a unique art studio
Art classes & creative community in the heart of Wicker Park.
Come art with us!
About LMN Wedge
background: origins
Laura Mae Noble has been building on her way of creative living since her origins in Vermont's strange and beautiful Northeast Kingdom. Her "she shed", Studio LMN, has always been key to the idea of being artistic (and indeed, human) in this world. "A Room of One's Own" is essential: whether a truly separate space like a studio, a "space" inside a personal journal, or simply the area of safety and peace within one's own mind. In short, a good She Shed. In this iteration of her studio, she's been called to show and promote the work of fellow artists, as Wedge Gallery. This is not a "white box"-style gallery or class space, but a lived-in, eclectic habitat that is neither objective nor neutral; it is deeply subjective, organic, woman-owned, and hopefully, inviting and nurturing to others. LMN moved from her former flatiron space into Suite 206 in 2024. The names: "LMN" refers to her initials, Laura Mae Noble; you can pronounce it "lemon". "Wedge" is an homage to the Flatiron Building's shape, and combined with LMN ("lemon"), it seemed a natural fit. The space and building itself have fabled histories too rich to go into here, but we hope to explore those stories properly in the future.
foreground: intentions
At LMN Wedge Studio and Gallery, we showcase art in a unique platform where diverse artists share their perspectives and art lovers can discover new and exciting pieces.
Our classes and events are offered in the spirit of discovery, community, and play. Whether learning to draw, building an upcycled terrarium, or attending a musical event, guests of all ages and experience levels can grow in confidence and curiosity at whatever they choose to explore. We hope to offer a sense of joy, hope, and humanity, in our own peculiar way, that encourages people to relax and let their good inner selves out to play and connect with others. The world needs us to come together, get creative, be authentic (not just productive), and make things for ourselves and eachother that take us beyond the toxic economies of scarcity and consumerism. We have it in us to cultivate these qualities, and indeed, the world needs us to do this work- this work that is actually PLAY. Art, or rather that innate seed of art within each of us, if nurtured and unleashed, and done with regard for our interdependence with all humans, elements, and other beings- can actually save the world.
LMN Wedge welcomes YOU!
Humans of LMN Wedge
Founder, Lead Teacher, Ongoing Beginner's Mind Representative
Alyssa Gonzalez, Teacher and Session Leader, Exemplier of the Show-Don't Tell Approach
Alyssa Gonzalez, Teacher and Session Leader, Exemplier of the Show-Don't Tell Approach
Laura Mae Noble, the eponymous LMN, grew up in the far northeastern hinterlands of Vermont, which is a state in the far northeastern hinterlands of the US, which does not permit billboards (look that up, it's awesome and real). She was born on land that had been a Christmas tree farm, in a cabin that is now a small pond, next to a river t
Laura Mae Noble, the eponymous LMN, grew up in the far northeastern hinterlands of Vermont, which is a state in the far northeastern hinterlands of the US, which does not permit billboards (look that up, it's awesome and real). She was born on land that had been a Christmas tree farm, in a cabin that is now a small pond, next to a river that occasionally overflowed, sometimes sweeping away her family's farm animals in the process. She remembers the soft pine needles under her feet, and the way the nearby brook twinkled in the sunlight as it flowed beneath overhanging forget-me-nots and grass. She has a deep affinity for animals, plants, and life in general, and has been known to call herself a "biophilic artist". She also has an affinity for run-on sentences, and verbosity*.
She attended RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) and earned her undergraduate degree in Illustration in 2003. She was on faculty teaching undergraduate courses at SAIC (another fancy four-initial art school here in Chicago) from about fall 2012 til spring 2026, when the school laid off a big batch of folks due to low enrollment (thanks, current socio-economical-political climate).
Other collaborations and affiliations include: RISD, Evanston Art Center, Near North Montessori School, Soho House Chicago, West Elm, Chicago Shambhala Center, Dabble, and others.
Organizations are all well and good. However, regular humans, individually and in smallish groups, are really her jam. This knowing gives her hope, and she has a feeling that any goodness we have as humans must be cultivated at that level, with the humility and joy that knowing our interconnectedness brings. In short, she's a weirdo, and wants you to be your own version of weird, in service of your own health, well-being, and that of the rest of life. Ok. Let's play!
* but not for the sake of SEO ;-)
Alyssa Gonzalez, Teacher and Session Leader, Exemplier of the Show-Don't Tell Approach
Alyssa Gonzalez, Teacher and Session Leader, Exemplier of the Show-Don't Tell Approach
Alyssa Gonzalez, Teacher and Session Leader, Exemplier of the Show-Don't Tell Approach
Alyssa doesn't like to talk about herself*.
Alyssa is amazing at drawing; she's classically-trained, and leads others in the study and practice of observational drawing in a way that supports their creative voice, while instilling solid skills. She currently leads our open figure drawing sessions each Wednesday at LMN Wedge, and starting
Alyssa doesn't like to talk about herself*.
Alyssa is amazing at drawing; she's classically-trained, and leads others in the study and practice of observational drawing in a way that supports their creative voice, while instilling solid skills. She currently leads our open figure drawing sessions each Wednesday at LMN Wedge, and starting in February 2026, is teaching a multi-part figure drawing course. As Ferris Bueller would say: "If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up." (or contact us if finances are tight- we are open to do work exchange and bartering!)
Alyssa is rad. That's the point. You'll enjoy drawing with her. She also likes cookies, keychains, and J-Pop.
*In fact, she doesn't say much, in general. She's a bit like one of those inscrutable sages, or wizened cowboys, sitting on a rock somewhere, observing things. Sure, she'll talk, but you mostly have to learn to be as still as she is, and oftentimes ask her to share her thoughts.
"Speak only if it improves upon the silence" is a famous maxim often attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, emphasizing thoughtful, necessary, and purposeful communication over idle chatter. It encourages mindfulness, suggesting that if words do not add value, wisdom, or beauty to the current moment, silence is superior. Laura appreciates that Alyssa seems to embody this wise maxim, though she herself still has much to learn in the ways of verbal restraint.
Get in here. If you're an avid learner, Alyssa has much to teach you!