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

Nature's Palette:
A Harmonious Journey through
Still Life & Gardens

We are thrilled to invite you to the upcoming October Juried Exhibition at Mainstreet Art Gallery, themed “Still Life & Gardens”. This exhibition promises to be a feast for the senses, showcasing the vibrant creativity and talent of our local artists. It’s an incredible opportunity for both aspiring and seasoned artists to display their works that capture the essence of nature’s beauty and the artistry of everyday life. Click here for more info.

Upcoming Workshops

2025/2026 Workshops with Visiting Artists:

Marc Anderson
Painting Beautiful Landscapes on Location, September 5, 6 & 7, 2025

Aline Ordman
Creating Dynamic Pastels: Using Abstract Thinking to Create Illustrative Paintings, September 19, 20 & 21, 2025

Caitlin Leline Hatch
The Art of Animal Portraiture, March 13, 14 & 15, 2026

Nancy Tankersley
Keeping It Fresh: Painting Figures from Photos, March 27, 28 & 29, 2026

Anne Kindl
Abstract Florals and Landscapes in Pastel, April 10, 11 & 12, 2026

2025/2026 Workshops with Mainstreet Staff Artists:

Susan Ploughe
Design Strategies for Better Paintings, October 10, 11 & 12, 2025

Barb Benstein
Elevate your Portrait Painting, November 14, 15 & 16, 2025

Frankie Johnson
Mastering Flower Impressions!, March 6, 7 & 8, 2026

Susan Ploughe
Portrait Essentials, April 17, 18 & 19, 2026

Frankie Johnson
Watercolor & Pastel: A Match Made in Heaven, May 9 & 10, 2026

Tom Henrichsen
Plein Air, June 27 & 28, 2026

Click "Workshops" for full list of scheduled workshops.

Upcoming Mini Workshops

Maria Galvan-Herrera
Getting Comfortable with Gouache
July 6, 13 & 20, 2025

Cheryl Cook
Just Drawing
October 4, 11, 18
& 25, 2025

Susan Ploughe
Art & Your iPad:
Intro to Procreate^® App
October 16 & 17, 2025

Cheryl Cook
Figure Drawing: Bring New Life to Your Painting
February 28 & March 1, 2026