Top Spots For Casual Art Classes In Philadelphia
If you're ever jealous of your children's art classes or there's an artistic skill you always wished you had time to pursue, now is the time to find a way to unleash your inner artist. The following establishments offer opportunities to expand on your talents with casual art classes, so you can live life and still follow your passions.
Price: $5 -$45 after membership
There is something for everyone at the Fleisher Art Memorial, from adult workshops to Saturday parent and child classes. In addition to a free after-school program for teens called Teen Lounge, your inner artist will thrive here. Subjects taught include all the traditional arts, as well as digital photography, Cambodian dance, silk-screening, printmaking and other unique classes. While membership is required, it includes admission to the Philadelphia Museum of Art for the duration of the membership and ranges from $15 for a child and $90 for an entire household. Fleisher also offers tuition-paid workshops and open studios for the more dedicated artist.
Price: $15+
Dedicated to ceramic arts, The Clay Studio has a multitude of classes and workshops to choose from for adults, children and families. While membership is not required, it does reduce class prices by $5 or more. The most casual class takes place on Saturdays and you can include the whole family for just $35 each ($30 for members). Design a hot chocolate mug or a finger puppet, and start your art career with a gift for a loved one – or yourself.
Price: $80+
With classes from beginner level up to the master class, you are sure to walk away from this experience with something in your hands--literally. While $550 may seem a steep price to pay for the beginner's course, after just seven evenings you will have created a bookcase worth close to the class price, in addition to opening up your creative pathways. Almost all of the classes include materials, and they teach skills like planecraft, chiseling and milling. Three-day project courses to create specific furniture are also available for 2012.
Hours: Wednesday: 12-8 p.m; Thursday – Saturday: 10:30-9 p.m.; Sunday: 12-5 p.m.
Price: $8-$60 per piece, $25 for kids night
For the most casual of atmospheres, consider going to The Expressive Hand. Along with discounts on special nights like Thirsty Thursday and Kids Night, prices are always all-inclusive. Pick out your pottery, then stamp, stencil and glaze to your heart's content. One-day workshops also offer the opportunity to learn a new skill, like fused glass from a visiting artist for $30 and up. An added bonus at The Expressive Hand? If you desire something more to do with your hands, American Sign Language classes are also available.
The Recording Experience: Free Recording Workshop
Guitar Center: Locations in Cherry Hill, Plymouth Meeting, Oxford Valley & Wilmington
(866) 498-7882
gc.guitarcenter.com
For those whose inner artist is sparked by musical endeavors but stilted by lack of knowledge, consider a recording class. While on brief hiatus for the holiday season, throughout summer and fall Guitar Centers across the nation have been offering free recording classes every Saturday. Each focuses on a different aspect of the process, and beginners to professionals are welcome. Keep an eye out for the updated schedule as we head into 2012 if you'd like to unleash your secret rock star at home instead of at the karaoke bar.
Looking for classes for the little artist in your life? Check out these art programs and schools in Philadelphia geared specifically towards children.
Need some more inspiration? Take a tour of some of the best art galleries in Philadelphia.
Lindsay Lewis is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
