By Corey O’Day

One Strange Bird
2124 W. Division St.
www.OneStrangeBird.com

Equal parts store and studio, One Strange Bird has been offering unique and locally crafted accessories, home goods, paper goods and various art classes to the Wicker Park neighborhood since owner Nicole Northway took a leap in 2011.

They have grown into two studios and host myriad classes and camps for kids and grownups alike. One-time classes include BYOB paint night, knitting, printed scarf making, terrarium building and many others. Four-week classes are also available if you are ready for a more in-depth education. The studios can be reserved for private parties, or they’ll bring the art to you.

Jess began as a customer and student at One Strange Bird and loved it so much that she now teaches classes and works in the shop on her days off from CPS.

“Whenever I’m here, I think, ‘I can’t believe this is my job!’” she says.

Their “day-off camps” for ages 4-11 have fun, creative themes like Hogwarts Art Academy, Art & Science, Wearable Art and more. For a full list of classes and examples of the amazing artwork you can create, scope out their website.

One thing is clear above all else — this place oozes passion. Passion for creativity, for kids, for bringing people together and making the world more beautiful.