Ask AOA: art classes
Emailed Stephanie this week:
I work full time, but my work doesn't challenge my creative, artistic side, so I've decided to try to find some art classes. I'm not having much luck looking on my own. Do you happen to know if any of the local schools offer some evening or weekend art classes for people in the community? Maybe some of the art galleries or museums do? Thanks for any help!
We immediately thought of the Arts Center of the Capital Region in Troy. It has a bunch of classes on everything from painting to textile design to photography.
But we're guessing you probably have a bunch of good ideas, too. Please share in the comments.
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Comments
Hudson Valley Community College has a lot of night and weekend classes. You can search their summer course offerings by subject (you want "crafts" and "fine arts") at https://webfor.hvcc.edu/pls/PROD/bwzkfcls.P_CrseSearch . You can also check local high schools, often they have continuing ed classes that include some art classes. If you like crafting you can also check craft stores, they always have a few workshops or classes you can sign up for. You can also check out the Albany Art Room (http://www.albanyartroom.com/adultclasses09.pdf). Or buy a book and teach yourself, or just see what you can create out of your weekly recycling (http://www.towardsgreen.com/2007/06/27/flowers-from-plastic-bottles/) . There's no one right way to express yourself. Have fun and good luck.
... said mirdreams on May 14, 2009 at 11:53 AM | link
Don't forget the Knowledge Network. Great classes on anything you can think of.
http://www.knowledgenetwork.org/
Also, the New York State Writers Institute offers amazing community writing seminars (led by famous authors). The seminars are free, but you must apply and become accepted.
http://www.albany.edu/writers-inst/
(Right now they're gearing up for the summer programming in Saratoga, but the community writers workshops should resume in the fall).
... said Duncan Crary on May 14, 2009 at 12:15 PM | link
The Albany Art Room has open studio for a small fee, as well as classes for adults and private lessons.
http://www.albanyartroom.com/
... said biodiva on May 14, 2009 at 1:01 PM | link
Some specialty stores (e.g. bead stores) also have classes. There is a mosaic shop/studio on Delaware Ave. in Albany (right next to Emack & Bolio) that teaches mosaic classes.
If you are willing to drive a bit (about an hour) there other great possibilities--
is 183 is an art school in West Stockbridge that has lots of classes. [www.is183.com], inc. week-end classes.
Hubbard Hall in Cambridge NY also has classes--http://www.hubbardhall.org/index.php
Brookside Museum (in Ballston Spa) offers craft classes--
http://www.brooksidemuseum.org/
Some artists and fine crafters teach out of their homes or studios. I have taken classes with Wendy Jensen, a notable basket maker in Great Barrington. She does one-day classes on Saturdays in which you complete a basket.
... said chrisck on May 14, 2009 at 3:13 PM | link
Albany High (and other local HS) have evening classes for adults, art classes among the offerings. I took a painting class there a few years back.
... said Jen8 on May 14, 2009 at 9:06 PM | link
Although it has been mentioned I highly recommend the Albany Ar t Room. www.albanyartroom.com/
... said Anonymous on May 16, 2009 at 6:45 AM | link
If you just need a little push and not really a full class, you may want to look into some of the local MeetUp groups. The Albany Photography Meetup offers opportunity to share creative approaches to photography and the Capital District Drink and Draw group (which I am not a member of, but have heard is good fun) combines creativity with good times at local bars.
http://www.meetup.com/albany-photography-meetup/
http://www.meetup.com/Drinnkanddraw/
The Captial District Photography Center on River St. in Troy (across from Jose Malones) offers a variety of classes related to photography.
... said Bob F. on May 16, 2009 at 10:05 AM | link
I teach acrylic painting classes at the Michaels Arts and Crafts store in Albany, they are held 2-3 fridays each month, you can check their website for more info or just call the store, they also hold many other classes including jewelry making, cake decorating, and knitting
... said Aprille on Jan 10, 2012 at 8:03 PM | link