The "Painter of the Presidents"

Oaks once dominated midwestern forests and our imaginations. From historical times to today, discover the many ways humans, birds, animals, and insects have used and treasured these big beauties.  We will examine where these trees are typically found in nature, their myriad uses over the centuries, folklore and stories, plus faunal partnerships....

America invented the international craze for ‘varietal wines’ (wines made from primarily one grape), but today, blends (made from several grapes) are big, leading in sales, popularity and critical acclaim. Join Mary Ross, Advanced Sommelier as we branch out from US blends to the French classics, with discussions of history and ‘recipes’ and,...

In this class you will learn: History, distilling and properties of liquor Tasting of varietals Discussion of paring possibilities Spirit specific cocktails

Why is one wine lemony and refreshing, while another is chewy and meaty?  Why does one wine complement shrimp and another a juicy T-bone? Join Advanced Sommelier, Mary Ross, as she shows you how the answers lie in four simple variables that determine all wine flavors. Learn these variables to understand how all wine is the same and...

Chicago is a great city for biking. The amazing lakefront and parks, the rich history, and spectacular architecture provides for a great experience. Add to that Bike and Roll’s friendly tour guides, and what you have is your best day in Chicago!  Bike tours are offered daily. We also provide private tours for your group and VIPs. Please email...

Students will learn the elements of exposure and a basic history of photography. They will learn how to process their own black and white film, as well as make gelatin silver prints with an enlarger. Students should expect to create a few photograms, a contact sheet, and at least 5 finished prints.

Chicago is a great city for biking. The amazing lakefront and parks, the rich history, and spectacular architecture provides for a great experience. Add to that Bike and Roll’s friendly tour guides, and what you have is your best day in Chicago!  Bike tours are offered daily. We also provide private tours for your group and VIPs. Please email...

Explore the medium of oil pastel while improving your drawing and observation skills. Create realistic sunflowers and dessert cake still lifes, animal portraits, abstract designs from nature and more.  Examples from art history will challenge students to explore their own unique compositions.

Learn about a famous artist, studying different techniques, mediums and styles. Use one of their pieces to inspire your own masterpiece! Some topics covered; acrylics, watercolors, drawing, landscape, still-life, abstract art, color, perspective, mixed media, and art history.

During World War II the Nazis took control of France and began to systematically plunder the cellars of France’s most revered wine regions; Champagne, Burgundy and Bordeaux. We will take a walk through history while drinking wines from these regions as we unfold the story of French resistance as the German wine Weinführers attempted to pillage...

Chicago is home to some of the most influential architecture in the world. In this course you will learn about skyscrapers, urban planning, geometric shapes, space, proportion, and history of architecture.  We'll look for architectural inspiration from architects in Chicago and around the world. You’ll draw and build your ideas!

 Investigate different meditation methods through relaxed discussion and practice, including guest presenters. Learn the history of meditation and different postures and “anchors’” used in the practice. Topics vary weekly and include breath, thought, emotion, mood, metta (loving kindness), and self-compassion. Suitable for beginners and...

Chicago is a great city for biking. The amazing lakefront and parks, the rich history, and spectacular architecture provides for a great experience. Add to that Bike and Roll’s friendly tour guides, and what you have is your best day in Chicago!  Bike tours are offered daily. We also provide private tours for your group and VIPs. Please email...

Chicago is a great city for biking. The amazing lakefront and parks, the rich history, and spectacular architecture provides for a great experience. Add to that Bike and Roll’s friendly tour guides, and what you have is your best day in Chicago!  Enjoy the car-free lakefront trail and explore Chicago’s beaches, parks, lagoons, and gorgeous...

Chicago is a great city for biking. The amazing lakefront and parks, the rich history, and spectacular architecture provides for a great experience. Add to that Bike and Roll’s friendly tour guides, and what you have is your best day in Chicago!  Enjoy the car-free lakefront trail and explore Chicago’s beaches, parks, lagoons, and gorgeous...

Learn how to identify our native deciduous trees while enjoying a beautiful fall hike through Reed-Turner Woodland. The diverse habitat of this Illinois State Nature Preserve contains an oak/hickory woodland, flood-plain forest, wooded ravine, and restored wetland. You will learn how to identify trees not only by their leaves, but also by...

National surveys* of thousands of employees disclosed that while many people work hard, they are worried about their lack of effectiveness. Survey results indicate: 1. Less than 50% of your team’s time is spent on the company’s most important objectives 2. Only 14% of employees feel they are contributing to company success 3. Less than half...