Nurturing Creativity and Community Since 1972
Unleash Your Inner Artist Today!
What we do
Schedule of Monthly Programs
Monthly Competion
2026-2027 Monthly Themes
Monthly competitions are held September – April with members in attendance casting votes for the winners. Each member may submit one painting or art work each month, appropriate to the theme. Ribbons and prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. There is a $3.00 entry fee. Artwork must have been created within the last 5 years and be original works of art from own references, non-copyrighted photos, or family/heritage photos. The May meeting is the Best of the Best competition with all previous winners being judged by a qualified judge.
Recent Winners
Art Resources
- ARC: “Art Renewal Center” at artrenewal.org: Outstanding source for classical instruction, competitions, articles, over 2,000 high-definition classical artwork images, and so much more.
- Art BEAT Buzz: Online, visual-arts only newsletter for Chicagoland and beyond: https://www.artbeatbuzz.com.
- Art Corner Frames: 18703 Dixie Highway, Homewood, 708-798-8885, They have a reasonable selection of art supplies, ready-made frames, and do custom framing, printing, and bulk orders. Show your TCAL membership card and receive a 15% discount.
- ArtistsNetwork.com: Connects artists with ideas, inspiration, and instruction. Offers fine art magazines, art competitions, painting and drawing techniques, and more.
- ArtKula.com: Free, international, online group where artists of all abilities come together to post their art. It has subcategories in all art mediums (except photography), free classes, and a monthly challenge theme to inspire your next creation.
- DrawAwesome.com, and SketchAwesome.com: Cost is $29/month. These are yearlong, online programs led by Phil Davies of ArtKula.com (formerly ArtTutor.com). DrawAwesome is extensive instruction in “Essential Basic Drawing Techniques” in all dry mediums and watercolor, whereas SketchAwesome focuses on sketching with various dry mediums, watercolor, and gouache.
- Free Stock Images: Two sites with uncopyrighted photos that you can use to inspire your paintings/drawing are Unsplash.com (all free) and Pixabay.com (many but not all free)
- mpix.com – Good quality photos and prints, including giclee on archival fine art paper, in varying sizes at reasonable rates and fast delivery
- Osio Brown Studios, Elmhurst: Use state-of-the-art imaging equipment, archival quality inks, and paper to produce fine art giclee prints of your artwork.
- Wheaton Public Library: Offers excellent online & in-person art programs including art demos by local artists & virtual art exhibits. YouTube recordings are available if you miss the demo. Sign up through Arts and Cultural Center at: https://www.wheatonlibrary.org/programs/arts-culture-center