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Best Casual Art Classes In Detroit

Looking to unleash your inner artist? Metro Detroit has a lot to offer those who want to learn artistic skills ranging from jewelry-making and painting to pottery and ceramics. Check out these unique Motor City art classes.


Open Studio Hours: Mondays, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Price: $270 per 10 week session

Located in downtown Franklin, Fritz and Friends offer basic and advanced classes in metal-smithing and jewelry-making. Susan Hoge, a new instructor at Fritz and Friends, is a renowned jeweler whose work has been featured in Vogue Magazine and has even been worn by celebrities such as Janet Jackson. The deadline for winter session (January 9 - March 12) registration for new students has passed, but they also have summer session classes, as well as various workshops.

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(credit: Thinkstock)


Hours: Mon.-Sat.: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sun: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Price: Varies per class, Eee additional information

The Bead Gallery and its sister store, Adorn Me, are located in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, close to the University of Michigan campus. The gallery offers classes ranging from bead, to earrings, to glass, as well as private classes. For most classes, purchasing one's own material is required, which they have on-site at a 15 percent discount to those participating. Registration and pre-payment is required as well.

Related: Best Alternative Art Museums in Detroit


Hours: Class hours are varied; DIA hours are Wed-Thurs, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.-; Fri: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sat-Sun: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Mon-Tues: Closed
Price: Various per class; Ranges from $12-48 for current classes offered, See additional information

The DIA is a Detroit landmark, and now it offers art classes as well. DIA members get a discount on pricing, and some classes even include museum admission. Register online for classes at tickets.dia.org or by calling the box office. Previous classes have included "Weaving: Scarves of Many Colors" and the "Drawing for the Absolute Beginner" class begins February 4.

pottery_thinkstock
(credit: Thinkstock)


Hours: Mon-Sat: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun: Noon – 4 p.m.
Price: $210 per 8-week session

Pewabic is a great place to learn how to make pottery in Detroit. It even has a store in the event your creations come out less than perfect. Located 1.5 miles east of the Belle Isle Bridge in an English Tudor style building built in 1907, Pewabic offers both adult and youth classes for ceramics, as well as an annual staff and student exhibition in which to display its customers' work.

Related: Underground Music and Art in Detroit


Hours: Classes: Varied, See Calendar; Office Hours: Mon-Fri: Noon – 5 p.m.
Price: $35/pp for a 2 hour class; $45/pp for a 3 hour class. $25/pp for a 2 hour class on Family Day and Senior's Day.

It's painting, but with a twist. Each class provides the chance to paint along with an artist, while students get a glass of their favorite wine or beverage of choice to enjoy during the process. Painting with a Twist offers private parties and a family day where the whole family can have some fun, although it is recommended for children ages 7 and older. All classes, except family and senior's day, are for those 15 and older, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Related: Best Art Fairs Near Detroit

Liz Parker is a freelance writer and a University of Michigan graduate with a degree in Creative Writing and Literature. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.


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