Once upon a time, in the funky state of Illinois, known for its colossal skyscrapers and the mouthwatering deep-dish pizzas, lived a group of talented kiddos. These weren't just any regular kids, oh no, they were the super-duper, ultra-imaginative, crayon-carrying Sketch Squad of Illinois. Leading this lively crew was Doodle McPencil, a cool, nifty character born from a burst of creativity and a dollop of midnight blue ink. He was as tall as a giraffe's knee, wore a beret that was a bit too large for his head, and sported a pair of rainbow suspenders. Whenever Doodle snapped his fingers (which were shaped like pencil erasers), the kids in the Sketch Squad knew it was time to let their imaginations run wild. All across the Pancake Prairie and the Humongous Husker's farm, kids with paper and pencils would form exciting stories. From the bravest superheroes to the silliest clowns, from the brightest unicorns to the darkest vampires, they drew them all. And let's not forget their favorite, the Great Pizza Monster, who loved nothing more than to gobble up all the deep-dish pizzas in Chicago. Everywhere in Illinois, the Sketch Squad was known for their incredible talents. Their laughter echoed against the towering structures of Chicago, their creativity filled the sprawling cornfields, and their drawings brought the charm of the Mississippi River to paper. And so, in the heart of the Land of Lincoln, the Sketch Squad and Doodle McPencil created a world of imagination, one sketch at a time. They laughed, they drew, they created, and most importantly, they had a whole lot of fun along the way.
Read morebest drawing-sketching programs in Skokie, IL


Stemtree is a top-tier K-12 enrichment center that has been acknowledged with multiple awards for its outstanding contribution to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education. The center provides a unique platform for students to delve into exciting subjects such as Science, Coding, Robotics, Electronics, and Math. This exploration is facilitated through interactive, hands-on learning that allows each student to progress at their own pace. At Stemtree, we believe that personalization is key to effective learning. That's why we tailor our approach to suit each learner's unique needs, ensuring they develop a strong foundation in their chosen area of interest. We understand that every child is different and requires a customized learning path to thrive. We're here to guide them on their journey, providing them with the tools and support they need to excel. Moreover, we're passionate about making learning enjoyable for our students. We don't believe education should be a chore. Instead, we work to create an environment that boosts confidence and fosters a love of learning. At Stemtree, we make education fun and exciting, inspiring a lifelong thirst for knowledge in our students.

Insight is the premier art studio for kids, teens and adults to learn how to draw and paint realistically. Our classes are instructed by experienced, classically trained artists, so students can be sure to receive the best instruction. At Insight, we focus on creating an environment of community and collaboration, so everyone can enjoy art together. Our classes offer personalized step-by-step instruction and allow each student to work at their own pace. We offer priority registration for our current students for the upcoming session, and any available spaces after that can be requested through our website. Each session typically lasts 8-10 weeks and the tuition is based on the number of classes offered. Supplies are included in the kids classes. So, come join our community of like-minded artists and express yourself through art!


At Devonshire Arts Center, we offer a range of classes, activities, camps, and performances in music, theatre, dance, visual arts, and circus. Our state-licensed preschool program provides early childhood enrichment and culinary arts classes, while the Skokie Art Guild, Devonshire Playhouse, and Devonshire Preschool call this facility home. We also have partnerships with Thin Ice Ensemble Theatre, Chicago Pastel Painters, and E.D.G.E. Theatre, who visit us for workshops and performances. You can find rentals, art partnerships, and birthday party options here as well. Throughout the year, we host a variety of special events such as the Devonshire County Fair, Fall Teen Musical Performance, Fall Adult Musical Performance, December Dance Performance, Winter Adult Play, Young Performers Musical, Spring Dance Performance, Summer Adult Musical, Summer Dance Recital, and multiple art shows. Come join us at Devonshire Arts Center for a unique and creative experience!

At the Lincoln Terrace Art Studio & Gallery we provide a unique learning environment where students of all ages can explore the world of art. Our instruction is designed to foster appreciation for art, while cultivating technical expertise in drawing and painting. We use a variety of media, such as pencils, watercolors, tempera and oils, to teach students to draw still-lifes, landscapes, human figure and portraits. In addition, we provide lessons in decorative and applied arts, as well as the fundamentals of art theory and history. Our instructors, Leonid and Sonya Osseny, have decades of experience teaching art and have been operating the studio since 1997. We are proud to have had a generation of students pass through the Lincoln Terrace Art Studio & Gallery and to have some of our former students enroll their own children in our classes.