Kris Smith was born and raised in Chicago, IL where she received a BFA in Oil Painting from the American Academy of Art. She has exhibited paintings in galleries and venues all over Chicago including the Museum of Contemporary art, Navy Pier, and public artworks installed at the front entrance of the Field Museum and on the Magnificent Mile downtown.
For five years she taught art to teens at Gallery 37, a Chicago non profit with city-wide enrollment of inner city youth. Inside of these programs, Kris led the teens through various mural and public art commissions for clients like the Mayor of Chicago, an architecture firm inside of the Wrigley Building and the McCormick Place Metra train station.
Since Leaving Chicago in 2019 she’s expanded her public art reach with residencies in Gardiner, Montana and Cooper, Texas. She specializes in a wide range of media including acrylic, latex, oil and enamel paints, as well as charcoal, graphite and pastel drawing mediums.
KRISTINA SMITH
INSTRUCTOR
Kris Smith was born and raised in Chicago, IL where she received a BFA in Oil Painting from the American Academy of Art. She has exhibited paintings in galleries and venues all over Chicago including the Museum of Contemporary art, Navy Pier, and public artworks installed at the front entrance of the Field Museum and on the Magnificent Mile downtown.
For five years she taught art to teens at Gallery 37, a Chicago non profit with city-wide enrollment of inner city youth. Inside of these programs, Kris led the teens through various mural and public art commissions for clients like the Mayor of Chicago, an architecture firm inside of the Wrigley Building and the McCormick Place Metra train station.
Since Leaving Chicago in 2019 she’s expanded her public art reach with residencies in Gardiner, Montana and Cooper, Texas. She specializes in a wide range of media including acrylic, latex, oil and enamel paints, as well as charcoal, graphite and pastel drawing mediums.
Our open registration makes it is easy to get involved. You are free to register for most of our classes whenever you are ready. No need to wait for a new semester or for an annual enrollment to begin.
Please notify us at least 24H in advance if less than 24H we will do our best to accomodate you.
Atelier Drawing Standard Price
Most Popular
College-level drawing fundamentals covering perspective, sight measuring, composition, block-ins, and shading. Suitable for complete beginners and experienced artists looking to sharpen foundational skills.
Standard Price
$286
every 4 weeks · Materials list provided upon enrollment
Youth Studio Member Pricing
All Supplies Included
Engaging, guided studio art classes for elementary and middle school students. Each month explores a new theme — painting, drawing, printmaking, fiber, mosaics, and more. All materials are included.
Member Price
$247
every 4 weeks · All materials included · New students start the first week of each month
You save $39 per cycle with your membership
Art From Life Member Pricing
Most Popular
An immersive class blending painting and drawing from direct observation. Covers gesture, human proportions, anatomy, composition, and personal narrative. Regular feedback and live demonstrations included.
Member Price
$271
every 4 weeks
You save $39 per cycle with your membership
Atelier Drawing Member Pricing
Most Popular
College-level drawing fundamentals covering perspective, sight measuring, composition, block-ins, and shading. Suitable for complete beginners and experienced artists looking to sharpen foundational skills.
Member Price
$247
every 4 weeks · Materials list provided upon enrollment
You save $39 per cycle with your membership
Atelier Painting Member Pricing
Most Popular
Atelier’s celebrated oil painting program, open to all levels. Students receive personalized attention in small class sizes, moving from guided exercises to independent projects at their own pace. Emphasis on technique, creative confidence, and developing a personal style.
Member Price
$247
every 4 weeks · Optional Materials Plan available for +$80/month
You save $39 per cycle with your membership
Teen Studio Standard Pricing
All Supplies Included
A dedicated studio for teens to develop drawing and painting skills alongside peers. Monthly themes range from painting and drawing to printmaking, sculpture, and more. All materials are included.
Standard Price
$286
every 4 weeks · All materials included · New students start the first week of each month
Youth Studio Standard Pricing
All Supplies Included
Engaging, guided studio art classes for elementary and middle school students. Each month explores a new theme — painting, drawing, printmaking, fiber, mosaics, and more. All materials are included.
Standard Price
$286
every 4 weeks · All materials included · New students start the first week of each month
The Artist's Practice Standard Pricing
A platform for artists to slow down, look more closely, and ask enduring questions about their work. Study with Armin Mersmann — an internationally respected artist with 60+ years of practice. Prioritizes critique, mentorship, and sustaining a long-term studio voice.
Standard Price
$143
every 4 weeks · Primarily online via Zoom · occasional in-person sessions · meets every other week
Art From Life Standard Price
Signature Class
An immersive class blending painting and drawing from direct observation. Covers gesture, human proportions, anatomy, composition, and personal narrative. Regular feedback and live demonstrations included.
Standard Price
$310
every 4 weeks
MEMBERSHIP
Membership gives you 15% off all classes for 12 months — it pays for itself in just a few months of attendance.