When you visit Smith Studio and Gallery you will realize teaching art to others is a very important part of our business plan.

We have dedicated a large portion of our main floor gallery to setting up a classroom complete with large hard wood tables, good lighting, kid/adult height sinks and a public restroom on the main floor. We believe the wide variety of professional artist’s work on our walls inspires children and adults to experiment with various art mediums when discovering their own creative path.

David Smith, owner and Illinois licensed art teacher, teaches all the scheduled and private art class at Smith Studio and Gallery. For over 37 years David has taught in both private and public schools at all levels; elementary though college. He has held workshops in India, Singapore and Australia for Very Special Arts an organization to help people with disabilities. David was recognized by the National Art Education Association as the 1994 “Illinois Art Educator of the Year”, the Illinois Art Education Association as the 2011 “Elementary Art Educator” and also in 2014 he was recognized as an IAEA Distinguished Member. David Smith did not retire from teaching art . . . he moved it into the Smith Studio.
 

David begins all of our art classes by teaching you about the art materials you are using and encourage you to have fun learning more about the creative process. In the end our participants are amazed at what they have accomplished.

Everyone particularly enjoys our Step-by-Step painting and drawing classes, because we don’t just tell you what to do . . . We give you the knowledge to develop your artwork, based on your individual skill level, and encourage everyone to embrace the idea that everyone’s artwork will look different. In the end there is no right or wrong, there is only the joy of trying something new as you have fun sharing your creative experience with those around you.
 

Our goal is for everyone to have a positive experience . . .
Finding Joy in the Journey!