Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Little.
Scott, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have always loved art, but it has taken a long and winding path to get where I am today. I graduated from the American Academy of Arts in Chicago, with a degree in Illustration. I took a few freelance art jobs before I decided to join my dad at Precision Drill company full time, first as a machine operator, then supervisor. I worked there for 14 years and thought that would be my life. But life gave me a new opportunity when Precision Drill closed its doors six years ago. I had been teaching art classes after work, at Reprographics Art Supply, and at Creative Arts studio. The previous Director of Creative Arts studio was retiring, and the Board voted me in as the new Director, starting in 2013. I worked hard to learn how to be a nonprofit Director, and am happy to report that in the past five years our classes, members, and income has more than doubled. I have a great team of 10 instructors, dedicated volunteers, and a Director of Development to keep us moving forward. My wife Heather and my 1-year-old daughter Brennah are my constant support and inspiration through the ups and downs of managing a nonprofit, and I also get energy and joy from the kids I teach. Now, I can’t imagine any other life, and in a few years, I look forward to my little girl coming to the studio with me and having fun drawing and painting with her dad. It is a joy to be able to do what I love, every day.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Any small nonprofit faces struggles. At times early on, there wasn’t a solid enough cash flow to purchase new equipment for new classes, so I bought and donated art supplies and new computers myself. I didn’t want the studio to stop expanding due to a lack of resources. I wanted to expand not only the traditional arts program but also digital arts and more. Later on, The Community Foundation for McHenry County, Crystal Lake Lions Club, and private donors funded a new clay kiln, sewing machines, summer camps, and art scholarships, allowing the studio to continue to grow and serve our community.
With these grants and donations, and the amazing volunteer work and support of my family and friends, Creative Arts studio have grown and become the sanctuary I envisioned, welcoming everyone with an interest in art, no matter what their ability.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Creative Arts studio – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Creative Arts, Inc. has been a 501(c)(3) nonprofit since December 27, 2011, and was run as a commercial arts organization previously since 2008. The studio offers art classes, art camps, gallery showings and community events. Art classes for ages 4 to adult run in 8-week sessions and include traditional fine arts such as painting, drawing, and sculpting, as well as non-traditional art forms such as sewing, computer animation, and digital art. Four-day art camps are available in the summer months and during winter break.
We have professional artists and trained instructors teaching in small class settings, using quality art supplies such as acrylic paints, watercolors, oil pastels, clay, fiber and more. A clay kiln, sewing machines, and an iMac lab funded in part by a grant from The McHenry County Community Foundation add to the unique offerings of Creative Arts studio. As a nonprofit, we also are able to offer 10 art scholarships per year to youth unable to afford art classes.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Our biggest challenge is we are growing, and nearly at the limit of our physical space in the 2-story arts cottage, we currently rent. We are exploring additional locations and other options for expansion. Currently, our newest project is the Teen Art Initiative, in which we are adding/expanding classes focused on teens, such as Sew Fashion, Draw Manga, Cosplay Props, and advanced drawing and painting classes. We are also expanding our Adult art classes; this session will include specialty classes such as Celtic Art, Exploring the Chakra, and Creative Writing, as well as continuing Drawing, Watercolor, and other popular classes.
Pricing:
- $190 per 4-day summer art camp
- $120 per 8-week art class (one day a week)
- $15 per youth paint parties
Contact Info:
- Address: 400 Highland Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
- Website: www.creativeartsinc.org
- Phone: (815) 219-9243
- Email: creativeartsclasses@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/creativeartsclasses
- Facebook: facebook.com/Creativeartsart
- Twitter: twitter.com/creativeartsIL
- Yelp: yelp.com/biz/creative-arts-crystal-lake-3
Image Credit:
Susan Sieber
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
