A young woman with blonde hair and a black shirt, wearing denim overalls, smiling in an art studio. There are colorful paintings on the wall behind her and a small table with art supplies in the background.

Meet the Founder

Lindsey Kircher is a Chicago-based artist and arts educator with a passion for making art approachable, engaging, and fun. She holds an MFA in Drawing and Painting from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a BFA from Penn State University. Her artwork has been exhibited in Chicago, New York City, London, China, and Italy.

Lindsey has been teaching art since 2018, working with children, teens, and adults in schools, museums, and arts institutions. Her teaching experience includes:

  • Near North Montessori School, where she currently teaches visual art to students ages 5–14.

  • The Art Institute of Chicago and The Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., where she designed and led art experiences and tours for children and adults.

  • The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she has taught high school and undergraduate students since 2023.

Throughout these experiences, Lindsey has helped learners of diverse ages, abilities, and backgrounds to connect meaningfully with art and embrace their creative potential. She was inspired to create Star Petal Studios to share her love of art with people across Chicago through accessible, joyful, and thoughtfully designed art-making experiences. 

Why Star Petal?

A group of women sitting at decorated tables in a dimly lit room with pink and purple lighting, celebrating an event.

The story behind the name:

As an artist and arts educator, Lindsey loves introducing people to artists whose work invites curiosity, wonder, and a new way of seeing the world. When naming her Chicago-based creative studio, she was inspired by two artists she especially enjoys teaching: Georgia O’Keeffe and Alma Thomas.

Both artists found beauty in the world around them - from flowers and gardens to the vastness of the sky and cosmos. Their work reflects a shared sense of wonder: an appreciation for both the extraordinary and the everyday.

“Star Petal” reflects this spirit. The name brings together the celestial and the natural in the vastness of a star and the simple beauty of a petal. It represents Lindsey’s hope that Star Petal Studios can inspire others to slow down, look closely, find beauty in unexpected places, and discover the joy of creating something of their own.

Art Made Accessible 

With experience teaching children and adults of all skill-levels, Lindsey knows how to make creative projects feel approachable - even for people who haven’t picked up a paintbrush since childhood. She creates class experiences that encourage participants to develop their artistic skills and enjoy the process rather than focus on making something “perfect.”

Through step-by-step guidance and personalized feedback, Star Petal Studios helps beginners build confidence as they try something new while giving more experienced artists the freedom to explore and grow their skills.

Two women sitting at a table holding painted holiday ornaments, with art supplies and partially painted ornaments on the table.

The Star Petal Experience

People participating in a painting class with a cityscape sunset theme, sitting at tables with canvases, paintings of the city skyline with sunset, and a decorated table with trees and artwork.

‍What makes our experiences different?

Thoughtfully designed
 Every experience begins with a unique project idea and can be customized to your group.

Beginner-friendly
 No previous art experience necessary.

Beautifully prepared
 You show up. Start Petal Studios brings the materials, instruction, setup, and cleanup.

Made for connection
 The goal isn't a perfect painting - it's giving people something fun and creative to do together.

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