About Siela Art Studio

Built by Asta Zimkus for Kids, Adults, and Families in Lemont

How Years of Teaching Shaped Siela

Asta Zimkus began with one belief: careful instruction should leave room for each person to find their own way of working.

Asta started Siela in 2016 after years of teaching and cultural work within the Lithuanian community. Her time at the Lithuanian Art Museum helped her see how art can build skill, preserve heritage, and bring people together.

What began with small groups grew into a permanent home in Lemont. Children, teen and adults now learn drawing, painting, clay, glass, and mixed media with close guidance and time to practice.

Lithuanian roots remain part of daily life here, and people from every background are invited to participate. That balance still shapes Asta’s work today.

Paintbrushes in handcrafted ceramic holders at SIELA Art Studio with one jar engraved ‘SIELA’

What Siela Means

“Siela” is the Lithuanian word for “soul.” The name reflects five values that guide how people learn, make choices, and express personal ideas here.

S – Spirituality
Finding deeper meaning through making.

I – Intuition
Learning to trust your ideas and choices.

E – Empathy
Working with care for yourself and others.

L – Luminosity
Bringing light and feeling into the work.

A – Authenticity
Making work that feels honest and personal.

These values support real instruction. Students study methods, work with varied materials, practice with care, and see progress over time.

Learning That Feels Personal and Lasts

Each student receives close guidance, time to practice, and room to develop personal ideas.

Lessons are never rushed or treated as one-time activities. Students learn methods, work with a variety of materials, and build confidence through drawing, painting, clay, glass, and mixed media.

Some arrive ready to try something new. Others return to improve skills or take on more detailed work. Teachers notice what each person needs and offer help without taking over.

This personal way of teaching helps children, teens, and adults build a lasting connection to making.

Quote by Vilius Orvydas in Lithuanian next to a handmade paintbrush holder and colorful flower painting at SIELA Art Studio

Years serving our community

Students and participants

Artists and teachers

Camps and Seasonal Events Held

What Siela Means

The name reflects Lithuanian roots and a way of teaching art with care, attention, and purpose.

‘Siela’ means ‘soul’ in Lithuanian. The name reflects the studio’s spirit: art should help people grow in skill, attention, and self-expression.

At Siela, that idea remains grounded in real-world classwork. Students do not come only to pass the time. They come to learn, make, and keep building.

S – Spirituality: Art with depth and purpose.
I – Intuition: Trusting ideas, choices, and personal expression.
E – Empathy: Making room for people, feelings, and shared creative experience.
L – Luminosity: Bringing light, beauty, and clarity into the work.
A – Authenticity: Growing in an honest and personal way.

These values shape the studio spirit while every class stays hands-on, guided, and focused on real progress.

Inside SIELA Art Studio – shelves filled with handmade sculptures, brushes, paints, and art projects in progress

Colorful ceramic glazes neatly arranged on wooden shelves at SIELA Art Studio

A space that draws people back

The room is arranged for steady work. Shelves hold finished pieces, brushes, glazes, drawing tools, and other supplies. Tables give each person room to work without feeling rushed.

The work on display shows that ideas take time. Children, teens, and adults can compare materials, ask questions, and work until a piece feels complete.

A familiar, cared-for setting makes it easier to return. People know where to begin and have time to keep going.