One of the most common New Year’s resolutions Americans make is to learn a new skill or hobby, according to Pew Research Center. If you’re still trying to nail down your new side quest, why not try a local art class?
We’ve rounded up 12 art centers, studios and classes where you can learn to paint, draw, weave, throw pottery and much more.
Art for all ages
Arts for Lawrence
📍 8920 Otis Ave.
💵 $15-$165
Arts for Lawrence offers hands-on art classes for virtually any medium you may be interested in, and many are beginner- or kid-friendly. Whether you’re looking for a painting workshop for yourself, a stenciled tote-bag session for your best friend or a “cookies and canvas” class for a kid in your life, you’ll find it here.
Create Art Studio
📍 6511 Ferguson St.
💵 $55-$600
“Creatives” classes at Create Art Studio offer adults ages 18+ the chance to choose from a rotating selection of crafts each month. Some of January’s offerings include weaving, collage-making, boho bandana bracelets and linocut printmaking.
Snacks and refreshments are often included, with alcohol available for crafters over 21 to purchase. If you’ve got a little artist on your hands, the studio also offers sessions for kids.
Garfield Park Arts Center
📍 2432 Conservatory Drive
💵 Free to $35
Managed by Indy Parks & Recreation, Garfield Park Arts Center teaches classes in painting and ceramics as well as musical pursuits like piano and singing. Keep an eye out for free sessions where you can unleash your creativity in a less structured setting, such as open collage night.
The Indianapolis Public Library
📍 Your local library branch
💵 Free
Want to try something new without spending a dime? Browse the Indianapolis Public Library’s events calendar to find classes in everything from 3D printing to kids’ watercolor crafts. There are also drop-in and social groups that meet regularly, like the Floss ‘n’ Goss Fiber Arts Club, Yarnslingers and Crafternoon, which welcome crafters of all types and experience levels to exchange tips and form new friendships while working on their own projects.
Indy Art Center
📍 820 E. 67th St.
💵 $30 for drop-in sessions; up to $1,044 for 15-week classes
Indy Art Center has been teaching Hoosiers new artistic skills since 1934, and its lineup of classes only continues to grow. There are programs for all age levels in everything from drawing and painting to jewelry, woodworking and more. Classes start as early as Jan. 17, and tuition assistance is available.
Lifelong Learning Collaborative Courses
📍 4600 Sunset Ave.
💵 $30
Lifelong Learning Collaborative Courses from Butler University support “the natural human motivation to learn, engage, and grow — at any age.” Check back at the beginning of each semester for new courses or one-time classes (like drawing sessions) which are always free from grades, tests and prerequisites.
Get down with glass
Groovy Greenhouse Studio
📍 2131 E. Michigan St., Unit A
💵 $125-$185
Learn how to create stained glass or fused glass masterpieces at Groovy Greenhouse Studio. Once you complete at least one beginner-level class, you can sign up for open studio dates or a monthly membership, both of which allow you to drop in and work alongside other artists using provided tools and supplies.
Glass Arts Indiana
📍 1125 Brookside Ave., Suite C25
💵 $64-$103
If you need a last-minute gift or want to have a fun date night, check out Glass Arts Indiana. It offers workshops nearly every day, with unique glass projects ranging from glass flowers to catch-all trays to chessboards. The studio also has private lessons and couples classes.
Join the clay craze
Alley Cat Ceramics
📍 2209 E. Michigan St.
💵 $30-$480
If you’re unsure about how much time you want to devote to learning the craft of pottery, Alley Cat Ceramics is an excellent choice. It offers beginner-level one-time classes, plus two-week, six-week and eight-week courses — so you can adjust your commitment over time if you find you want to stick with your new hobby. Products you’ll be working on range from vessels to sculptures to platters.
Yellow Door Ceramics Studio
📍 4201 Millersville Road, #103
💵 $50-$340
Yellow Door Ceramics Studio in the Milky Way Complex offers one-night classes, eight-week courses and monthly memberships. If you want an intimate pottery experience with loved ones — no, not the “Ghost” kind — you can rent the entire studio for a private event.
Fountain Square Clay Center
📍 950 Hosbrook St.
💵 $50-$340
Standout offerings from Fountain Square Clay Center include private one-on-one instruction and children’s classes. One-night classes and eight-week courses are also available, as well as workshops in which you’ll be guided through the creation of specific crafts, such as ornaments or lanterns.
Mass Ave Mudroom
📍 1125 E. Brookside Ave., Suite C27
💵 $50-$335
If you’re interested in handbuilding ceramics instead of using a wheel, try Mass Ave Mudroom’s eight-week course that combines methods to create a fruit bowl, planter bookends and a tulip vase. The studio also offers wheel-throwing courses and memberships with 24/7 access to the facility.
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Shea Stapley is a Mirror Indy freelance contributor. You can reach her at sheajuliestapley@gmail.com.
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