20 East Main Street, Lake Zurich, IL 60047 * (847) 550-0016
e-mail: artists@mainstreetartcenter.com

The Mainstreet Art Center is a school of fine art offering classes in drawing and painting for artists of all ages and levels of experience. Open since 1994, Mainstreet attracts students from all over the Chicago area, northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Our professional staff of instructors have careers as artists, exhibit in galleries throughout the country, teach workshops and appear in artists publications.

• Drawing & Oil Painting
• Pastels & Watercolor
• Portrait Painting
• Open Studio
• Workshops & Demos
• Frames & Art Supplies

Upcoming Events

Our 2026 Water Works Again show will feature diverse paintings that explore water in its various states and settings: such as serene ponds, cascading waterfalls, bird baths, frozen lakes, and rainy days. The possibilities are endless. Join us for the reception and awards presentation October 16 from 5:30 until 8:00 pm. See the artist list here.

Upcoming Workshops

2026/2027 Workshops with Visiting Artists:

Howard Friedland
Tighten the Fundamentals, Loosen the Brushstrokes,
March 12, 13 & 14, 2027

Dan Beck
Oil Impressions: Figure & Still Life, April 23, 24 & 25, 2027

Vladislav Yeliseyev
Watercolor - Landscape, April 30, May 1 & 2, 2027

Liz Walker
Mixed Media, May 14, 15 & 16, 2027

2026/2027 Workshops with Mainstreet Staff Artists:

Cheryl Cook
Painting the Figure from Life, October 16, 17 & 18, 2026

Susan Ploughe
Understanding Color, October 24 & 25, 2026

Brian Sauerland
Through the Pastel Landscape, April 2, 3 & 4, 2027

Click "Workshops" for full list of scheduled workshops.

Upcoming Mini-Workshops & Demos

Susan Ploughe
Art and Your iPad:
Intro to Procreate^® App
October 29 & 30, 2027