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Best Sketching Classes In Metro Detroit

If you want to learn how to sketch, or perhaps add to your skills, check out this list of places in the Detroit metro area that teach sketching and drawing classes.
Scarab Club
217 Farnsworth St.
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 831-1250
www.scarabclub.orgThe Scarab Club opened in 1907 by artists and art fans, and used to be known for its themed costume balls, beginning in 1917. The Club manages "working artist studios" and offers a few sketching activities. Check out its Saturday and Sunday sketch sessions, where you choose from either costume or live models - these are known at the Club as "sketch classes," although no instruction is provided, you could learn as you go. Scarab Club asks that you bring drawing paper or stretched canvas and your favorite supplies. Sessions are free to members and students with current ID, and $10 for non-members.
Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center
1516 S. Cranbrook Rd.
Birmingham, MI 48009
(248) 644-0866
www.bbartcenter.orgThe BBAC was founded in 1957, and almost 5,000 students benefit from its classes throughout the year. On its winter 2014/15 course schedule, the BBAC offered "Drawing & Painting - Botanical Art: Inside Out," Portrait Drawing, "Drawing the Figure in Pen & In" and more. BBAC's adult classes and workshops are for students ages 18 and up, and you can register online for classes. The center also has scholarships available, for both adults and youths; these are based on financial need, and sometimes on merit as well.
Ann Arbor Art Center
117 W. Liberty St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 994-8004
www.annarborartcenter.orgThe Ann Arbor Art Center, located in downtown Ann Arbor, offers a variety of classes, from beginning to advanced. This winter, AAAC featured "Drawing with Color," "Anatomy and the Figure" and Beginning Drawing, among other classes. There's a monthly figure drawing class as well, with nude models. No instruction is provided, but the center does provide easels (a minimum of five participants is required for these, so make sure to pre-register online). Make sure to check the AAAC's website for its full list of sketching and drawing classes before going.

Related: Best Casual Art Classes In Detroit

College for Creative Studies
201 E. Kirby St.
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 664-7400
www.collegeforcreativestudies.eduCollege for Creative Studies (CCS) is located downtown and offers enrichment classes for adults. Its Winter 2014 roster did not include any drawing classes, however adults are welcome to take its college courses for credit, which include many of these. CCS offers a BFA (Bachelors of Fine Arts) in Foundation, and these classes emphasize drawing skills. Check CCS's website for its spring and summer courses as well as it's possible that adult drawing/sketching classes may be offered.
Grosse Pointe Art Center
17118 Kercheval Ave.
Grosse Pointe, MI 48230
(313) 881-3454
www.grossepointeartcenter.orgThe Grosse Pointe Art Center officially opened in 2008, but its beginnings can be traced back to 1937 when John L. Vogt set up an exhibition of artists from the Grosse Pointe area at the new gym at the Neighborhood Club. GPAC dubs itself as the "Grosse Pointe community art center" and welcomes artists and those who are a fan of art. Classes generally meet for six weeks, and range from $120+. Its winter 2014 offerings ranged from Colored Pencil Drawing (beginning + advanced, ages 14+) to Beginner and Advanced Drawing, to Children's Drawing and Painting (ages 5+). Spring Session I begins March 8, 2015, and goes through April 25th.

Related: Top Arts & Crafts Classes And Activities For Kids In 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 and yesnofilms.com.
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