Gettin' Schooled: University WPB

Most people in Wicker Park and Bucktown are graduates from the School of Life.  Some have even attended the School of Hard Knocks! And hey, knowledge is power, so whether you were the teacher’s pet or class clown, there's a perfect class in Wicker Park and Bucktown just for you.  

 

1. Elena Chicago at Club Lucky

    1824 W. Wabansia
    www.elenachicago.com

    info@elenachicago.com

 

Start your head-feeding day with a Spanish lesson from Elena Chicago, a language-learning program that teaches Spanish in local hangouts through interactive methods such as listening, speaking, reading, music, and, of course, fun! Classes are $200 for an eight-week session,  are at both a beginner and intermediate level, and are currently hosted at Bucktown's very own Club Lucky, which means you can also have a martini while expanding your linguistic horizons. Fantastico!

 

2. Avenue N Guitars
   1823 W. North Ave
    www.avenuenguitars.com
    (773) 252-5580

Once you have brushed up on your Espanol, head to Avenue N Guitars, an oasis of guitar lessons on North Ave three blocks east of the main intersection of Milwaukee, North, and Damen.  Avenue N's mission is to provide the Chicago music community with the best in quality yet affordable products, service, instruction and performances, and they also feature glorious vintage guitars for sale!  Private lessons are available all days of the week except Fridays, and prices start at 4 half-hour lessons for $100.

3. Arts n Spirits
    1921 N. Damen
    www.artsnspirits.com
    (773) 772-3877

Now that you can nail Slash's acoustic guitar solo from "Patience", head to the northern area of Bucktown by walking north on Damen or jumping on the Damen 50 bus and prepare to unleash your inner Van Gogh at Arts n Spirits. No need to cram for any art appreciation exams here! Bring a bottle of vino, slip into your apron, and settle in for a fun painting class during which you will create your own painting with the help of the friendly staff artists (and the wine). By the end of the evening you will be amazed at the artwork you have produced!  Classes are between $25-40 and the lesson includes canvases, paint, easels, and aprons.

4. Tipsycake
   1944 N Damen
    tipsycakechicago.com
    (773) 384-4418

After you have secured your first gallery showing, cross the street and enter Tipsycake, where dreams of sugar and flour and fondant are born.  For just $35, you can enjoy the seasoned tutelage and enthusiastic training of the onsite cake artists and decorate your very own baked good with modern buttercream techniques -- and then, after your exhausting day of learning, hopefully you will eat it.  

With that, you have graduated with Honors from The University of Wicker Park and Bucktown!  You have made the Dean's List, Honor Roll, and earned a certificate in Awesomeness.  Congratulations!

 

Copyright 2012. Written by Stephanie Sack, owner of violette and vive la femme in Wicker Park Bucktown.