Creativity takes center stage this July with the Bensenville Park District’s lineup of cultural and fine arts programs designed to inspire artists, musicians and dancers of all ages. From painting and crafts to piano, guitar and dance, participants can discover new talents, build confidence and learn new skills.
The summer art lineup got under way Tuesday, July 7, with Craft & Create for ages 18 and older from noon to 1 p.m. in the Deer Grove Leisure Center Oak Room. Participants will create a different project each week while exploring a variety of crafting techniques. Also beginning July 7 was Brush & Bloom, held from 1:30-3:30 p.m. in the Oak Room, where adults can enjoy a relaxing introduction to watercolor and acrylic painting.
Young artists can jump into Art Exploration from 5-6 p.m. Wednesdays, July 8-29, in the Cedar Room. Designed for ages 5-9, the class encourages creativity through drawing, painting and collage projects tailored to each student's unique artistic style. Older youth can sharpen their skills in Intro to Drawing from 5-6 p.m. Thursdays, July 9-30, learning sketching, shading and design fundamentals. Intro to Painting follows from 6-7 p.m. Thursdays, July 9-30, introducing participants to color, brushwork and creative expression through beginner-friendly painting projects.
Future musicians can find their rhythm with several engaging music programs. Intro to Piano for ages 5-9 meets from 6-7 p.m. Mondays, July 6-27, in the Hickory Room, teaching note recognition, rhythm and beginning songs. Intro to Guitar takes place from 6-7 p.m. Wednesdays, July 8-29, helping young musicians learn tuning, strumming and chord basics.
For ages 10-14, Piano II meets from 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays, July 7-28, allowing students with prior experience to advance their skills. Guitar II runs from 6-7 p.m. Thursdays, July 9-30, focusing on musical development and technique. Beginner Music Theory rounds out the music offerings from 7-8 p.m. Thursdays, July 9-30, introducing students to the foundations behind melody, harmony, rhythm and songwriting. Private guitar and piano lessons also are available on a monthly basis.
Dance enthusiasts can take the stage with classes for every age group. Disney Princess Ballet begins Tuesday, July 7, from 6-6:45 p.m. for ages 3-5, inviting young dancers to twirl and imagine while learning ballet basics through favorite princess-inspired music. Ballet for ages 10-14 follows from 7-8 p.m. Tuesdays, July 7-28, focusing on grace, strength and foundational technique.
Hip Hop for ages 10-14 begins Wednesday, July 8, from 6-7 p.m., offering high-energy choreography and skill development. Contemporary Movement follows from 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays, July 8-29, blending dance styles and creative expression through dynamic choreography. Adults can keep moving with Rhythm & Soul from 8-9 p.m. Wednesdays, July 8-29, which focuses on musicality, flexibility and expressive movement.
Additional dance opportunities begin Thursday, July 9, including Growing & Grooving for ages 6-9 from 6-7 p.m., introducing hip-hop-inspired movement and confidence-building exercises. Jazz Pop follows from 7-8 p.m., combining jazz fundamentals with contemporary influences. Adults can also enjoy Dance Fusion from 8-9 p.m. Tuesdays, July 7-28, featuring easy-to-follow routines that promote fitness, balance and fun.
