We are a multimedia children’s art studio located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Our expert instructors help young artists build technical skills, grow creatively, and have FUN with other kids who love art!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Please read our studio policies here.
Where are you located?
We’re located at 212 E NW Hwy in Arlington Heights, near the intersection of AH Road and Northwest Highway. *Please note, we have a one-way parking lot that enters off of Pine Avenue and exits onto Northwest Highway.
What ages do you teach?
We teach ages 3-13, with occasional family or adult workshops. We have four different types of Weekly Classes: Little Artists (ages 3-6), Animal Art (ages 5-7), Art Start (ages 7-11), and Drawing Skills (ages 8-10 or 9-13). We offer lots of different Workshops and Mini Camps for similar age groups.
What media do you teach?
We teach it all! Drawing, painting, collage, clay, paper mache, printmaking, fiber arts and more. We teach new content each quarter in all of our classes because of the many returning students. Follow us on social media to see what we’ve been creating lately.
How is your schedule structured?
We offer Weekly Classes during the school year months. These Weekly Classes take place over four, 8-week quarters which roughly follow the local school calendars. On weekends and school breaks we offer two- or three-class Mini Camps and one-time Workshops.
Do you do birthday parties?
We used to, but we don’t offer parties any more. As a teaching studio, we’re focused on Weekly Classes and one-time Workshops. (We do have groups of friends sign up for Workshops together!)
Are the classes drop off and go?
We ask parents to stay with 3yo artists. Staying is optional for classes with ages 4-6. Classes for ages 6-13 are drop off and go.
We need to miss a class. What do we do?
Come for a makeup class if you can! We don’t give refunds or future credits for student absences, but you can Email Christine to ask if space is available for a makeup class during that same week. If a makeup class doesn’t work out, we’ll get your artist caught up when they return.
Can my child join an older group?
Our ages are firm. We don’t move younger artists to older groups, more for social reasons than art ability. Our small class sizes allow us to differentiate instruction as needed.
Does everyone’s art look the same?
At Hello Art Studio, we foster both skills AND creativity. We teach themed lessons featuring subject matter kids love, with lots of room for creative interpretation. In the end, each student makes their own unique works of art to be proud of.
Is a certain skill level required? Do you assess students?
All children who enjoy making art and want to learn more are welcome to join us. We meet our students where they are and take it from there, no assessment or particular skill level required.
Can I tour the studio?
You can take a video tour below, which includes our second classroom that opened in 2023 when we doubled in size! We don’t offer in-person tours or open studio hours. One-time Workshops are a great way to check us out without a large commitment.
Meet Our Instructors
Christine Thornton is the founder, owner and lead teacher of Hello Art Studio. Ms. Christine was an elementary school art teacher, a children’s book illustrator and taught art lessons out of her house for many years. In 2019, her dream of creating a brick and mortar studio for children came true when she opened Hello Art Studio. Now Ms. Christine teaches Weekly Classes, Mini Camps, and Workshops at Hello Art Studio. She specializes in teaching a wide variety of media, including painting, drawing from observation, and sculpture.
Lauren Chaharbakhshi is a former science teacher turned art educator. Ms. Lauren has been part of the Hello Art Studio team since we opened in 2019. She specializes in working with young children and developing our Little Artists curriculum. She also teaches abstract paint pouring and fiber arts.
Tara Schile has a background in theater, education and art. At Hello Art Studio, Ms. Tara teaches Workshops and Mini Camps. She specializes in fantasy and science fiction fan art, creating costumes, voice acting, and coming up with fun creative ideas.
Lori Ann Greidanus has almost 20 years of teaching experience with a background in reading and art. Ms. Lori Ann is thrilled to be a teacher at Hello Art Studio. She creates and teaches our Animal Art classes, where she mixes fun facts with art skills for young artists.
We’d love to see you in the studio!
Read what families are saying about Hello Art Studio:
“We both love the creative environment and caring teachers! I love that the cost of these classes is very comparable to alternatives in this area while providing a remarkably higher quality experience. ”
“A. has been so inspired by your art classes! We love your studio and thank you for bringing the creativity!”
“Ms. Christine is EXCELLENT with the kids and as a teacher! She has really poured herself into her classes.”
“Christine!!! M. & A. are of course super excited for class! They (and us Mama’s) think the world of you.”
“We love Hello Art Studio. They make art possible and beautiful. The lessons are structured and organized thoughtfully so learning is maximized.”
“M. and V. were really engaged and couldn’t have enjoyed ALL the lessons more! What a nice environment you have for these little artists to create their own masterpieces. Thank you for a great experience. ”
“Just wanted to say your studio is adorable and Miss Lauren is the sweetest!!! G. had the best time!! We look forward to fun classes like this in the fall! ”