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13 Fun Art Classes in the Twin Cities

  • Updated January 10, 2022

fun art classes minneapolis st paul twin cities

Say what you want about our beer drinking and cheese curd eating habits, but the Twin Cities is quietly a cultured city. 

We’ve got an underrated arts scene that includes one of the best sculpture gardens in the country, a mini golf course that doubles as a sculpture garden, and more art galleries than any of us probably realize.

And… tons of fun art classes!

Whether you’re a total beginner or a real artist looking to advance your technical skills, the Twin Cities has an incredible selection of art classes to fit any artist.

Here’s our picks for the 13 most fun art classes in the Twin Cities!

Twin Cities Map of Art Classes

 

Minnapolis Art Classes

Articulture

For more than 20 years, Articulture has been bringing a lively mix of art programming for children, teens and adults to the Seward neighborhood in Minneapolis.  Their non-profit structure means unique partnerships between Twin Cities art instructors and a rotating selection of classes that both beginners and experienced artists can enjoy.

  • Address: 2613 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406
  • Website:  Articulture

Foci – Minnesota Center for Glass Arts

Traditional painting and drawing, not your style?  Looking to turn up the heat and to try something with a little more risk?   Check out Foci MCGA (Minnesota Center for Glass Arts) in Minneapolis–a world-class glass studio and education facility. 

They’ve taught thousands of Minnesotans the foundations of glass blowing, stained glass, and glass fusing.  You may have seen their demonstrations at the Minnesota State Fair or featured on Groupon. Classes are on the spendy side, but the experience is unlike anything you’ll find anywhere else in the Twin Cities. 

  • Address: 2213 Snelling Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
  • Website: Foci

Minnesota Center for Book Arts

Do you enjoy the feel of a fresh linen hardcover book?  Ever wanted to know how to fold, sew, and create your own journals?  Or find yourself craving time in a world-renowned printing studio?  Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA) is one of the largest dedicated book arts studios in the world. 

Artists from all over come here to learn traditional skills like papermaking, letterpress printing, and bookbinding.  Adult classes range in skill level and price, with both structured ‘lessons’ and open studio time with their always friendly staff. 

MIA

Although the Minneapolis Institute of Art took a break from in-person programming during the pandemic, they’re slowly reintroducing their coveted art classes for adults and families.  You’ll never know what exactly is on the roster of courses here, just that you’ll be paired with a top-notch instructor, a chance to discuss pieces from Mia’s collection while you create your own masterpiece.

Northern Clay Center

Ready for a fun date night or to delve into the world of pottery? Northern Clay Center ceramic classes are recognized as some of the best and most extensive in the Midwest.  At any given time you’ll find upwards of 40 different class offerings, including Intro to Clay and Beginner Throwing and the family-friendly Throwing Together.  If you already have clay experience, NCC also holds classes for specialty techniques and for professional artists. 

For more pottery options, don’t miss our complete guide to the best pottery classes in the Twin Cities!

Upstairs Circus

While less formal than a traditional art class, Upstairs Circus combines all the things we love about DIY art with a full-service bar. 

Yes, you read that correctly.  This North Loop hot spot offers one part craft project and one part craft cocktail. 

Make a reservation for any one of their 25+ projects (wall hangings, jewelry, woodworking, leatherwork, macrame) and stop in for a drink and some low-key crafting. They provide all the materials and printed instructions, along with friendly staff to offer pointers on how to customize the projects. 

St. Paul Art Classes

ArtStart

Award-winning St. Paul non-profit ArtStart not only hosts some of the top art classes in town, but they’re also dedicated to the idea that good art can also be good for the planet. Through their ArtScraps system, they capture thousands of pounds of scraps, overstock materials, factory rejects, and other manufacturing discards from the landfill–and teach individuals to create gorgeous art with it. 

We also love their adult art-centered birthday parties.  After all, why should those be only for kids?

  • Address: 1459 St Clair Ave, St Paul, MN 55105
  • Website: ArtStart

The Art Academy

While many of the other course providers on this list gear more towards the casual or beginner artist, the Art Academy in St. Paul focuses seriously on advancing the technical and creative skills of their students.  For the high-achievers and the former art studies majors in the group–this is where you’ll feel most at home!

Offerings include traditional drawing and painting techniques, landscapes, and comic artistry. To see the professional-caliber work of their students, check out the online galleries. 

Creator’s Space

When owners Kevin and Melissa Dessart purchased a 130-year-old contract parking garage in Lowertown St. Paul, they had one mission in mind — create a space where artists could come together with the community to nurture creativity. 

Classes here are hosted by the Creators Space membership, artists who purchase a subscription to use the incredible studio spaces here to create art and teach classes. Since it’s up to the membership to determine the class schedule offerings, they rotate often and are based more on the individual artist’s interests.  

Textile Center

We’ve written before (in our articles about art galleries and quilt shops) about our fond affection for the Textile Center in the Prospect Park neighborhood of Minneapolis.  A national center for fiber arts, the courses here honor the traditions of textiles and encourage creators of all skill-level and interests.  The course offerings here stretch wide, from quilting and sewing to embroidery, tapestry weaving, and rug hooking.

They also offer classes in practical skills like using a sewing machine or basic knitting technique, as well as monthly specialty classes in fiber arts/textile techniques from all over the globe.

  • Address: 3000 University Ave SE #100, Minneapolis, MN 55414
  • Website: Textile Center

Around the Twin Cities

Looking for some art class options around the Metro? Check out these Twin Cities suburb-area studios for fun classes for adults and kids. 

Board and Brush

National franchise for creating DIY wood signs and home decor in the “wine and art” style class. Locations in Lakeville, Woodbury, and Chanhassen 

Cheers Pablo

Family-owned paint and sip business offering step-by-step guided painting classes on canvas and ceramics.  Locations in Burnsville, Coon Rapids, Hudson, and Eau Claire Wisconsin.  

Skylab Glass Arts

Golden Valley-based Skylab Glass Arts offers a full glass construction studio and courses in beginning lampworking (glassblowing using a fixed mounted torch.  We had to Google it also!)

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About the Author
Amy

Amy

A rural-Wisconsin transplant, Amy's called Minneapolis & St. Paul her home since 2005. Since then, she's lived and explored all over the Twin Cities, and she can't wait to share her experiences with you!
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