Kaleidoscope Starts Fall Classes

Kaleidoscope is an appropriate name for the colorful art school on Barrington's Main Street.

The explosion of color that starts on the front porch continues inside. Brilliant-hued, jubilant paintings are tacked to all the walls of the house, each room possessing its own medium and educational materials.  

Kaleidoscope, 316 W. Main St., began its fall programs Sept. 7, but there are still openings. Children who will be 4 on the first day of class can register.

Paintings run the gamut from a portrait of a 6-year-old's "Daddy" to a "Blue-Footed Booby."  And there's also a clay representation of the booby bird in the basement where the sculpting takes place.

Kaleidoscope is run by lifelong artist Jill Funk, whose passion for creative expression is as bright  as the artwork on the walls.  

The classes include drawing, water colors, oil painting,  fiber art, mixed media, pottery making and clay sculpture.

Funk has upgraded for space twice in the 24 years since she moved from her basement and seen many students grow from children to adulthood.  

She said many adults, living through various touchstones in their lives, sign up for classes looking to occupy their mind during times of trouble and find the process of creating to be a healing balm.  

"It's very therapeutic," she said.  "Some say it's better than going to a therapist."

The therapeutic benefits aren't limited to adults, Funk added.

 "We have found that children who have problems can come here and all of a sudden, their grades have gone up and they're likeable," Funk said.  "Because they feel so good about themselves."  

Funk originally wanted to become a nurse, she said, but that goal was sidetracked by her mother, who preferred she become an artist.

After college and marriage, she began teaching sculpture in the basement of her home but soon grew bored with the single medium and decided to spread her wings,  She rented a nearby school and began to build her curriculum's repertoire.

 "It was just wonderful," she said.

To register, call 847-381-4840.