials is significantly higher than only painting or drawing supplies. I also have a variety of tools that are expensive and hard to access on your own.
A space to make and store art
If a student cannot afford my usual prices, please contact me! I am happy to make adjustments so the cost will keep students from signing up.
Can you do longer periods of child care?
If a parent cannot be back within 2 hours let me know in advance and we can figure something out. For an extra $40/hour I can do up to 3-6 hours of child care in my studio depending on my schedule that day. They will have access to the same materials as in class but will have free art time instead of a structured lesson plan.
Please contact me with dates as soon as you can so I can plan around that.
Are you the only teacher?
Currently I am the only teacher for private lessons. In the future I hope to connect other local artists with Mixed Media Chicago.
What should I wear?
Please wear clothing you don't mind getting dirty and close toed shoes.
One and a half hours of structured art making dedicated to each students specific interests
Private art classes that incorporate expressing and coping with trauma and chronic illnesses
