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Greater Chicago Artisan Center


Celebrations and Events: We put the “ART” in PARTY!

Greater Chicago Artisan Center

No Parties of more than 10 people due to COVID at this time.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a bridal shower, or just a girls night out, the Greater Chicago Artisan Center has the space for you. Let us handle the set-up and the clean-up. We offer a selection of parties for ages 4 and up.

Party times available Every Day 9 am - 5 pm. Evenings available by request for an additional fee. Contact us for more information.

Parties include:
  • Use of studio space for up to 2 hours
  • A Party Facilitator to lead guests through a creative project to be selected at time of deposit
  • Materials to complete creative project
  • Use of refrigerator/freezer and microwave
  • Table coverings (optional)
  • Access to radio and/or CD player
  • All clean-up

  • Party
With all our parties, we ask you to complete a Party/Event Authorization and Waiver. You can download the Party/Event Authorization and Waiver here.

There are many items you may want to bring to ensure a successful party. We've included a checklist here: GCAC Party Event Checklist
You may also choose to order food to be delivered to our art center and may even bring in your own beverages for your special occasion.

  • Party Room Fees
  • – A $50 non-refundable Party Room Fee is required at the time of booking and typically covers the first 2 hours of the event; room fees are $25/hour during standard business hours and $50/hour after standard closing time (5pm). Party costs may vary slightly and are per guest based on the project selected. Events extending beyond their scheduled end time may incur a fee for the extra hour(s) of room use. The full balance is due at the end of the party.

  • Optional Audio/Visual package (+$25)
  • – Projector and Screen Set-up - Have a photo slide show or video you want to show? No problem, just ask for our Audio/visual package and we will have a projector and screen set up for your party. Laptop to be provided by Party Host to ensure program compatibility.

Party Packages Available:

Our parties can be customized, just speak with assigned party facilitator in advance.


Art Clay Silver/Copper Charms

Art Clay Silver Charms


Party Facilitators will teach how to roll out, shape, and stamp our pure silver or copper clay. Each participant makes two charms, one for themselves and the other for the celebrant. Projects are easily modified for age, gender, and preference. After creating their own unique pieces, party-goers will watch the transformation of clay as it turns into pure silver or copper! (Party Facilitators handle all firings). Party guests get to finish their pieces, making them nice and shiny, before we attach them to a charm bracelet, silk cord, or leather cord. Projects are ready to wear home at the end of the party!


Ages: 10 and up
Cost: Party Room Fee + $25.00 per participant
Approximate Project Time: 40 minutes to 1 hour (Firing time ranges from 10-30 minutes)
Project materials included: Art Clay Silver, sterling silver jump ring, and cord for guest. Art Clay Silver, sterling silver jump rings and charm bracelet for celebrant girls. Art Clay Silver, sterling silver jump rings, and a ball chain for celebrant boys.

Call or email us to request a date and time.

Swarovski Crystal Accessories

Cearlun Clay Pendant

Instructors will teach how to mix Swarovski Ceralun, shape it into a metal bezel, then decorate with sparkly crystal embellishments. Bezel options include pendants, bracelet links, key chains, and even rings. Projects will be ready to take home at the end of the party, though it needs 14 hours to fully cure before wearing.

Ages:
12 and up
Cost: Party Room Fee + $16.00/Party Guest
Approximate Project Time: 30-40 minutes
Project materials included: 1 bezel, Ceralun clay, Swarovski crystals, and cord (or key ring) for each guest and celebrant.

Call or email us to request a date and time.

Pottery Painting

Pottery Painting


Guests will be able to let their creativity shine while designing and painting their own pottery with glaze paints. Guests choose their own item to paint.

Staff is on hand to provide basic instructions. Due to the firing times required of this project, pieces will not be able to be taken home at the end of party and must be picked up at a later date (typically within 1 week).


Ages:
4 and up
Cost: Party Room Fee + $15.00/guest*
Approximate Project Time: 30-60 minutes
Project materials included: 1 Bisque Pottery to paint, glaze and firing for each guest and celebrant.
* Participants choose from selections within the PARTY section, over 100 options.

Call or email us to request a date and time.

Squishies!

TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE - Materials supply issue
Art is its own stress relief—but now you can literally make your own Squishy! Choose a cupcake, donut, cake slice, or car, and create your Squishy from scratch. Mix your color, watch your Squishy grow, and then decorate it just the way you want to. A 2-For-$25 option is available, too! Double the fun!
All steps are led by art center staff. Squishies will be ready to go home at the end of the party, though the decorative materials will need to dry overnight.


Ages: 8 and up
Cost: Party Room Fee + $15.00 per participant
Approximate Project Time: 30-45 minutes

Call or email us to request a date and time.

Poured Acrylic Paintings

Staff will lead step-by-step as we create gorgeous abstract paintings. Each person will paint a 12 inch x 12 inch canvas using up to 4 distinct colors. Every painting is always different, and always beautiful. Paintings need to dry overnight, and will be ready for pickup after 24 hours, when they should be set enough to transport.

Ages: 8 and up
Cost: Party Room Fee + $20.00 per painter
Approximate Project Time: 30-45 minutes

Call or email us to request a date and time.

Polymer Clay Keepsake

Polymer Clay Party

Staff will teach how to mix colors and create fun keepsakes with polymer clay. Coordinate with party leader for available projects and themes, such as picture frames, hanging ornaments, trinket boxes, or pencil jars. All materials are included in the per-person party price. Projects will be baked and ready to take home at the end of party.

Ages: 10 and up
Cost: Party Room Fee + $20.00 per participant
Approximate Project Time: 45-60 minutes (plus 1/2 hour bake-time)
Project materials included: Polymer clay

Call or email us to request a date and time.

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