Teen Programs

Led by Artist Rhonda Wheatley, this two-year intensive program is for dedicated teen artists in 2023-24. Epstein Advanced Teen Track is specifically for teens seeking to pursue art in college or as a career. The program pushes artists to develop skills through discussions and one-on-one mentoring with teaching artists, HPAC resident artists and staff. Teens will engage in studio and gallery visits, field trips, public presentations, and exhibitions. Epstein Advanced Teen Track artists receive a stipend to support their full participation.

*Participation includes occasional weekends and non-CPS attendance days throughout the academic year. This course does offer rolling admission.

This program is supported by the Dan J. Epstein Family Foundation.

Tuesdays starting Sept 26 – June 11th, biweekly 2023-24 from 4:30- 6:30p.

Youth Board of Artists (YBA) is a program where teens are selected and paid to develop group projects, connect teens to the HPAC community, and represent the Art Center at public events.

This year, YBA participants will work to connect young people to HPAC’s art exhibitions, programming, and artist residencies by planning events of their choice. This group will meet over the span of 10 weeks in Winter term from January 11th – March 14th 2024.  Accepted applicants are paid a $150 stipend at the end of each term for their work and participation. This program is by application only.

 Application deadline is January 1st 2024.

Learn how to throw, hand build, glaze and SELL your ceramics artwork at Hyde Park Art Center art sales! This course is open to ceramicists of all levels, and provides up to five bags of clay for in class use. Masks are recommended when in the ceramics studio. Join the crew today! Rolling admission, first 15 applicants are accepted.

Fridays starting January 12th  -March 15th 2024

4:30- 6:30p.

This program will educate students in music production, recording, and music business. Hosted by ISOPRO media, You’ll learn skills to make, produce, and promote your own music! Midi controllers are provided, along with training on the free web-based DAW BeatLabs, and Ableton. An application review is required to join. First 8 applicants accepted will be enrolled.

Fridays starting January 12th – March 15th 2024 4:30- 6:30p.

Want to see ALL of what Hyde park Art Center has to offer?  Do you want to enhance your art making skills and learn from real art professionals in the field?  Then this series is for you! This edition of Artshop – Visiting Artist Series will allow for you to meet artists and professionals for workshops and one-day hands on activities.  There is no need to enroll all you have to do is sign up for days you want to visit! Sign up for visiting artists series here! 

Fridays starting January 12th  – March 15th  4:30- 6:30p. Bring your friends!

Work independently to create original, 2D animated content. Learn key foundational skills in digital illustration, animation, and film making. Learn how to use software such as: Toon Boom Harmony Advanced, Adobe: After Effects, Audition, Premiere Pro. No prior animation experience is necessary. Rolling admission, first 12 applicants are enrolled.

Mondays starting January 8th  – March 11th 2024. 4:30- 6:30p.

Teen Photo is a great opportunity for you to explore and build photography skills in the field! Teen Photo will focus on street/outdoor photography, basic photography principles, and studio based shooting. Sponsored by Columbia College Chicago’s Photography Department, these courses are tuition-free, with cameras provided, and field trips that explore digital and darkroom photography techniques throughout the course. Rolling admission, first 15 applicants are enrolled.

The Guida Family Fund for Creativity made possible an upgrade to the digital equipment essential for Teen Photo and Advanced Photo Portfolio.  

Wednesdays starting January 9th – March 12th 2024. 4:30- 6:30p.

Offered in Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters, this course is for students with intermediate to advanced photography skills, seeking to develop their work.

You’ll be exposed to a variety of photographic genres, styles and techniques throughout the course to help you broaden ideas of what a photographic portfolio can be. With advanced editing techniques, a focus on portfolio building, and consistent critique, this course seeks to propel participants into professional or collegiate photography.

PREREQUISITE: Participants must have already taken Teen Photography at Hyde Park Art Center (listed above). First 15 applicants are enrolled.

The Guida Family Fund for Creativity made possible an upgrade to the digital equipment essential for Teen Photo and Advanced Photo Portfolio.

Tuesdays starting January 12th – March 12th 2024. 5:30- 7:00p.