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

Small Masterpieces:
Little Gems for Your Collection,
Holiday Gifts of Art

Mainstreet Gallery invites you to explore our latest small painting exhibit, a vibrant showcase that embodies the spirit of creativity and artistic expression. We are dedicated to nurturing local artists and providing a platform for their incredible talents. This exhibit features a diverse array of artworks, each a unique reflection of the artist's journey and vision. Paintings are 8" X 10" and smaller and unframed. Priced at $175 or less.

Upcoming Workshops

2026 Workshops with Visiting Artists:

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

Carl Bretzke
Painting Dramatic Lighting Effects, April 24, 25 & 26, 2026

Nancy Nowak
Taking Your Paintings to the Next Level, August 14, 15 & 16, 2026

Tim Oliver
Watercolor: The Artistic & Creative Process, September 11, 12 & 13, 2026

2025/2026 Workshops with Mainstreet Staff Artists:

Barb Benstein
Elevate your Portrait Painting, February 20, 21 & 22, 2026

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