The 8 Best Art Classes in Grand Rapids

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best art classes grand rapids

Banksy.

Frida Kahlo.

Georgia O’Keeffe.

da Vinci. And.

You. Or maybe your children.

Are you ready to make some art?

It’s your opportunity to add your perspective to an activity that humans have been engaging in for millennia. You may think that the Lascaux cave in southwest France, with its stunning depictions of cows, stags, humans, and other figures, estimated to be 20,000 years old, is the oldest known artwork (I know I did).

Not so. The Leang Tedongnge cave in Indonesia has a painting of a pig that’s approximately 45,500 years old. Humans have been making art for 45,500 years. It’s in our bones.

So grab your paintbrush, pottery wheel, stained glass, or whatever medium speaks to you. It’s time to create something timeless and beautiful right here in Grand Rapids.

Map of the Best Art Classes in Grand Rapids

The best craft experience: Hammer & Stain

Hammer & Stain opened its doors in 2019. Probably the least fortuitous time to open a craft studio, with the pandemic and shutdowns coming within a year. As a testament to owner Jennifer’s tenacity, drive, and Hammer & Stain’s exceptional customer service, the craft studio is still standing.

Scoreboard: Hammer & Stain 1: Coronavirus: 0.

What type of crafts can you expect at Hammer & Stain? Think wooden boards painted with a family insignia that can hang on your home. You can also unleash your inner carpenter and construct a bench. For a full list of projects, consult their website.

Hammer & Stain is a great spot for a couple’s night out, a birthday you’ll never forget, or a corporate event.

  • Address: 3901 Chicago Dr SW Suite 109, Grandville, MI 49418
  • Website: Hammer & Stain

The best sewing classes in GR: The Common Thread Studio

The best part about sewing is the accessories. Thimbles are so cool that people collect them. And pincushions? Who doesn’t love a good pincushion?

And don’t get me started on bobbins – I have no idea what they do, but it sure is a fun word to say.

If sewing is your art form of choice, head over to Common Thread and get your sew on. Common Thread is your one-stop sewing shop. They offer classes for adults and kids, as well as sewing supplies and kits.

The most versatile art studio: I’m An Artist Community Studio

Whatever your medium, I’m An Artist probably has you covered. Want to attend a beeswax wrap workshop? Who wouldn’t! They’ve got one.

From sewing to watercolor, from simple pencil drawing to washcloth knitting, I’m An Artist Studio has it all.

In addition to offering tons of different classes, I’m An Artist has options for adults and students. They also have Art Camp, which is a full day of art classes for kids. And they can accommodate private parties – my children attended a private birthday party event at I’m An Artist and came home with the most adorable kitten paintings this world has ever seen.

Brushing up on your art skills at I’m An Artist is sure to be a stroke of genius.

The best art studio with booze: Brush Studio

Although Hemingway never actually said, “write drunk, edit sober,” if you’re in the mood to create art with a glass of wine in hand, head down to Brush Studio. Their bar is stocked full of wine, beer, and other non-alcoholic options that will take care of your thirst while you create your masterpiece.

Are you a #dogmom? Head down to Brush for their “paint your pet” night. With classes in acrylic, plaster, and other mediums, as well as quirky themed nights (paint your own abstract expressionist piece that might rival your favorite Rothko, or head down for baby Yoda night), Brush has a multitude of options to please every artist.

You can even recreate Van Gogh’s priceless Starry Night, with the skyline of Grand Rapids superimposed. Wow visitors to your home with your unbelievably cool custom artwork.

  • Address: 11 Ionia Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
  • Website: Brush Studio

The best stained glass studio: Rainbow Resources Art Glass

Rainbow Resources has been a staple in their Eastown location for as long as I can remember.

They offer classes, so if you’re a beginner, you can learn stained/leaded glass skills. More advanced artists can enjoy classes in stained glass caming, and glass fusing.

If you’re not into creating your own stained glass piece, Rainbow Resources also sells their creations retail, so you can find the perfect piece for your home.

The best studio, gallery, and tea spot: Pour-D

The gallery here is top-notch. Pour-D highlights local artists, and their pieces are available for purchase. Grab a piece of art and hang it in your home with pride.

Or, blaze your own trail and create your own artwork. If the muse is calling, head down to Pour-D’s studio (book a party or audit a class) and get painting.

Got kids? Stick them in one of Pour-D’s art camps. These camps run for two months, and kids create artwork in several different media. The camp culminates with an art show and a party.

  • Address: 39 Courtland St, Rockford, MI 49341
  • Website: Pour-D

The best pottery classes: Pottery Lane GR

I don’t know what wheelthrowing is, but it sounds cool. Learn how to do it at Pottery Lane.

Grab your boo and recreate the classic pottery scene from Ghost (RIP Patrick Swayze), and take a pottery class together at Grand Rapids Pottery.

Pottery Lane also offers classes, as well as kid-friendly activities. They also offer private parties. Pottery Lane is absolutely kiln it. Oh, don’t tell me your eyes glazed over at that one.

Click here for our guide to all the pottery options available in Grand Rapids.

  • Address: 401 Hall St SW b128, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
  • Website: Pottery Lane

For a little bit of everything: The Mud Room

If you’re into pottery, wood signs, and glass fusing, I’ve got just the spot for you. The Mud Room in Grand Rapids offers all three class types. Like Michelangelo, you’ll be proficient in a multitude of media.

The Mud Room is another great option if you’re looking for a group outing, and like most places on this list, they offer kid-friendly programming.

  • Address: 1971 E Beltline Ave NE Suite 103, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
  • Website:  The Mud Room

P.S. – Looking for more art classes? Don’t miss our guide to the best painting classes in Grand Rapids.