Beginning Wheel
Photo courtesy of Still Life Ceramics Studio
Photo courtesy of Still Life Ceramics Studio

The Best Art Classes in Los Angeles

Calling all creatives—hone your skills or acquire some new ones at one of the best art classes the City of Angels has to offer

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Get ready to unleash your inner Picasso and dive into the best art, drawing, and painting classes that L.A. has to offer. There’s a class suited for every artist's palette, from dynamic acrylic workshops to mesmerizing watercolor sessions. Whether you're a beginner looking to master the basics or a seasoned pro eager to refine your skills, these classes provide the perfect canvas for your artistic journey. Explore the kaleidoscope of mediums, techniques, and styles you can use, guided by expert instructors who are passionate about nurturing your creativity and helping you reach your artistic goals. The possibilities are endless—so grab your brushes, roll up your sleeves, and paint the town red, blue, and every color of the rainbow.

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Best drawing classes in Los Angeles

Life Drawing - Instructed

You’ll unlock the secrets of depicting the human form when you practice life drawing. This class explores classical techniques for capturing form, shadow, and anatomical articulation, and it will ignite your creativity and leave you inspired. Sessions feature various poses, including short bursts and longer durations, so you'll have ample opportunities to hone your skills and practice the nuances of figure drawing. A professional artist will guide you as you explore the intricate details of the human body. Watch your drawings come to life with each stroke of your pencil when you learn to draw from life.

Weekly Oil Painting/Drawing

Oil painting might seem unforgiving if you are a beginner, but this in-depth class will show you the secrets professional artists use to create lifelike, beautiful paintings. If you're a beginner just dipping your brush into the colorful canvas of art, classes provide a nurturing environment for unleashing your inner artist. For advanced creators seeking to elevate their work, you’ll appreciate the one-on-one support of an experienced teacher. You’ll explore choices of mediums and subjects, learn about renowned artists and their masterpieces, and assess your current skills and where you want to grow. This project-based class is a sanctuary of creativity where each stroke brings you closer to creating portfolio-worthy pieces or gallery-worthy artwork.

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Westside Drink & Draw

Much like a paint and sip class, in this fun event, you’ll learn to draw from life while you enjoy your favorite beverage. The class features live models and fantastic costumes for you to draw as you listen to groovy tunes. The models’ poses last for varying lengths of time, including a mix of five-, ten-, and 25-minute poses, so artists can practice both quick sketches and more in-depth studies. Don't forget to bring your art supplies for a night of fun and inspiration.

Best painting classes in Los Angeles

Any watercolor painting class in Los Angeles

These watercolor classes will help you refine your painting skills and develop your unique artistic style. Watercolor is a highly versatile medium that can be used for styles ranging from detailed illustrations to impressionist scenes. You’ll learn to bring your artistic visions to life with color and imagination. Classes explore the basics of watercolor, including how to use washes, color mixing, textures, patterns, and brush techniques, and you’ll use glazing and wet-on-wet techniques to bring depth and beauty to your paintings. You’ll have a chance to explore painting various subjects with help from expert instructors, who will guide you through each step and provide personalized feedback to help you improve your skills and develop your style.

Any Paint and Sip class in Los Angeles

Paint and sip classes are a fun and social art experience where anyone can create a beautiful painting. Your artist host will guide you through step-by-step techniques to create a painting you’ll be proud to display. All materials are provided so it's a hassle-free journey into the world of art, where you can focus on unleashing your creativity and having a blast. Paint and Sip is the perfect blend of fun and creativity where you can unleash your inner artist while you’re sipping on your favorite beverage.

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Painting with Acrylics 301

In this advanced acrylic painting class, you’ll discover the secrets of the 20th-century masters as you craft your own artworks using acrylic paint. You’ll have the chance to explore a myriad of styles, from the bold strokes of impressionism to the sleek lines of contemporary realism and the playful energy of abstract art. With acrylics, you can brighten your artwork in no time—this versatile medium offers the richness of oils with the convenience of faster drying times and less hassle. This art experience covers essential techniques like color mixing and canvas preparation, and you’ll practice painting with bold colors and quick-drying layers. Acrylics are ideal for artists who want to express themselves with bright hues and dynamic textures.

Weekly Oil Painting

From basic brushstrokes to advanced blending, this class will teach you the secrets that will transform your paintings into visual poetry. The class offers personalized guidance, so you don’t need to have any prior experience to dive into this immersive painting experience, but if you’re an advanced artist, you’ll learn techniques to elevate your work and push your boundaries. You’ll start by exploring the power of line, shading, and composition in drawing, and you’ll learn how you can use basic artists’ materials in a variety of ways to get different and exciting results. Then, you’ll dive into using colors, textures, and brushstrokes with oil paints. Learn to work with color and temperature, and practice using a limited palette to create light and space. You’ll have ample time for practice, and by the end of the class, you’ll push toward a new concept of abstraction that imparts an emotional impression and mood to your painting.

Best clay & sculpting classes in Los Angeles

Sculpture 101

Learning to sculpt in clay is a thrilling, hands-on journey of artistic expression. This clay sculpting class covers all the fundamental techniques of working with clay, like slipping, scoring, coil building, and slab building. There are no limits to where your creativity can go in this workshop, where you’ll have a rich cornucopia of materials and glazes to choose from. It’s the perfect experience for beginners as you don’t need to have any prior experience working with clay. Your instructors will demonstrate and guide you through each step, from slipping and scoring to coil building and slab building.

Ceramics Workshop: Clay Date

Playing with clay in a supportive environment under the open sky creates a special evening that’s out of the ordinary. This workshop is a great opportunity to explore ceramics in a low-pressure, fun environment. You’ll learn both hand-building and wheel-throwing, so you’ll have the skills to create whatever you can imagine, whether that’s a functional bowl or a unique sculpture. All the supplies you need are provided, and your ceramics host will walk you through each step of the process. You’ll complete up to three finished pieces, which will be glazed and ready to pick up in three to six weeks.

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Beginning Wheel

If you’d like a class where you’ll have time to truly master the potter’s wheel, this beginning wheel workshop is a great option. With four sessions of class time and unlimited open studio access, you’ll have time for plenty of hands-on practice. You’ll learn the entire process of making functional pottery from start to finish. Throwing pottery on the wheel is relaxing and soothing, and it’s a wonderful creative outlet and stress reliever. This class is geared toward absolute beginners, but it’s also a good option for anyone with a bit of experience who’d like to get some extra practice.

Pottery Class at Sooki Studio

Sooki Studio is a cozy pottery space nestled along the LA River bike path. Here, you’ll find a place to get away from the stresses of the city and experience an avenue for your creativity. Their ceramics workshops are specially designed to promote mental wellness and community connection, and you’ll be inspired by passionate professional artists who will lead you through the techniques and materials for making beautiful ceramics. You’ll learn to really focus and experience the tactile qualities of clay and let it speak to you as you shape and mold sculptural pieces. You can choose from beginner to advanced classes that explore ceramic sculpting with hand building techniques like coils, slabs, and molds.

Best photography classes in Los Angeles

All Day Private Digital Photography

Elevate your photography game by taking a personalized private session designed just for you. You’ll dive into a full day of immersive learning with expert instructors, from mastering your camera settings to perfecting post-capture editing techniques. You’ll be able to capture stunning images in any category you choose. This class uses a tutorial style of learning, where your instructor is focused on your individual photography needs and goals. You can schedule your private session on your schedule at a time that works best for you. Whether you're passionate about landscapes, portraits, architecture, or any other photography subject, this course has you covered. You’ll have a break midway through this full-day class and enjoy a delicious meal to keep you fueled and focused.

Master Your Digital Camera Controls

Take your photography skills to the next level when you fully understand your camera settings. This course is perfect for beginners and anyone looking to enhance their photography. When you take your camera off the automatic mode, you’ll dive deep into your camera's functions and learn to make simple yet impactful changes to your photos. Whether you're a proud owner of a DSLR or a point-and-shoot, this workshop is tailored to enhance your skills. Join this class if you've recently purchased a new camera, want to unleash your creativity, or simply seek to master the basics before delving into advanced techniques.

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Basic Photography

If your photos seem to fall short of what you saw when you snapped the button, all you need to make your images sing is a good grasp of the basics. You’ll discover your DSLR or mirrorless camera's full potential in this basic photography course. Once you understand photography fundamentals, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to shoot in manual mode and produce stunning images every time. This workshop covers everything about your camera's controls, basic operation, and essential photography concepts. You’ll learn new composition tricks, and you’ll discover how to master light, the two most essential skills needed for creating breathtaking photographs. In addition, you’ll delve into the nitty-gritty of digital camera technology, including white balance adjustments, file formats, and memory card management, so you’ll be fully equipped to realize your vision.

Other exciting art classes in Los Angeles

Sewing 1 (Beginning)

Sewing is a life skill that will come in handy over and over. Next time you need a pair of pants hemmed or a button sewn back on, you’ll be able to do it yourself. This is an introductory class that will help you get comfortable with your sewing machine. You’re encouraged to bring your own machine so you can learn how to control and work with the tools you’ll use at home, starting with essentials like how to thread and un-thread it. By the end of the class, you’ll have sewn a stunning tote bag from start to finish, which you can take home with you.

Abstract Stained Glass Workshop

You may have admired the stained glass that adorned historic cathedrals or adorns Tiffany lamps or craftsman-style windows, but did you know that it’s not difficult to create your own stained glass art? This ancient form of decoration can incorporate a variety of shapes and colors to create a design all your own. In this beginner’s class, you’ll learn to use recycled glass pieces to compose an abstract glass panel. You’ll learn to score, cut, and sand the glass and then adhere the shapes together with copper foil and solder. There are various finishes you can choose from to personalize your unique stained glass piece.

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Basic Beading

Beading is a uniquely soothing and relaxing pastime, as you arrange beautifully colored beads into a harmonious piece of jewelry. In this introductory class, you’ll learn the art of creating stunning bracelets, necklaces, and earrings using a variety of beautiful beads. You’ll learn how to use jewelry tools, and you’ll unleash your creativity with the elegant craft of beading. Your helpful host is a jewelry expert, and they’ll walk you through each step of working with beads.

Beginners Floral Design – Open Studio

If you want to try your hand at creating beautiful flower arrangements or you love to bring nature into your home, this is the class for you. These beginner open studios are packed with helpful tips and tricks that will get you off to a great start. With your florist host, you’ll create a seasonal arrangement using design basics that ensure success. Some classes feature a unique aesthetic theme like Neon Lights, Dia de Muertos, or Back to School. This is a great way to get an introduction to the world of floral design.

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Your Pet in Stained Glass!

Now, you can transform your favorite pet into a beautiful portrait in stained glass. This fun beginner workshop introduces you to the basics of working with stained glass. You won’t have to worry about cutting glass, which can be the hardest part of this craft. You’ll just submit an image of your pet ahead of time, and the artist hosts will design and pre-cut glass for you. When you arrive for class, it will be ready to assemble using the copper foil method. This is an adorable one-of-a-kind custom portrait of your pet that is uniquely yours.

Beginning Copper Foil

Copper foil is the key to creating beautiful pieced stained glass that casts colorful light patterns across a room. In this workshop, you’ll learn all the essential techniques for creating stained glass art. Learn to cut and break glass into carefully designed shapes using the tools of the trade, such as glass cutters, pliers, and running pliers. Understanding why and how glass breaks is key to creating shapes with straight edges, inside and outside curves, and ovals. This is the perfect class for both beginners and those who want to improve their cutting skills. You’ll get to complete a starter project using the provided glass and copper foil.

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How to Make Your Own Bath Products

Making your own bath products is a craft that pays off twice; you’ll have the fun and satisfaction of this infinitely customizable hobby, and you’ll enjoy healthier skin and body products that are exactly the way you like them. Plus, it’s a great way to save money over store prices. This is a fun, hands-on class that shows you simple techniques for making household products like shampoo, shower gel, bubble bath, bath salt, exfoliate, and hand and kitchen soap. You’ll learn about the ingredients and equipment that you’ll need and where to obtain supplies, and you’ll get lots of tips about making luscious products you’ll love using. You can customize your products with herbs and extracts and include aromatic oils for therapeutic effects. Your skin will thank you when you use these chemical-free natural and herbal products.

Date Night: Throwback Crafts (For Two People)

If you’re looking for something fun and unique to do with your favorite person, consider planning a craft night. Even the most un-crafty people will find these throwbacks to nostalgic favorites irresistible. You’ll work on colorful projects like splatter art, Perler beads, friendship bracelets, and shrinky dinks; only this time around, you can enjoy your favorite cocktail while you craft.

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Kintsugi Pottery

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery pieces with gold rather than trying to hide the damage, creating something that is more beautiful than its whole. This is seen as a metaphor for embracing your flaws and imperfections. This reflective class takes a slow and mindful approach to traditional art, and many people who practice kintsugi say it helps them feel more hopeful or have a fresh perspective. Save your broken ceramics and bring them to class to see them transformed into beautiful art.

Any class at Little Green Art Studio

Little Green Art Studio is a creative hub in the community where you can celebrate the joy of making things. Having a creative outlet is good for your mental, physical, and emotional well-being, but maybe it’s hard to fit it into your day, or you don’t have the right materials to get started. Perhaps you feel intimidated about signing up for an art class since you don’t consider yourself an artist. This is the perfect place to let go of your mental blocks and gain confidence in a supportive community. You can choose from a variety of fun class options, from sewing a pair of pants or a bikini to creating stained glass or painting in watercolor. Their popular CAMP sessions are casual evenings where you can create and connect with others. The studio will be set up with a few different crafts, from watercolor to drawing to friendship bracelets, so you can simply choose your activity and get busy.

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Glass Mosaic Tiles: Happy Hour

Relax and enjoy a cocktail while you create a pair of beautiful mosaic coasters using mini glass tiles. This fun crafts and cocktails experience is a drop-in event, so all materials are prepared for you to stop by and craft at your own pace. It takes about 60 minutes to complete this project, and other crafters will come and go as you work, making this an easy way to get your creative fix while being spontaneous. When you leave, you’ll have a set of two beautiful coasters that you created yourself, ready to protect your table from hot and cold drinks in style.

Snack, Sip, & Pour Candle Experience

If you can’t decide between an evening happy hour or a relaxed crafting workshop, this class has it all. You’ll savor delicious snacks and sip on fine wine as you let the stresses of your day melt away. All materials will be provided for you to create your own poured candle, including fragrances of your choice. This is a fun way to spend time with friends or a unique date night you’ll remember every time you cuddle by candlelight.

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Floral design workshops at The Boy Who Cried Flowers

Unique and beautiful flower arrangements make any occasion special. These workshops show you how to bring nature’s beauty to life with carefully crafted designs. Expert floral designers show you the techniques and design principles they use to create stunning floral art. You can choose from workshops that focus on an array of designs like centerpieces, botanical sculptures, or potted orchids. All classes use fresh, seasonal flowers that bring the fragrance and beauty of nature into your life.

A soap making class

Handmade soap is a soothing luxury that is as healthy for your skin as it is for the environment. When you learn to make your own soaps, you can enjoy this delightful boutique experience every day. Classes provide all the materials and tools you need, so you can just enjoy the soap making journey with help from an expert host. Choose from colors, fragrances, and organic ingredients that personalize your bars. You can create unique shapes using molds or cut your soap into rustic, chic bars. Making your own soap costs a fraction of the price of retail shops, and it’s a fun, creative outlet. You might even start your own cottage business as a soapmaker.

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Sewing Made Easy

You’ll discover the joy of sewing your own crafts and apparel from scratch in this introductory class. You’ll start by learning to set up the provided sewing machine and how it works. Learn how to run the thread through the machine, prepare your bobbin, and adjust the settings on the machine to stitch forward, backward, and in basic stitches. Then, you’ll learn how to measure fabric, cut it for your project, and mark and pin it so it’s ready to sew. You’ll complete your own pillow by the end of the class, and you can take it home with you. This is the perfect class if you’ve never sewn before or you just want to brush up on your basic skills.

Beginning Crochet

This is a class for beginners, but over the course of this four-part class, you’ll become a competent crochetist who's ready to tackle intermediate-level projects. The class covers the essential techniques you’ll use to create basic crochet projects, including chaining, forming basic stitches, increasing and decreasing, and working back and forth in the round. You’ll learn how to read labels on yarn to select the right fibers for your intended use and how to read and follow patterns for reliable results every time. Your crochet instructor will guide you step-by-step through creating three projects, including a scarf, a hat, and a shawl. With these skills, you’ll be able to easily create stunning apparel and motifs.

Most popular art classes for groups and team building

A private group pottery class

Crafting pottery together is a fun and relaxing way to spend time with a group. As you focus on working with your hands, it’s easy to let conversations flow naturally. Sharing a creative experience is a great way to create memories together and build stronger bonds. Whether you’re gathering with a group of friends, a family reunion, or your team from work, a private group pottery class will be an event you’ll remember. Plus, you’ll take home a beautiful work of art like a mug, bowl, or sculpture that you can enjoy every day.

A private group painting class

Group painting classes not only provide a fun way to develop your artistic skills, but they also relieve stress and build social connections. Painting classes are very social; you can all learn as a group and share your ideas and experiences. Painting classes can also broaden your point of view; as your art teacher introduces you to painting techniques, you’ll begin to see common objects or scenes differently. Many people feel insecure about their ability to create art, but learning to paint alongside others is a very satisfying experience.

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A BYOB painting class

Here’s a way to make everyone in your group happy, whether they want to chill at a happy hour or dive into a hands-on, creative project. A BYOB painting class is a guided painting experience where you can sip and chat while you work. You’ll be able to choose from a library of beautiful images to paint or provide your own for a truly unique experience. These group classes offer a supportive environment where you can explore your artistic abilities and improve your fine motor skills. Plus, your group will let their guard down and connect with each other on a more personal level.

A candle making class

Candle making is a fun and simple process that yields impressive results. In these group candle making classes, you’ll learn a variety of methods for creating beautiful and unique candles. You can choose from different molds, pouring methods, colors, and fragrances to personalize your candle or use a pouring method to create a trending style in a tin basin or ceramic pot called a container candle. You can incorporate a celebration of the seasons into your candle, whether you’re using fragrant flowers for a summertime project or incorporating the colors and scents of the winter holidays. Candle making is a great group event because you can all work together and help each other out. You can

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A crafts class

Crafts classes focus on creating beautiful objects that also function, such as ceramic bowls, floral designs, handmade soaps or candles, or fiber projects like knitting and crocheting. A crafts class helps you relax and focus on the present moment while you work on a hands-on design, so your group will soon be relaxed, and conversations will flow easily. There are a wide variety of crafts to choose from, so there’s sure to be a class that your group will love. Whether you’d like to craft delicate jewelry, construct a wooden cutting board, or fuse beautiful stained glass, you’ll create not just memorable experiences but a beautiful and creative item that you’ll treasure.

Why Enroll in an Art Class in Los Angeles?

Enrolling in an art class in Los Angeles isn't just about picking up a new hobby – it’s a way to unleash your inner artist and unlock your creative potential. Plus, making art has benefits that go even further. Creativity is good for your brain and important for remaining healthy. It helps you make connections between unrelated things and imagine new ways to communicate. Making art also engages the reward pathway in the brain, so it lifts your mood and lowers stress. Creating art takes you into a state of “flow,” where you are present only in the moment and lose a sense of time or worries.

Whether you're a seasoned painter or a complete novice, art classes in Los Angeles help you explore your artistic side and learn new skills and techniques. From mastering the brushstrokes of a masterpiece, crafting the perfect pot in a pottery class, or learning floral arranging, each class is a unique opportunity to express yourself and dive into the colorful world of visual arts. With expert instructors guiding you every step of the way, you'll receive personalized feedback to help you grow as an artist. An art, drawing, painting, or photography class will help your skills and creativity soar.

Art classes are also a fantastic way to meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for art and build a supportive artistic community. Imagine spending your weekends surrounded by fellow art enthusiasts, exchanging tips and tricks, and cheering for each other’s creative journey. Los Angeles offers a vibrant creative community with world-class museums and galleries, cutting-edge architecture and interior design, and award-winning studios producing movies, television shows, video games, and animation. With so many creative resources and leading artists, the City of Angels is an excellent place to be a student of art. You can take these classes on your own or enroll in a group art class. Whether you’re planning a birthday celebration, a family reunion, or a corporate Los Angeles team building activity, a group art class promises an unforgettable experience. Group art and craft classes are a hands-on experience that gets everyone involved and can even be enjoyed as a group holiday party.

Choosing the Right Art Class for You
When you’re looking for the right art class for you, it's all about finding the perfect fit that sparks your creativity and fits your lifestyle. First, consider the medium that ignites your passion – whether it's acrylics, watercolors, or digital art; selecting the right medium sets the tone for your artistic adventure. Check out the class size – do you thrive in a bustling studio full of fellow creatives, or do you prefer a more intimate setting where you can receive personalized attention? Consider whether you prefer the convenience of virtual classes or the hands-on experience of in-person sessions. Virtual classes offer flexibility and accessibility, while in-person classes provide a sense of camaraderie and tangible feedback from instructors.

Skill level is another crucial factor to consider – whether you're a beginner looking to dip your toes into the world of art or a seasoned artist seeking to refine your techniques, there's a class out there tailored just for you. Whatever your preferences may be, choosing the right art class is an exciting opportunity to explore your creativity, connect with fellow artists, and embark on a journey of self-expression and growth.

 

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Unique Art class options in Los Angeles

Georgia O'Keeffe Workshop
Georgia O’Keeffe is famous for her dreamy paintings of flowers, and in this class, you’ll learn to create your own masterpiece in her style. You’ll learn about the history of the artist, including her life in New Mexico surrounded by nature, and you’ll understand her process and inspiration. Then, you’ll warm up with sketching exercises to get your creative juices flowing. For the final period of the class, you’ll get out your oil paints to create a gorgeous abstract painting inspired by a bouquet of fresh flowers. You’ll be proud to display this work of art in your own home.

Spinning Painting Experience
It’s not often you can let go of your inhibitions and just let the paint fly. In a spinning experience, that’s exactly what you get to do. This is your chance to get messy and wild with paint and create an amazing piece of art for your wall. Using the unpredictable method of hand-spinning paint, your inner artist will come alive, and your imagination will soar. Take a spin into the fascinating realm of abstract painting, where paint is dripped, splashed, and spun onto the canvas to create mesmerizing artwork. The spinning experience comes with access to the exclusive Art Room at no extra cost, a unique space for unbridled art where you can even draw on the walls. You can customize your experience by choosing between a canvas, art board, or tablet, along with a selection of vibrant paint colors. Spinning paint is an immersive experience that is the perfect technique for getting your emotional expression onto the canvas.

Digital Photography Live In-the-Field @ Santa Monica Pier
Head out on a photography adventure at the famed Santa Monica Pier. This wonderland of color and motion is a dynamic place to practice your photography. You can shoot carousel rides and game arcades, as well as passersby from every walk of life. And, of course, you won’t want to miss the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean. This photography workshop is timed so that you’ll have time to practice your skills with both daylight and dusk lighting, which each presents unique challenges. Your class will begin with a talk by your photographer host, and then you can stroll through the photogenic locations to practice shooting more strategically and getting more interesting photos.

Pottery Wheel Throwing: Bowl in One
Throwing pottery on the wheel is both challenging and meditative. It requires your full concentration and engages all of your senses so your outside worries melt away. In this class, you’ll learn to throw a simple bowl on the wheel. This quick class is a great way to try out pottery without committing to a full class, and you don’t need any prior experience to create something beautiful. You’ll discover how fun and rewarding working with clay can be. After your class, choose a color for your bowl and come back about three weeks later to pick up your glazed and fired work of art.

Coil Building Course
In a coil building course, you'll master the ancient art of shaping clay into forms and structures using hand-formed coils. This is the perfect method to use if you are aiming to craft larger abstract forms or create detailed works like miniature ceramic furniture. All the clay, glazes, and tools are provided so you can focus entirely on honing your skills and bringing your artistic visions to life. This class is your gateway to unleashing your creativity with clay.

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