Local Teacher Makes 'Happy Painters' For Four Decades

The rush is on when registration opens for artist Enid Silverman's class at the Buffalo Grove Park District. The Northbrook resident's adult drawing and painting class fills to capacity quickly.

"I would recommend this class--if you can get it," joked Phyllis Shabsin, who has been taking the class for four years. "Enid provides an atmosphere of positiveness and gives you actual information on how to do things."

Silverman, 79, began painting more than 40 years ago as a hobby. "I never thought I'd do it as a profession; I was going to be a high school English teacher," she said.

She was taking art classes at the Chicago Academy of Fine Art when someone took notice, encouraging her to exhibit her work. Soon, people were buying her artwork, giving her commissions and inviting her to prestigious art fairs and gallery shows.

One of her bigger challenges was designing 38 stained glass windows over the course of her career, which still hang in five Chicago-area synagogues, including Lincolnwood Jewish Congregation and Beth Tikvah in Hoffman Estates. Silverman also is the host of Artist to Artist, a television show that airs on Tuesdays at 7:30pm on Comcast local access channels 19 and 35. Now in its 20th year, the show allows her to interview hundreds of famous and local artists.

While she has enjoyed a career as a professional artist, her true love is teaching. She said she has taught thousands of students over nearly four decades how to paint.

"It's very rewarding sharing my knowledge," she said. "I learn from the students too, but seeing them create the magic--when they hit a beautiful highlight or get a marvelous lighting effect--I find it just as exciting as when I paint it myself."

Silverman teaches seven classes a week at the Buffalo Grove and Wheeling park districts. Her students come from all walks of life, and many have never picked up a paint brush.

Hairstylists Claudia Russo and her husband began taking the class two years ago as something to do on their days off.

"I come three times a week. I'm addicted to this class," Russo said. "I didn't know I could paint, but Silverman works with you and makes you feel confident, which is really good, and I've learned a lot."

Russo came to the class with no experience and has since sold four paintings.

Another student, Wendy Sabbath, a psychologist by day, said she decided to take a risk and sign up for the class. "Enid's so incredibly encouraging. She has a method that is non-fail for everybody," she said.

The Indian Trails Public Library recently exhibited the works of student David Ostrum. "Enid is a great teacher and she inspires us," Ostrum said. "To me, it's important to be in the same room with other people to share our problems and successes."

Silverman said her students join the class at all levels, from the beginner to the experienced. The students choose their own subject matter, and Silverman works one-on-one with all participants, teaching them how to develop and improve their drawing and painting skills.

"I find out what they want to get out of the class and I try to bring each student up to be the best painter they can be," Silverman said.

"She really makes you believe you can do it and you're amazed by the results," Sabbath said.

While Silverman offers no guarantees she can turn everyone into an artist, she said she knows she can make "happy painters." When asked if she has any plans on retiring, Silverman is proud to note she'll turn 80 in March.

"I'm very lucky to have spent a lifetime doing what I love," she said. "I hope I'll do it forever."

As for all the students in Silverman's classes, they, too, hope she will be teaching for a long time to come.

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