Saturday, November 6, 2010




Darwin R. Apel
1927-2010


Dear Friends,

We wish to thank all of you who have sent such kind and sincere condolences via phone, email, snail mail, and flowers. It's been a rough autumn for us here at The Paintbrush. Losing our bookkeeper would have been hard enough, but the fact that he was our father makes the loss that much worse. Knowing that we have so many friends out there has made the sadness a bit easier to bear. Our father was a well-loved man and he has left us a legacy of love with which to surround ourselves. We thank you for being a part of that legacy.



In our father's memory we have set up the Darwin Apel Memorial Sheets for Hospice Project to provide bed sheets for patients who are receiving home hospice care. If you would like to donate a set of twin size bed sheets (200 thread count or higher) or if you would like to make a donation so that we may purchase bedsheets on your behalf, please send or drop off your donation at The Paintbrush (address below). Checks should be made out to Melanie Apel. If you would like more information, please visit our website, send an email, call, or talk to Mindy in the studio. Again we thank you for your kindness, patience, and understanding during this very difficult time.


With great thanks,
Mindy, Melanie and Mrs. Carol

The Paintbrush
2856 N. Halsted
Chicago, IL 60657

Sunday, September 12, 2010

I'm Back!




Not that I went anywhere. Though you might think I did since the last time I posted was in July. But with Summer Art Camp, adding new classes and a new teacher, I've been overwhelmed and neglected my lovely little blog.

What a busy summer! We had 4 wonderful weeks of Summer Art Camp throughout the summer months. If you didn't get the chance to try us out, don't worry, we have Art Camps throughout the school year and during the holidays in December. In fact, I think the next Art Camp day is creeping up on us soon....Monday, October 11th for Columbus Day in fact. Don't wait too long to enroll!

I want to thank Kristen who did an internship with The Paintbrush all summer. You may have met her during summer camp or seen her during my Thursday class. She has moved back to her hometown of MN and we wish her all the best!

For those of you asking for early morning or Saturday classes, we put them on our schedule! So what are you waiting for? Enroll! thepaintbrush@thepaintbrush.net

Our Art Workshops for chidren ages 6 and up start again this week. We kick this week off with How Do I Draw That? drawing workshop on Mondays at 3:45. Remember, our workshops do have a start and end date, so if you haven't enrolled already, do so now!
To clear up some common confusion....Melanie is the voice on The Paintbrush's phone. You will NEVER get me on the phone because you're actually calling her cell. Yes, we do sound alike, but I'm the one in the studio and she's the one on the phone and never the twain shall meet! :)


And some big Happy Birthdays go out to.... Siena 2, Giovanni 6, Gabi 6, Christina 7, Anna 7 and Alec 7!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

July 27, 2010

We had a wonderful week of July Art Camp last week. Many of you asked about the children's amazing marble paintings. I assure you, they made them themselves! Here's an easy way for you to try the marbeling at home.
You'll need:
shaving cream
pan
paper
food coloring
tooth pick
popsicle stick

How to:
Spread shaving cream in bottom of pan. Drip a few colors of food coloring onto shaving cream. Drag tooth pick through food coloring making a marbeled pattern in shaving cream. Place paper ontop of shaving cream. Press gently. Remove. Scrape shaving cream off of paper with popsicle stick. Voila! You have a beautiful piece of marbeled paper!

Ok, so you missed out on July Camp or want to sign your kids up for another awesome week of Camp? No worries. We have 2, count them, 2 more weeks of Camp coming up in August.

August 16-20
and
August 23-27
9:30-12:30
ages 3 and up
lunch provided by Noodles and Co.
only $55 per day/ ask about weekly discount

call or email Melanie to enroll
773-636-1968 thepaintbrush@thepaintbrush.net

And what's with all of the new classes you ask? Well, you asked for them, so we're giving them to you! Check out one of our new class times below. Same great classes, just more days and times to choose from!

Tiny Artists (18-48months)
Tuesday 9:20
Friday 9:20
Saturday 9:20

Little Masters (4-8 years)
Tuesday 5:15
Wednesday 5:15
Thursday 5:15

The Paintbrush wants to give a big Welcome to our newest addition, Miss Liz! Many of you have already met Miss Liz over the past few weeks. She will be teaching our new morning Tiny Artist classes. We are so happy to have her on board, we know you will be, too!

I big Happy Birthday goes out to.... Magda, 3, Sam, 5, Alessia, 4, Oleg, 3 and Giovanni 6!

Monday, June 14, 2010




June Summer Art Camp
June 14, 2010

What lasts 5 days, is 3 hours a day and is so much fun your kids won't be able to stand it? If you guessed Summer Art Camp at The Paintbrush, you're right! With the last of the schools letting out this week for summer vacation, don't be left wondering what your kids should do during their first week off.

June 21st-25th
9:30-12:30
lunch included!
$55 day/$270 week (currently enrolled students, sibs and Summer 2009 campers, ask for discount!)
3 to 9 years old
must pre-register/no drop-ins
Join us for 1 day or all 5 days, you won't be disappointed!

email us to enroll at thepaintbrush@thepaintbrush.net or call us at 773-636-1968

I've had many parents ask what is the best way to showcase the beautiful art work their children bring home week after week. If you're looking for a more creative option, here are some fab ideas:
*snapfish them...this way no one has to fight over who gets which pieces!
*hang them on a clothes line in the playroom with decorative clips
*use larger artwork as a mat for smaller prints
*download pics of your faves and use as the slideshow on your computer
*create a low picture molding in your child's bedroom/playroom from a metal surface and hold up paintings with chunky magnets

And for those pieces that aren't simply done on paper? No problem. Anything that comes home on a canvas board or similar material can simply be propped up on a bookcase, nailed directly into the wall or anchored with picture wire.

Hope that helps and if you do decided to use one of the ideas, we'd love to see it! Send us a photo of your home art gallery to thepaintbrush@thepaintbrush.net.

This is the last week for the Lincoln School Kindergarten Art Class at The Paintbrush. It's been a wonderful year with all of you and I will miss this class dearly! You've each brought something special to our class and it wouldn't have been the same without you...Addie with your weekly change of clothes...Alec with your sense of humor...Anna with your peas...Christina with your ease for making new friends...Ellie with your ability to help anyone...Giovanni with your ability to put up with so many girls...Taylor with your quick grasp of new concepts. You're going to make great 1st graders, kids! I wish you all the best and I hope to see you all in the Fall!

Monday, June 7, 2010


June 7, 2010
Summer Camp is just 2 weeks away! Enroll in 1 day or all 5, it's your choice. June 21-25. Email thepaintbrush@thepaintbrush.net or call 773-636-1968 to enroll.
Our Drawing Workshop came to a close this week, but worry not, it will return in the Fall along with several other workshops for the older artists.
A big Happy Birhday goes out to Clare 3, Ellie M. 4, Morgan 4 and Clarisse 5!
The Paintbrush welcomes new students Ryan and Henry!

Monday, May 24, 2010


Sofia, age 3
May 24, 2010
This wonderful painting by little Sofia was inspired by muralist, Diego Rivera. While we didn't paint right on the walls of the studio, the kids did paint on huge sheets of butcher paper taped to the walls.
Upcoming Events:
Summer Art Camp enrollment has begun! www.thepaintbrush.net click on Summer Camp
for info, our schedule and to enroll.
Another Workshop is heading your way...School’s Out Scrapbooking/Father’s Day
Photo Frame-Up You choose! Scrapbook your favorite memories from the school year or
create a special Father’s Day piece for your dad, favorite uncle or grandfather, suitable for
framing. Bring at least 10-12 photos for scrapbooking or 2-5 photos for Father’s Day project.
Saturday, June 19 2:00-3:30
A big Happy Birthday goes out to Clare, 3 and Elizabeth, 4!
The Paintbrush welcomes new student, Henry R.

Monday, May 10, 2010

May 10, 2010
Happy Mother's Day

I hope all you moms enjoyed your lovingly decorated hands. I also hope they made it home in one piece!

A big Happy Birthday goes out to Sam B. 5 and Alexander R. 6!

The Paintbrush welcomes new students Ryan W. and Henry R.