Support the Creative Arts Community
In a non-stop busy world full of digital devices and time spent online, it can be easy to mentally get stuck in the doldrums. A proven source for improving creativity, reducing stress, sparking imagination, and even problem solving is by creating art.
As with many mediums, art can be for everyone and is a healthy hobby and outlet to incorporate into one's life more regularly. Yet a roadblock for many is knowing just where to begin amongst a multitude of questions, thus a saving resource is utilizing classes and workshops offered by local artists. You can walk away with a new unique memento, as well as a great memory of having learned from professionals.
As a local collaborative creative hub, New Orleans Glassworks and Printmaking provides a range of classes including metalsmithing and sculpture, ceramics, a range of glassworks options, printmaking, and book arts. There's something for everyone with their mini workshops and four to six week class options. All offer a great way to explore a new medium, and, throughout the summers, they serve as a great inspiration for youth with their young adult classes.
As an immersive medium, it only makes sense that pottery has grown again in popularity in recent years. London Clayworks makes this all the more inviting with monthly workshops with experienced teachers and artists. Owner Karin Burt shared, "We take our students on a journey from learning the basics to mastering complicated techniques. We've created a light and modern space to inspire creativity and calm the mind. Once you're hooked, we have options for workshops with nationally renowned artists or [you can] join our membership and access the studio all week round."
At Nola Craft Culture, add pizzazz to the monotony of life with approachable classes such as beginner glittering techniques, resin designs, basics of glass beads for throws, and headdress making, a recent and popular option of theirs. Private parties can book their own classes for a minimum of six people and a BYOB set up. Their classes aim to empower through creativity and serve as an outlet for self expression, as well as a way to relax and destress. They also serve as a resource for the creative community for interconnectedness and uplifting one another. Be sure to check their Instagram for all the upcoming excitement.
See a different type of mosaic vision come to life by venturing out of your creative comfort zone. The Shard Shop comes in handy for this by specializing in unique glass designs on canvases. They also provide instructions on the growing trend of resin, including a resin cascade workshop.
Oil painting enthusiasts may not know how to approach this medium, yet, luckily, local resource Studio Thibodeaux shares professional knowledge for all to be able to dive into this practice. Owner Sarah Griffin Thibodeaux is a contemporary artist who studied at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts with Auseklis Ozols and Dell Weller. She specializes in portrait and still life classes, allowing visions of classic oil paintings with a contemporary twist.
Stanwycks Photography of New Orleans is helping to show photography can be for everyone. Their classes teach the essentials of photography, as well as workshops for any specialty coaching aspects in mind. Another fun option is their New Orleans photography tours, which allow you to take note of your everyday surroundings in a new perspective or help you to discover something new about this city.
The Bead Shop of New Orleans is a "magical little shop" offering a treasure trove of beading and jewelry design options. Owner Georgia Wilson shared, "We are blessed to live in one of the most creative cities on Earth. Our little bead shop is proud to have served our local creators for over 31 years. My favorite moment when teaching is when someone who says they 'aren't creative' sits down and makes a beautiful piece of jewelry with me. I love watching their faces transform as they realize they can do it and it was easier than they think." They offer beginner workshops, appointments in their stringing room, and, for those ready to go a step further, customized one-on-one workshops with experts.
Open since 2003, the New Orleans School of Metalsmithing has allowed design dreams to spark to life. Their expert professionals walk through the process from cutting to finishing metal for all learning levels. Should you find yourself enjoying the rich culture of iron artistry around town, this can be a great idea for you.
Art allows each individual to bring their own personality, freedom, and fun to a piece, which is a core mission of Paint and Jrink. The process in their classes to craft a piece and adding your own twist allows for sparks of creativity. Their emphasis on customer service, offerings for many team building classes, and NOLA-themed paintings seals the deal for this great outlet.
Have a vision of glass art brought to life at Pollock Glass Studio and Gallery. With workshops for beginners twice a week in a five-series round of classes, you can learn specifics such as beadmaking, pendants, and sculpture, as well as varying other options for group classes. Their team stated, "We love to spark creativity in our students. Each class covers a few different techniques to not only keep them engaged but to encourage students to find their own individuality within the medium. Collaborations, mentorships, and overall appreciation have developed from these gatherings and that is our goal in sharing our skills with the public."
