
Register for FREE Teen Programs at Hyde Park Art Center!
WINTER IS COMING!
WINTER TEEN PROGRAMS BEGINS JANUARY 13TH! SIGN UP TO JOIN US ON NOVEMBER 26TH!
Winter Term for Teen Programs will be kicking off soon! Join us for another session of art making and community! Teens this term will focus on submissions for our annual Teen Programs Art Exhibition, and even have the opportunity to participate in YBA’s annual Lock-In March 14th!
The term begins the week of January 13th and ends the week of March 17th, there will be no makeup week this term. SPACES LIMITED
FAQ
Will I need supplies to participate?
Nope! We have all supplies needed for any program! Teens are encouraged to also bring gear/supplies they would like to use as well. Snacks and Ventra cards for travel are also provided.
My Teen is in middle school. Can they still participate?
Yes! We have middle school photo, a program specifically built to give younger artists an entry into teen programs. That being said, they will have to wait till high school to be eligible for other programs.
We have other after school commitments. Can we still participate?
That depends on your availability. Programs here can be in high demand, therefore, participation and attendance is key to getting the most out of the program. If a teen is absent for most of the term, or accrues multiple unexcused absences, they can jeopardize their spot, and potentially have their stipend affected in certain cases. Absences are okay as long as they are communicated, and aren’t often.
Do I need to reapply if I’m already in Teen Programs?
Yes, you do! Please reapply or else you will not receive information about your course. We do this so everybody gets an opportunity to join our community. If you are in Advanced Teen Track or Center Teens, you do not need to reapply.
Epstein Advanced Teen Track 2024-2025 Cohort
15 SPACES AVAILABLE
Meets biweekly on Tuesdays, 4:30-6:30pm
(January 14th – March 18th)
Teaching Artist: Rhonda Wheatley (she/her)
Located in Muller Meeting Room
DEADLINE TO APPLY IS JANUARY 3RD!
Led by Artist Rhonda Wheatley, this two-year intensive program is for dedicated teen artists who intend on pursuing creative careers and pathways. The program pushes artists to develop skills through discussions and one-on-one mentoring with teaching artists, HPAC resident artists and staff, and most importantly each other. Teens will also receive a supply stipend that will be used for culminating project exhibited in the annual Teen Programs Exhibition.
*Participation is mandatory for this program, you may find our attendance policy on the Advanced Teen Track application. This course follows a two year structure and does offer rolling admission.
All supplies and software will be provided. Teens are encouraged to bring tools they prefer (drawing tablets, cameras, drawing tools, tablet, etc). Snacks will be provided, Teen Programs staff can provide Ventra cards when requested.
This program is supported by the Dan J. Epstein Family Foundation.
Youth Board of Artists Winter 2025
15 SPACES AVAILABLE
Meets weekly on Thursdays, 4:30-6:30pm
(January 16th – March 20th)
Teaching Artist: V Simms (they/them)
Teaching Assistant: Cassidy Bennett (she/her)
Located in The Cloud/Teen Space
DEADLINE TO APPLY IS S JANUARY 3RD!
Youth Board of Artists (YBA) is a creative collective of south side teens who create, plan and execute community engagement for teens across Chicago through artful collaboration with local artists, hosting annual events, and participating in Hyde Park Art Center’s Teen Programs Exhibition. Teen artists who join YBA not only grow themselves as artists, but equally as community members of a greater collective. In YBA, we water each other’s gardens by encouraging fresh ideas and breaking bounds; no cup is left empty.
YBA members will receive a stipend for participation that is directly linked to attendance. Our YBA attendance policy can be found on the YBA application.
All supplies and software will be provided. Teens are encouraged to bring tools they prefer (drawing tablets, cameras, drawing tools, tablet, etc). Snacks will be provided, Teen Programs staff can provide Ventra cards when requested.
Teen Ceramics Winter 2025
15 SPACES AVAILABLE
Meets weekly on Fridays, 4:30 – 6:30pm
Open Studio hours weekly on Saturdays, 12:00pm -3:30pm
(January 17th – March 21st)
Teaching Artist: Grace Gittlemen (they/them)
Teaching Assistant: Lyric Newbern (they/them)
Located in the Ceramics Studio
Teen Ceramics is an all levels ceramics course that allows teens to dive right into the fundamentals of ceramic art. Learn how to sculpt by hand, throw pottery on the wheel, and glazing techniques! Teen Ceramics will now be offering Saturday Open Studio hours for those who would like more time to work on projects. Work from the year will be exhibited during our summer Teen Programs Exhibition.
Supplies: All supplies will be provided. Each teen will receive two bags of clay to use. Storage for projects will also be available in the Ceramics Studio. Snacks will be provided, Teen Programs staff can provide Ventra cards when requested.
Music PROduction with ISPro Academy Winter 2025
10 SPACES AVAILABLE
Meets weekly on Fridays, 4:30 – 6:30pm
(January 17th – March 21st)
Teaching Artist: Bryan Sykes (he/him)
Teaching Artist: Marlon King (he/him)
Located in the Thurow Digital Lab
Music Pro is a program co hosted by Brian Sykes and Marlon King of ISPRO Academy. This program seeks to educate aspiring musicians of all levels on music production, sound design, and music business. Meet industry professionals, learn from active musicians, and use cutting edge tech/equipment. This is your best fast track to becoming an independent music artist! Music projects will also be displayed during our annual summer Teen Programs Exhibition.
All supplies and software will be provided. Teens are encouraged to bring any instrument/midi tool they would like to develop skills with. Snacks will be provided, Teen Programs staff can provide Ventra cards when requested.
Creative Space Open Studio
Meets weekly on Mondays, 4:30 – 6:30pm
(January 13th – March 17th)
Teaching Artist: Harley Reid (she/they)
Located in The Cloud/Teen Space
Creative Space is a new program, built to give teens space to create and pursue passion projects. The Cloud will be open, and anyone can come in to work on projects or simply hang out with friends. Creative Space is our relaxed, no strings attached program. Drop in as you’d like, and everyone is welcome!
All supplies and software will be provided. Teens are encouraged to bring tools they prefer (drawing tablets, camera, tablet, etc). Snacks will be provided, Teen Programs staff can provide Ventra cards when requested.
No registration required!
Digital Design Winter 2025
10 SPACES AVAILABLE
Meets weekly on Thursdays, 4:30 – 6:30pm
(January 16th – March 20th)
Teaching Artist: Brandon Towns
Located in the Thurow Digital Lab
Digital Design is a course focused on creating strong design foundations for teens interested in web design, graphic design, and digital media. This is an all levels course, built to engage any level. Each term will focus on a specific aspect of design, all culminating in a final project to be exhibited in our annual summer Teen Programs Exhibition.
All supplies and software will be provided. Teens are encouraged to bring tools they prefer (drawing tablets, camera, tablet, etc). Snacks will be provided, Teen Programs staff can provide Ventra cards when requested.
Teen Photo Winter 2025
10 SPACES AVAILABLE
Meets weekly on Wednesday, 4:30 – 6:30pm
(January 15th – March 19th)
Teaching Artist: Daniel Hud (he/him)
Teaching Artist: Kyli Hawks (they/them)
Located in the Thurow Digital Lab
Teen Photo 1 is an entry-level digital photography program for teens of all ages! In this course, you will be taught the fundamentals of artistic photography, and develop the ability to shoot and edit professional quality photos. All work will be exhibited during our annual summer Teen Exhibition.
All supplies (camera, sd card, accessories) will be provided. Teens are encouraged to bring a camera if they have one they prefer, and flash drive in order to take their work home with them. Snacks will be provided, Teen Programs staff can provide Ventra cards when requested.
The Guida Family Fund for Creativity made possible an upgrade to the digital equipment essential for Teen Photo and Advanced Photo Portfolio.
Middle School Photography Winter 2025
10 SPACES AVAILABLE
Meets weekly on Tuesday, 4:30 – 6:30pm
(January 14th – March 18th)
Teaching Artist: Jonathan Castillo (he/him)
Teaching Artist: Kaitlyn Krueger (she/they)
Located in the Thurow Digital Lab
In order to serve our younger artists, we are changing Tuesdays to create an opportunity for middle school aged artists in order to welcome them to our youth focused community. Middle School Photography will be focused on teaching the principles of artistic photography and editing, all while getting young artists acclimated to Teen Programs. This program is a great stepping stone for any young artists interested in joining Teen Programs!
All supplies (camera, sd card, accessories) will be provided. Young artists are encouraged to bring a camera if they have one they prefer, and flash drive in order to take their work home with them. Snacks will be provided, Teen Programs staff can provide Ventra cards when requested.
The Guida Family Fund for Creativity made possible an upgrade to the digital equipment essential for Teen Photo and Middle School Photography.
Center Teens 2024-2025
5 SPACES AVAILABLE
Meetings periodic throughout Winter Term. Please see the application for program dates.
(January 13th – March 17th)
Teaching Artist: Harley Reid (she/they)
Located in the Thurow Digital Lab, virtual meetings through Google Meet.
Center Teens is a work development program for teens interested in growing as young professionals. Center Teens work with teen programs staff to participate in work opportunities at Hyde Park Art Center, completing projects while working with other departments, community members, and events.
A stipend will also be provided for all participants for group work. Teens a part of the Cohort are REQUIRED to be available for the Hyde Park Art Center Gala, November 15th.
All supplies and software will be provided. Snacks will be provided, Teen Programs staff can provide Ventra cards when requested.
Follow our Instagram page @HPACteens
We are here to help YOU grow!
For our Oakman Clinton School & Studio Courses, we accept registrations online only. Participants enrolled in Teen Programs are eligible to take adult courses- Free of charge! Click here to register online.
Please contact our general email for questions about registration at teenprograms@hydeparkart.org.
Teen Programs are generously supported by:






