Abbey Ryan Art Studio

Abbey Ryan Art Studio is a fine art education studio located in Chicago’s Lakeview/North Center neighborhood that provides comprehensive art instruction for students. Founded and operated by lead artist Abbey Ryan Durso, the studio offers a welcoming creative space where young artists can develop their skills and artistic confidence.

The studio specializes in after-school art classes running Monday through Friday from 3:30-6:00pm. Each class is 2 hours long with a flexible drop-off window between 3:30-4:00pm to accommodate different school dismissal times. Classes focus on fine motor skills development, exploring various art materials and techniques, fostering creative independence, and providing age-appropriate instruction.

School’s Out Art Camps are offered on days when students don’t attend school, including scheduled breaks and teacher institute days. These camps run from 9am with options for half-day (until 12pm) or full-day (until 3pm) sessions. Camps provide extended creative time for students ages 4 and up to work on larger projects and explore new artistic mediums.

Summer camp programming offers week-long sessions during summer break, giving students intensive art instruction and project time. All camps and classes incorporate elements of fine art education including drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, and various crafting techniques.

The studio also hosts private art events and birthday parties, creating customized artistic experiences for groups. These events can be tailored to specific age groups and artistic interests.

Abbey Ryan Durso brings over 15 years of experience working with children both in and outside classroom settings. She is a former school art teacher with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and background in graphic design and freelance digital marketing. Her teaching approach emphasizes technique development while encouraging creative expression and building confidence in young artists.

The studio maintains a professional yet approachable atmosphere where students feel comfortable taking creative risks and exploring their artistic abilities.