Suburban studio helps children find their inner artist
Carly Huegelmann enjoys taking on craft projects with 2-year-old daughter Ryanne.
However, gathering all the supplies from an art store, setting things up and then the cleanup process often makes a simple project difficult.
Huegelmann wished there was a place to take her daughter to do art projects. When she couldn't find such a business, Huegelmann created her own.
Huegelmann is opening Children's Art Studio today at 217 S. Villa Ave. in Villa Park. The studio offers an array of art-based activities and classes to children from 18 months to 12 years old.
"I feel that doing projects is the best way to teach," said Huegelmann, who resides in Villa Park. She says her business is an extension of school. "We make it fun. Children won't know they're learning," she said.
Participants will learn about famous artists, history and will determine what styles of art they like and dislike.
The classes are designed for specific age groups. Younger children from 18 months to two years old will learn shapes and colors. They listen to a story involving art and then work on a project. Older students will tackle various media including watercolor and three-dimensional art.
"They'll study Monet and Picasso and other artists," she said.
Classes run for an hour once a week and range in price from $65 to $85 for a six-week session.
Heather Nazlian of Carol Stream serves as the creative art director. "She used to work with preschool kids and has amazing ideas," Huegelmann said.
Open studio time is held Wednesday and Fridays where children can utilize an array of materials including four easels, a chalkboard wall, magnetic wall and two sensory tables filled with water, sand or other materials. A variety of tables are set up with art projects for various age levels from beading to coloring.
The cost for open studio time is $7 per hour.
Huegelmann, who has a master's degree in Fine Arts and creative writing from Columbia College in Chicago, feels strongly about teaching children art.
"Art is so important," Huegelmann said. She finds it frustrating that art programs are often cut at school when funding runs low. The entrepreneur says she created a studio that's bright and entertaining.
"I want it to be an extension of their bedroom where they can feel comfortable and create," she said.
Birthday parties are also offered at the business where children create art projects. Pizza and cake can also be served.
Huegelmann, 31, and her husband, Shawn, are raising one daughter.
The business owner continues to teach English as a second language. Before her daughter was born, she worked for a not-for-profit literacy organization in Oak Park. For more information, call (630) 833-5020 or check out www.villaparkart.com.
A new look: The first part of a $17 million renovation of the Sheraton Suites Elk Grove Village is nearly complete.
By June 14, all 255 suites will have been remodeled. The second part of the project begins in mid-June when the lobby and public areas will be renovated, according to Peter Walsh,
Director of Sales and Marketing at Sheraton Suites. TPG Hospitality in New Jersey acquired the property at 121 Northwest Point Blvd. in Elk Grove Village.
Deal closed: William J. Kallas of Kallas Corporate Real Estate Services, announced the land sale closing of 2.72 acres in Oakbrook Terrace; and one acre adjoining to Randolph Equities LLC. The purchase was nearly $2 million. Kallas served as exclusive sales agent and project consultant.
The project was previously announced to be an 85,000-square-foot four story medical office building.
"This building will bring hundreds of visitors and employees who will shop and spend money in the Oakbrook Terrace area," said Kallas, former mayor of the city.
Lance Pressl, president of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Foundation, will be the key speaker at the Barrington Executive Club "Forecast Barrington" series of forums on June 20.
The session takes place 7 a.m. at Makray Memorial Golf Club.
The fee is $40 for nonmembers. Register at www.barringtonchamber.com.
kmikus@dailyherald.com