EDGEWATER — A new BYOB art school and studio is slated to open soon next to the Ann Sather restaurant at 1141 W. Granville Ave., which owner Biljana Djokanovic called the "perfect place" to make her new home.
Djokanovic, who earned an arts degree in Serbia before completing her master's at the Pratt Institute in New York City, said while still in New York she picked up on the trend of BYOB painting classes, but wanted to include more "serious" options as well.
Enter Aartwerk Studios.
Djokanovic and her husband, a philosophy professor in New York, began looking for places to set up business and were immediately drawn to Edgewater, she said.
Then three months ago, she made the move.
"I heard that Edgewater is really up and coming ... and it basically kind of feels like the artistic vibe is moving over there," Djokanovic said. "I also just really liked it over there, so my husband and I, we both decided this was the perfect place."
Starting this week, residents can sign up online for beginner or advanced classes ranging from figure drawing, to acrylic painting and more.
The venue will also hold open studio hours and offer a lecture series, including some from her husband who has previously taught on the philosophy of art and aesthetics, among other topics.
A classically trained artist and experienced teacher herself, Djokanovic said the more advanced classes would take place during the day, while beginner and open studio time would be reserved for nights and weekends.
All sessions are BYOB — one reason Djokanovic chose Chicago instead of New York, where BYOB policies are prohibited.
She said soon her husband will join her in Edgewater, where she's "never felt more welcome."
A friendly phone call from Ald. Harry Osterman (48th) to welcome her to the neighborhood was unlike anything she'd experienced before, she said.
"I think I've never felt this welcome," Djokanovic said. "I'm like, 'Oh my God, this is so nice.'"
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