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See How These Painters Learned To Make Blackhawks Works Of Art — In A Bar

 Art class at Lawlor Bar organized by Clearing resident and Chicago Park District art teacher Briana Gaitan.
Art class at Lawlor Bar organized by Clearing resident and Chicago Park District art teacher Briana Gaitan.
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Brian Gaitan

CHICAGO — Briana Gaitan never tires of seeing people discover their hidden art abilities.

The Chicago Park District art teacher has been especially excited to unearth art talents at classes in Garfield Ridge, where she grew up.

Gaitan for the last two months has led art painting parties at Lawlors Bar, 6854 W. Archer Ave. The 25-or-so participants have painted Chicago skylines paired with birds and Blackhawks "C" logos. Classes also will be offered in July and August, with artists painting beach scenes and Chicago skyscrapers, respectively.

"A lot of the people who come here, they don't realize they have the ability," said Gaitan, a Maria High School and University of Illinois at Chicago graduate. "All of them did a great job."

Gaitan is a lifelong painter. She sells her work at Hardscrabble Gifts in Bridgeport and Pilsen Outpost.

"I've been painting since I was a small child," said Gaitan, of Clearing. "I love selling my artwork just to enjoy seeing people who purchase it get excited about it."

Gaitan said there are several painting class options in Bridgeport and Pilsen, but not in Garfield Ridge.

She said the classes cater to people looking for a fun night out. She provides the materials and teachers the students step-by-step how to draw the paintings.

Classes vary between $20-$25 and last between 1-2 hours.

"I'm looking for anybody who wants to get out in their community in an affordable way, who wants to put a little time aside for themselves," Gaitan said.

For more information on the classes, click here.

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