Lindsey Danhauser & Allison Durkee , Kidcreate Studio - Chicago (Lakeview), (Oak Park)

Meet the Owners

Lindsey Danhauser & Allison Durkee

Allison spent 12 years in a fulfilling corporate career, but she always dreamed of owning a business. After much research, she came across the Kidcreate franchise. She couldn't pass up the opportunity to get in touch with her creative side while making a difference in kids' lives. After opening the Lakeview Studio in 2019, Allison is excited to bring Kidcreate Studio to Oak Park!

Lindsey worked in community art for over a decade. After graduating from the College of Visual Arts with a BFA and St. Mary's University with a MA in arts and cultural management, she worked in a few different galleries and art centers before deciding her passion was in community art and bringing high quality art education to kids and families. After working with the Eden Prairie Kidcreate Studio for almost 10 years she and her partner Allison decided it was time to open their own studio in Chicago.

Allison and Lindsey welcome you and your children to visit the studio, put on an apron and create. After all, making a mess is the best at Kidcreate!

How our story
began

Once upon a time,
There was a kindergartner who was frustrated by spelling, but loved art!
So it began...

Founder, Lara Olson, started Kidcreate Studio after being discouraged by the limited art exposure her son was receiving at school. In art class, he found tremendous joy in the creative process and none of the frustrations he was experiencing in some of his other classes.

Lara understood this. She too gravitated toward art as a child. Lara believed in the power of art to teach, inspire and build self-esteem. She also understood that art makes learning fun and a fun learning environment was exactly what her son needed. Lara started a quest for art classes for her son. She searched in vain for an art studio designed just for kids that combined quality art education with a fun kid-friendly environment. Finding nothing that met her requirements, she decided to create it!

Lara understood this. She too gravitated toward art as a child. Lara believed in the power of art to teach, inspire and build self-esteem. She also understood that art makes learning fun and a fun learning environment was exactly what her son needed. Lara started a quest for art classes for her son. She searched in vain for art classes designed just for kids that combined quality art education with a fun kid-friendly environment. Finding nothing that met her requirements, she decided to create it!

Kidcreate Studio was born!

Kidcreate Studio - Oak Park - About Us - Kids Art Studio

Portrait of Lara, drawn by her 9 year old daughter

Read Our Rave Reviews

My daughter and her friends had a blast. They all made the cutest clay puppies. The staff was friendly and attentive. Clean, facility, and the best part- no clean-up for mom! We may attend some group classes in the future. I highly recommend!
— C Jones, Posted April 28th 2024 on google
We had our daughter’s 5th birthday party here. Everything from beginning to end was a very easy process. The staff members were very kind and helpful with the kids. They provided napkins, plates, cups free of charge. All of the kids drew/signed a large birthday poster for our daughter to take home in addition to her ...
— Elizabeth Wirtz, Posted October 8th 2023 on google
My son loves classes here and so do I!
— Michelle Stein, Posted March 29th 2023 on google
Held our daughter's fifth birthday party at Kidcreate with about 12 of her friends. What a smooth, easy process from the very beginning! Lindsey explained how everything would run and all we had to do was show up with snacks and cake. The art teachers couldn't have been more patient & professional, and all of the kids ...
— Jori Fleisher, Posted February 26th 2023 on google
My son loves classes here and so do I!
— Michelle Stahley, MA, LCPC, Posted February 19th 2023 on google
We love Kidcreate! We have participated in "Parent's Night Out", camps, and daily classes, and now we hosted a birthday party there. The teachers are so kind and communication is always open. Lindsey is easy to contact and always helpful. The projects are engaging, but, most importantly, they give my child the boost of...
— Patricia Feierberg, Posted January 23rd 2023 on google
Kidscreate studio is the best! We have taken our 20 month and 2 year old for classes there and neither wanted to leave! We just hosted our daughters 3rd birthday here and was so impressed by the whole party set up! From the craft selection to the amazing staff and beautiful studio - this is one party our friends are s...
, Posted May 22nd 2022 on facebook
Kidscreate studio is the best! We have taken our 20 month and 2 year old for classes there and neither wanted to leave! We just hosted our daughters 3rd birthday here and was so impressed by the whole party set up! From the craft selection to the amazing staff and beautiful studio - this is one party our friends are s...
— Brittany scott, Posted May 22nd 2022 on google
We had my daughter's birthday party here, and it was great! I only had to handle the cupcakes -- everything else was taken care of, and the kids all had a wonderful time. Very easy, which is what I was looking for! :)
— Colleen DeJarnatt, Posted May 16th 2022 on google
Kidcreate in Oak Park is awesome! Our daughters have done camp, parents night out and had a birthday party there. They always enjoy it!!
— Bethany Alberts, Posted April 11th 2022 on google
We had our daughter's birthday at Kidcreate in Oak Park. The staff did a great job entertaining the kids. There were tons of smiles all around and our daughter enjoyed her special day. I appreciate the staff taking the time to meet with up beforehand to learn about what our daughter liked and preparing activities th...
— Sungo Wang, Posted March 21st 2022 on google
Highly recommended! The art options are plentiful (even my twins were able to agree on the project form their party). The staff handled everything. I walked in and sat down. It was seamless and stress free. My girls had a great time with their friends and all of the kids were happy.
— Zataya Shackelford, Posted December 5th 2021 on google
Had my daughter’s birthday party here and it was great. The girls had a lot of fun and made some really neat projects. I would recommend looking into this place for a birthday party or the classes they offer.
— Rob Young, Posted November 22nd 2021 on google
Great party great place!!
, Posted November 14th 2021 on facebook
My almost 4 yo and I had a great experience!! The teachers were helpful and patient, very COVID-safe, and our project was fun and messy to make!! We are exciting to come back soon!
— Jessica Spencer, Posted April 24th 2021 on google

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