MESS AROUND & FIND OUT:

ADULT 21+ BYOB Art Nights!

Adult Art Making nights at Art Makers Outpost are BYOB and 18+

6:45 pm-9:00 pm on select Thursday & Friday Nights.

Doors Open @ 6:45 pm | Pre-Registration Required

6:45 pm-9:00 pm | BYOB | Appetizers Provided 18+

Each Mess Arounds & Find Out workshop night is $50 per participant and includes all materials.

Registration must be paid ahead of time online per person.

* NO REFUNDS- if a switch to another available session is needed please contact us to make changes.

Choose your Date(s):

First Fridays:

February 7

March 7

April 4

May 2

OUTPOST AFTER DARK TUESDAY WORKSHOPS

Artist-Led BYOB ART MAKING Workshops

ARTIST LED WORKSHOPS at Art Makers Outpost are BYOB and 18+

6:45 pm-9:00 pm on select Tuesday Evenings.

Doors Open @ 6:45 pm | Pre-Registration Required

6:45 pm-9:00 pm | BYOB | Appetizers Provided 18+ | Must be 21+ to BYOB Alcohol or Imbibe Alcohol

SELECT YOUR WORKSHOPS & Learn more about the Teaching Artists!

Jan. 14 Maggie Leininger- Recycled Weaving-$50

Maggie will lead a workshop where participants can cut and weave fabric collages which they will then be able to sew onto journals which maggie will provide 

Maggie Leininger (She/Her) is an artist and educator utilizing visual art as an engagement tool to activate and strengthen communities. Leininger's studio practice explores the intersectionality of social patterns and coded languages primarily through the use of threads that are woven, stitched, collaged, or assimilated. Having grown up in a Southern mill town during the decline of the textile industry, Leininger's work explores the relationship between anonymous labor, the extraction of resources, and systems of production within an industrialized framework. Another recurring theme in Leininger's work considers identity and social expectations related to garment construction and the history of handwork such as sewing, embroidery, knitting, and weaving. In tandem with her studio practice, Leininger also founded and runs 10 Fold Projects, an artist studio and gallery space in Greencastle, IN that offers artist residencies, workshops, curated exhibitions, and other art-related programs.

Title: Mixed-Media Collage & Weaving

Description: Use a variety of materials including paper, cloth, and recycled items to weave together a unique composition that you can frame or stitch onto the cover of a small notebook. Participants will learn the basics of weaving, experiment with materials to create richly patterned surfaces, and how to use a sewing machine. Experimentation with processes and materials will be encouraged. No prior experience is necessary. 

Jan. 28 Aaron Storm- Hand Spinning Yarn*-$75

This intro to hand spinning workshop will familiarize participants with the history of hand spinning and will teach them how to spin their very own yarn on drop spindles.  This workshop feeds into the second workshop on Feb 25th where participants will learn to hand spin their yarn into cloth

Aaron Storm (They/Them) is an award-winning artist and educator based in Chicago, Illinois. Born and raised in the southern midwest, they received their BFA in Studio art from Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky. They have been an Artist in Residence at the University of Arkansas and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, as well as a Studio Assistant at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center, and have exhibited their work nationally. Having trained with many Applachian and Japanese artisans, their work navigates intersections of historical imaging techniques and traditional textile practices in order to explore the queer eroticisms of death, grief, and the haunting presences of ambient phenomena.

Hand Spinning 101: Making Yarn on a Drop Spindle

In this two-hour workshop, you’ll gain all the skills you need to spin your own yarn on a drop spindle! We’ll explore a variety of spinning fibers, as well as the history and context of this millennia-old handcraft. Students will receive a drop spindle and two ounces of wool roving to practice spinning at home.

Feb. 11 Susan Keats- Hand Painted Metal Charm Jewelry -$50

Susan will guide participants as they paint on small charms which they will then be able to attach to ball chains to wear as jewelry.

Evanston artist Susan Keats (She/Her) loves to dabble in all sorts of things, but whimsical images make her the happiest. Susan tries to translate that love into all that she does, including these tiny wearable paintings. If it makes you say “Ooooooh!” she’s done her job. 

Workshop description: Create your own miniature, wearable, work of art!  Susan Keats is a local artist who has been creating these tiny masterpieces to sell for many years. With Valentines Day just around the corner, it is a perfect opportunity for you to learn to create something unique and one-of-a-kind for someone special.  

Artists will paint on tiny canvases and then attach their art to a small frame. Pieces will be completed with a gloss finish to complete the look of a larger painting. Chains can be added so that artists can leave with a ready-to-wear necklaces. If there is extra time, beautiful printed papers can be added to the back of the piece to make your project even more unique.

Artists are encouraged to bring photos of art they would like to try to create, or ideas specifically relating to Valentines Day to help with ideas during the creative process.

Feb. 25 Aaron Storm - Hand Spinning 2 Creating Cloth **-$75

In the second iteration of Aaron’s hand-spinning workshop, Aaron will guide participants in learning the double-ply technique. Participants will learn to create cloth from the material they’ve spun.

Aaron Storm (They/Them) is an award-winning artist and educator based in Chicago, Illinois. Born and raised in the southern midwest, they received their BFA in Studio art from Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky. They have been an Artist in Residence at the University of Arkansas and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, as well as a Studio Assistant at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center, and have exhibited their work nationally. Having trained with many Applachian and Japanese artisans, their work navigates intersections of historical imaging techniques and traditional textile practices in order to explore the queer eroticisms of death, grief, and the haunting presences of ambient phenomena.

Hand Spinning 102: Drop Spindle Plying Methods 

In this two-hour workshop, we’ll build upon the skills you gained in Hand Spinning 101! We’ll dig into a variety of traditional methods to ply yarn back on itself to create a strong, finished, and balanced yarn you can knit, weave, or crochet with. Students will use their own handspun yarn from the previous class to create two and three ply yarns, but we’ll have extra yarn on hand to experiment with just in case.

March 11 Anna Soltys- Mosasic Boxes & Wall Hangings-$50

Here is a chance to learn the in's and out's of creating your own piece with professional mosaic artist Anna Soltys. In this class you will learn the basics of tile, adhesive, tools and application. This beginners workshop will allow you to create your own mosaic and acquire the knowledge to create an infinite amount of pieces in your own home. 

Throughout her life, Anna Soltys has dedicated herself to this language, both personally and professionally. The first five years of her life were spent in Poland, followed by 5 years in France, landing in Evanston, before finally settling in Chicago; Art was truly the only language she had. 

Anna Soltys spent over a decade creating Public Art in Chicago; working with communities, organizations and individuals to create long-lasting impressions representing messages of hope, love and individuality. Whether in your home, on the side of a public building, or the facade of a business, these installations function as landmarks singing for the world. 

She studied Fine Art at Ball State University, and Columbia College Chicago, focusing on a variety of Art practices. During these years, she explored 2D and 3D mediums such as painting, ceramics, collage, drawing, and jewelry making. These tools have unlocked the doors leading to the creation of limitless installations.

It is her belief that success lives in hope, and hope is the belief you can succeed. Applying this in her practice, Anna Soltys creates spaces that inspire hope, and ultimately remind us of the beauty in this world.

​

March 18 Aaron Storm- Indigo Dyeing- $75

Aaron will guide participants as they create their own hand-dyed masterpiece

Aaron Storm is an award-winning artist and educator based in Chicago, Illinois. Born and raised in the southern midwest, they received their BFA in Studio art from Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky. They have been an Artist in Residence at the University of Arkansas and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, as well as a Studio Assistant at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center, and have exhibited their work nationally. Having trained with many Applachian and Japanese artisans, their work navigates intersections of historical imaging techniques and traditional textile practices in order to explore the queer eroticisms of death, grief, and the haunting presences of ambient phenomena.

Workshop: Into the Blue: Dyeing with Indigo In this introductory workshop, students will learn to dye natural fibers in a range of beautiful blues as we set up Art Makers Outpost’s inaugural indigo vat! Learn about one of the most fascinating and historically important natural dyes through hands-on experience. Students are invited to bring any wool, silk, cotton, or linen materials they wish to dye, though some dyeable material will be provided.

April 29 Janara Banks- $50

Janara Banks will guide participants in making unique incredible hand-crafted, lightweight, leather jewelry

Janara is a Chicago-based artist, leatherworker, and jewelry designer who transforms upcycled leather, denim, and vibrant beads into bold, eco-conscious statement pieces. As the founder of Sili+Bells, she blends sustainability with luxury, offering handcrafted jewelry and accessories that reflect her creativity, passion, and commitment to ethical fashion. Beyond her craft, Janara is a wife, mother of five, and a champion of community, drawing inspiration from her vibrant family life and love for the environment.

Workshop Title: Hoop Dreams: Craft Your Own Hollow Leather Earrings

Description: Join artist and designer Janara for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn to handcraft your own pair of stylish Hollow Leather Hoops! Using upcycled leather and simple techniques, you’ll create bold, lightweight earrings that are as unique as you are. Perfect for beginners and fashion enthusiasts alike, this workshop is all about creativity, fun, and a touch of eco-friendly flair. Leave with a custom pair of hoops and the skills to make more!

May 6 Fuschia Winston-Rodriguez & Val Kahan- $50

Val & Fuschia will guide you as you stamp and print posters, wall hangings & tshirts with a variety of community centered & social justice messaged recycled stamps with archival ink.

Valerie Kahan: As Founder/Owner & Creative Director of the Art Makers Outpost, Val believes in community collaboration as the essential ingredient to foster the next generation into socially and environmentally conscious artists and community members. Inspired by her two children, she serves as creative director for the space, doing all the behind the scenes building and launching as well as facilitating classes & workshops, co-curating the concert series, mentoring teen staff & interns and creating new offerings at AMO on the regular. Her vision to create an art space focused on imagination supported by the community to have a positive environmental and social impact that also serves the community comes to life at the Art Makers Outpost. Val is also a practicing artist as a painter & mixed media and as a professional photographer.  Valerie is also a seasoned 20 year veteran real estate broker with @Properties and loves helping and supporting people in all the ways. 

In addition to being a mother of  two awesome kiddos and dog and a Partner to her husband Valerie says “Being a “helper” who supports and lifts up others whether as a teacher, real estate broker, friend or community member is one of the most rewarding aspects of my life- giving back, helping and lifting each other and our community up however we can as fellow humans, is what I believe we are all here on this earth for.”

Fuschia Winston-Rodriguez (She, Her, Ella, La) Fuschia is a community activist, founder and creator of Anti-Racism Playdates and Art Festival. She is an Evanston native and resident, and practicing artist proficient in a number of mediums, bringing an imaginative approach to the programming at The Art Makers Outpost. She believes that artistic expression can center on creating an equitable socially just community for not only her children, but for everyone.