Cook County’s best art schools and programs for young creatives
ChicagoParent / by Claire Linder / June 17, 2026 Whether your child dreams of becoming an artist or simply enjoys making art, Cook County is home to an impressive range of programs designed to inspire young artists. From nationally recognized art schools to local community organizations, these programs offer young artists the chance to learn new techniques, explore different mediums and express their creativity in supportive environments. Read More Here.
Chicago’s Best Bookstores for Kids Who Love to Read
Mommy Poppins / by Maureen Wilkey / March 27, 2026 The next time you're trying to find a low-cost, entertaining-for-all place to spend time with different ages of kids, consider a bookstore. Independent bookstores can be a great place to spend a morning, and getting to know the staff there can help you find new favorite books, a favorite story time, or even increase your child's love of reading. For kids that like getting stuff on outings, this is also a great option. Lots of stores have bargain sections
Skip navigation Search Create Avatar image Timeless Toys in Lincoln Square highlights STEAM-
NBC Chicago / March 30, 2026 With many toys on the market, some are designed to spark interest in STEAM subjects: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math. NBC 5’s Charlie Wojciechowski reports in Tech Trends. View More Here.
STEM Adventures at Kiddie Academy of Lincoln Square-Ravenswood
Patch / by Kiddie Academy / March 10, 2026 Kiddie Academy of Lincoln Square-Ravenswood will host STEM Adventures on Saturday, March 21 at 10 a.m. Families of children ages 2 and up are invited to attend this free event to participate in several hands-on, play-based activities focusing on science, technology, engineering and math. Read More Here.
National Reading Month: A book lover’s guide to Chicagoland
Chicago Parent / by Jacqueline Kim / March 3, 2026 March marks the start of National Reading Month, a month dedicated to promoting literacy and reading amongst individuals of all ages. In anticipation of National Reading Month, be sure to prepare a list of good reads to embark on your upcoming reading journey. We’ve put together a helpful guide for your next reading adventure in Chicago! Read More Here.
Tapping into creativity at the Chicago Printmakers Collaborative
CBS News / January 5, 2026 Jackie Kostek is jumpstarting the New Year with a hands-on visit to the Chicago Printmakers Collaborative, a studio for printmakers at 4912 N. Western Ave. View More Here.
Lillstreet Art Center marks 50 years of enabling the love of craft
WBEZ Chicago / by Stefano Esposito / December 12, 2025 The former gear factory at the corner of Ravenswood and Montrose avenues offers a staggering array of art classes and, on top of that, an intergenerational sense of community. Read More Here.
Ravenswood’s Lillstreet Art Center Celebrates 50 Years As A Home For Artists
Block Club Chicago / by Alex V. Hernandez / December 4, 2025 RAVENSWOOD — Lillstreet Art Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary this winter as a creative workspace in Ravenswood for artists of all levels. In the ’70s, the studio’s eventual founder, Bruce Robbins, was enrolled in Lake Forest College’s art history program when an opportunity to take a pottery class at Barat College came about. That class led to Robbins spending the next 50 years providing a home to new and seasoned artists across
50 years of Lillstreet Art Center
CBS News Chicago / by Jackie Kostek / November 18, 2025 Jackie Kostek takes a look inside Lillstreet Art Center in Ravenswood.View More Here.
No Français? No problem
Crains Chicago Business / by Web Behrens / September 8, 2025 In the heart of Ravenswood, the beautiful Lycée Français de Chicago (French International School of Chicago) campus serves as a unique gateway to the world. A global perspective isn't just taught here; it's forged daily by a community of 770 students representing over 40 nationalities. Naturally, there’s a strong emphasis on learning languages within these walls — pas de surprise là. And while the sound of many languages fills its halls, the
Seth Boustead, composer and cofounder of Access Contemporary Music
Reader Chicago / by Jamie Ludwig / August 14, 2025 Seth Boustead is a composer, pianist, and arts manager. Raised by a single mother in Missouri and Arizona, Boustead studied composition at the University of Missouri, then moved to Chicago in 1995. In 2004, he cofounded the nonprofit Access Contemporary Music (ACM), where he still serves as executive director. ACM works to foster a public understanding of classical music as a living tradition open to new players and diverse voices, not a relic that belongs
How Chicago’s ACM School of Music Unlocks Creativity Through Music
Chicago Parent / by Olivia Sims / August 8, 2025 At the ACM School of Music, learning music is not just about reading notes; it’s about unlocking creativity, building confidence and cultivating musical curiosity. Founded as part of the nonprofit Access Contemporary Music (ACM), the school aims to inspire musical creation at every level, from first-time learners to professional composers. With four locations across Chicago (Avondale, Ravenswood, Lakeview and Rogers Park), ACM School of Music stands out as
Cook County’s Best Faith-Based Schools Ranked for 2025
Chicago Parent / by Sarah Knieff / May 27, 2025 Cook County is home to many faith-based schools that offer students a blend of rigorous academics, spiritual development and community engagement. To help families choose which one is right for them, this list highlighting the best faith-based schools in Cook County, uses a combination of publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Census Bureau, along with community reviews, survey feedback and academic performance
