If you'd like to find a new arts-related hobby, you can find courses throughout the metro Atlanta area to help you get started and continue to develop your skills.
Whether you're interested in making jewelry, learning to paint or creating your own glass-blown masterpiece, the following classes can help you get started and give you a unique creation or two to take home or give as a gift:
Credit: From atlantaartworx.com
Credit: From atlantaartworx.com
Jewelry/Metalworks
Atlanta ArtWorx
Artisan Resource Center, 585 Cobb Parkway South, Studio G-1, Marietta. 404-532-9679. https://atlantaartworx.com/.
The teaching studio of Dana Ruth Designs lets you make "wonderful shiny things" in a variety of different settings. An Introduction to Metalworking class will get you started and let you complete projects such as earrings, rings, pendants and bracelets. If you'd prefer more one-on-one instruction, you can schedule private lessons, which are usually offered in three-hour blocks. Date night workshops let you and your bae make a copper bangle bracelet and hand stamp a personal message. And if your relationship makes it to permanent status, you can even take a workshop to make sterling silver wedding bands.
Silk painting
Johns Creek Arts Center, 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road, Bldg. 700, Johns Creek. 770-623-8448. http://johnscreekarts.org/.
This silk painting class teaches you about the basics of color mixing and theory as well as design composition and silk painting techniques. You'll be working on two scarves, which can be worn when they're finished or displayed as wall hangings. Drawing skills aren't required since you can create a layout using templates such as flowers or shells if you'd prefer.
Drawing
Hudgens Center for Art & Learning, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Bldg. 300, Duluth. 770-623-6002. https://thehudgens.org/.
Drawing classes at the Hudgens Center are taught with the belief that anyone can develop good drawing skills. Beginners can learn to draw following the step-by-step building block format of the class, and students with more experience can improve their skills. An illustration class is also offered, and it focuses on observational drawing, figure drawing, composition and movement.
Credit: From decaturglassblowing.com
Credit: From decaturglassblowing.com
Glassblowing
Decatur Glassblowing, 250 Freeman St., Decatur. 404-849-0301. https://www.decaturglassblowing.com/.
Classes are designed for beginners, so if you have little or no glassblowing experience, you've found the right place. They're available for one, two or three participants, so you'll get plenty of individual instruction. Most people start by learning to make a sculpted glass flower or blown glass ornament, but you can also choose another item such as an egg, heart, pumpkin, bowl or paperweight. Classes are also offered for larger groups such as birthday parties or company events.
Painting
DawnArt Studios, 180 A 11th St. NE, Atlanta. https://dawnart.com/.
DawnArt's painting classes are relaxed and fun, with a variety of music playing in the background. Eight-week and four-week options are offered. You'll choose your own projects and media while receiving guidance, demonstration and motivation from the instructor. And if your schedule gets problematic, you can make up classes within a year.
Ceramics/pottery
Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, 980 Briarcliff Road NE, Atlanta, 404-872-5338. https://callanwolde.org/.
Ceramics and pottery courses at Callanwolde are offered for all skill levels, and you can choose from hand-building techniques or ones used on the potter's wheel.
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