From the early 1800s until 1960, Swedes ranked as Chicago’s fifth-largest foreign-born group. One of the areas settled by Swedes was a bucolic subdivision called Andersonville. It’s known for its 19th century row houses, as well as charming antique shops, cafes and great ‘after paint out’ eateries. You’ll find all of this along Clark Street, […]

This paint out is a favorite for PAPC members. If you like choices at your paint outs, then this is the place for you. The very active Humboldt Park offers a large boat house, field house, a large lagoon and smaller ponds. Often people are walking, bike riding and sometimes even peddling swan boats. There […]

This lively square has outdoor cafes with plenty of umbrellas! A large fountain and many shopfronts create a vibrant atmosphere. Street parking and a nearby lot.

Pilsen is a favorite painting site!  The Jumping Bean Coffee Shop is a beautiful building with a Victorian tower.  Walk in either direction to find terra cotta covered buildings, small, interesting shopfronts, or old bank buildings.  Side streets provide early Chicago workers’ cottages.  Street parking is available and Jumping Bean Cafe has a bathroom.

Graceland Cemetery is a large historic garden cemetery located in the north side community area of Uptown.  Established in 1860, it is still an active cemetery with services and visiting families, as well as an arboretum. Lorado Taft sculptures, Ernie Banks baseball headstone, and the Goodman mausoleum on the shaded pond are very interesting, along […]

Belmont Harbor is located in the heart of beautiful Lincoln Park and is one of the largest harbors in the Chicago Harbors system.  A favorite among families and long-time boaters, the harbor is surrounded by acres of park space and a beautiful skyline view to the south.   A good place to meet is near the […]

Oak Park offers great architecture amid lush tree-lined streets. Street parking available. Frank Lloyd Wright Studio is on Chicago Avenue, but around the corner on Forest Avenue are numerous magnificent homes worth painting. If the big homes aren’t your thing, Oak Park does have a small downtown with shops and cafes and the Lake Theater […]

We will be meeting on the riverfront at Michigan and Wacker near O’Brien’s Restaurant.  It’s a wonderful river view, full of boats, people, and many Chicago buildings and cafes.  There’s also a beautiful view of the Wrigley Building. There are public bathrooms along the riverwalk.

385 acres of nature! Favorite painting spots are the English Walled Garden, the view of the Japanese bridge, and the waterlilies. Be aware of your surroundings and do not block pathways or leave any litter behind. If you are not a member, there is an admission charge. It’s suggested to book ahead online. Parking lot, […]