The Foundry Art Centre is your one-stop-shop for art classes in St. Charles. In addition to being the home to exhibitions, performances, and a dozen artist studios, the Foundry offers several art classes that change seasonally. From adult to teen and even kids classes, the Foundry has something for all ages and experiences (speaking of which, no previous art experience is required for classes unless stated). Saint Charles art classes are great for a date night, girls’ night activity, a treat-yourself night, or to meet new people. Just steps away from Main Street St. Charles, it’s easy to find inspiration at the Foundry. Try your hand at new techniques, explore different mediums, and create finished pieces that you can proudly display or share with friends and family. It’s time to get your creative juices flowing and your hands dirty at the next class. What are you waiting for? Sign up now.
Adult Art Programs
Adult Clay Classes
The Foundry offers clay classes in St. Charles that will teach you everything you need to know about making art with clay. From beginners classes that teach clay basics like terminology, tools, and techniques to project-specific classes like making your own mug, there are classes for everyone at the Foundry. When coming to a clay class, dress to be messy, sometimes using clay can be like playing in mud! Fired projects from clay classes are typically ready to be picked up within 2 to 3 weeks of class.
Check out the Foundry’s website to see what clay classes are currently offered. Stay tuned, a monthly Community Clay Studio Membership in the works for those who want to take advantage of the Foundry’s clay studio.
Figure Drawing Workshop
This workshop is the perfect time for artists to practice figure drawing at their own pace, work on incorporating a figure into an existing piece, or just practice their creative skills. Each session is two hours long with a live model and includes a series of poses that last one to five minutes each and some longer poses that last 10 to 20 minutes. Foundry staff members facilitate the session and it is recommended that participants bring tools and surfaces of their choice to the session. The Figure Drawing Workshop takes place the second Wednesday of each month, but check the Foundry’s website for up-to-date information on figure drawing workshops as they can change. There is a small fee to attend each session.
FREE Fiber Arts Club: Stitch 'n B***h
Knitting, embroidery, crochet, and more can be found amongst club-goers. Newbies and seasoned pros alike appreciate each other’s company and two uninterrupted hours of crafting at Stitch 'n B***h. This is not a class but crafters are welcome to help each other out. Knock out a part of your project as we watch movies, listen to music, and chat about things from our projects to the weather and the latest pop culture moment (and whatever else we want to b***h about). Bring your own snacks, select beverages are available for purchase. Stitch ‘n B***h is the third Thursday of every month from 6 to 8 PM, with doors opening at 5:55 PM. For up-to-date information on Stitch 'n B***h, visit the Foundry's website. Sometimes the club has to be moved to a different day due to space availability.
Other Adult Art Classes
The Foundry offers adult art classes year-round in many different mediums. Try your hand at something new or hone your skills at these St. Charles art classes. See a list of adult classes offered and sign up for classes on the Foundry’s website.
Teen Art Programs
Beginner Teen Art Classes
Does your teen show an interest in art but not know where to start? Look no further! The Foundry hosts different 101 classes to expose teens to different art mediums (including clay) and give them space to perfect their budding artistic talent. These art classes for teens in St. Charles are a great space for teens to try something new while under the guidance of professional artists. Teen classes are made for 13-18 year olds. All supplies are provided and all skill levels are welcome. Current teen art classes can be found on the Foundry’s website.
Kids' Art Programs
Kids Art Classes
Kids ages 5-12 explore their creative side and learn new skills at the Foundry’s art classes for kids in St. Charles. These hands-on experiences help kids learn, explore, and create art confidently. Kids’ art classes are drop-off classes, parents are welcome to explore the art galleries or stay in the Foundry’s lounge as they wait for their young Picasso to finish their latest masterpiece. Visit the Foundry’s website to find the latest kids art class schedule.
Kids Clay Classes
Does your little one want to try using clay? Sign them up for the Foundry’s kids’ clay workshops. Often on the first Saturday of the month, these classes lead kids step-by-step through a clay project and teach them the basics of working with clay. Kids even get to glaze their project at the end of the class. Finished pieces will be ready to pick up 2-3 weeks after class. Previous kids’ clay classes include pet portraits, mugs, and ornament. Visit the Foundry’s website to see what kids clay classes are currently offered.
Homeschool Art Classes
The Foundry Art Centre offers homeschool art classes in St. Charles. Here, kids will have the opportunity to discover their hidden talents and allow their creativity to shine while acquiring fine art credit. Students will learn new techniques and experiment with a variety of media like sculpture, painting, watercolor, charcoal, colored pencil, and more.
Foundry Art Camp
Kids ages 6 to 16 have the best summer ever at Foundry Art Camp. These week-long full-day art camps are led by skilled art instructors where campers are immersed in creative activities that foster collaboration, enhance artistic abilities, and show the role that art plays in the world. Each week has a different theme to help kids get exposure to all kinds of art. From painting and sculpture to tie-dye and clay work, campers will stay busy throughout the week as they create unique art pieces to take home with them. Kids will have the best summer ever at this art summer camp in St. Charles. Early registration begins February 1, 2025.
Make sure to check out the Foundry’s free events like Block Party, Merry Makers Market, and First Fridays for even more fun art activities in St. Charles.