Courtesy of Bowood Farms
St. Louis is filled with organizations and professionals offering a wide variety of courses and workshops for anyone interested in feeding their creative side. Here's our guide to some of the many craft and hobby classes available around town this spring, whether your natural abilities lean more toward macaroni necklaces or mastering woodworking. Be sure to check with organizations in advance for registration and schedule details, and enjoy the thrill of making or learning something new.
ACTING
Acting Classes
The Green Room Acting Studio provides Zoom acting classes for kids, teenagers, and adults in the St. Louis area. The studio offers a $25 trial class. After that, monthly classes range between $100-120 per month for kids and $150-180 for teenagers and adults.
Acting Classes
8045 Big Bend, gcpastl.org
The Gateway Center for Performing Arts offers acting classes for all ages, as well as summer camps, intensives, and performing opportunities. One-on-one private coaching lessons are also available for several disciplines, including vocal and instrumental music, dance, and acting instruction. Prices and schedules vary.
BLACKSMITHING
Blacksmithing Tulip Series
8145 Delmar, craftstl.com
Learn basic forging techniques and create a floral centerpiece in the process with this three-part blacksmithing course. The class is open to both beginners and intermediates. Sparks are sure to be flying, so come prepared with protective clothing! February 7–21. $385 for the three-part course.
Various Classes
5080 Delmar, craftalliance.org
Local blacksmith Kim Stahl will be teaching a variety of blacksmithing classes at Craft Alliance this spring. Grasp the fundamentals of the medium with the six-week course “Introduction to Blacksmithing,” where you’ll learn how to hand-forge and manipulate metal. Slightly more niche classes include “Making a Cheese Knife” and “Making Hooks and Wall Hangers.”
BOOKBINDING
Introduction to Bookbinding
2624 North 14th, centralprint.org
Central Print is hosting an introductory bookbinding class where students will learn how to make four book structures. The structures they’ll learn are pamphlet, double signature sewn as one, case-in pamphlet, and multi-section book case-in. Cost is $255, and all materials and tools are provided. Spring class dates are coming soon.
CANDLEMAKING
Candlemaking Sessions
104 South Main, thecandlefusionstudio.com
Explore more than 100 fragrances at the Candle Fusion Studio, where patrons can create their own custom soy candle or room sprays, body mists, spa salts, and wax tarts. The studio takes walk-in appointments for individuals or small groups, but reservations are recommended for groups with six or more people.
Candle Making Party
4920 Hampton, urbancandleco.com
Urban Candle hosts candlemaking parties for groups of eight people or more. Attendees pay $45 per person to attend, and the cost includes instruction, materials, and their choice of wine, cocktails, or non-alcoholic beverages. The parties run for an hour and a half to two hours, and the candles can be picked up the next day.
CLAY/CERAMICS
Pottery Open Workshop
3816 South Broadway, southbroadwayartproject.org
The South Broadway Art Project hosts Open Workshop, which provides pottery students with as much instruction as they want or need to learn. Students learn at their own pace and can take part in classes such as the Make-A-Mug Workshop, Glaze & Paint Your Own Pottery, and Clay Date Night. The group offers a 10 or 28 Hour Pass or Monthly Membership, which are $95, $185, and $150, respectively.
Wheel Throwing
12580 Rott, laumeiersculpturepark.org
Laumeier Sculpture Park offers wheel throwing and clay classes and workshops for people of all ages. Participants meet in small groups and work at their own pace with guided instruction. Classes range from $112 to $187 and are available in groups based on age. Check Laumeier Sculpture Park’s website for dates and times.
Various Classes
5080 Delmar, craftalliance.org
The Craft Alliance offers 20 different clay and ceramics classes for participants, such as handbuilding, ceramic restoration, and wheel classes. Patrons can learn how to make mugs, jars, bowls, and more through these classes. Dates, times, and more information is available on the Craft Alliance’s website.
COMEDY/IMPROV
Various Classes
3960 Chouteau, theimprovshop.com
Local venue The Improv Shop offers classes, workshops, and shows for those looking to bump up their comedy chops. Newbies might enjoy their “Level 0: Entry Level for Beginners” course, while experts can explore a range of topics spanning from “Longform Mechanics” to “Advanced Musical Improv.” Most classes kick off in early February.
Improv Dim Sum
11124 Pam, compassimprov.org
Inspired by the tasting menu invoked in its name, this four-part series of improv courses offers a little bit of everything. A new coach leads each session, and the classes are held virtually over Zoom on Sunday evenings. With a 10 player limit, there’s sure to be plenty of time for every participant to build their skill set. February 5–26. $80 for all four sessions.
CREATIVE WRITING
St. Louis Oasis: Creative Writing
50 Gay, kimlozano.com
Kim Lozano, a developmental editor, writing coach, and workshop leader, is holding a creative writing workshop for both beginners and experienced writers on February 9 and 23, and March 9 and 16 from 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. At her workshops, participants will be able to receive feedback from Lozano and their peers. Readings will include writers of fiction, memoir, essays, and poetry. Cost is $108.
Sunday Workshop: Niki Herd
3301 Washington, stlouispoetrycenter.org
Presented by the St. Louis Poetry Center, St. Louisans are invited to submit their own pieces of poetry by February 12 to be workshopped by poet Niki Herd, two-time Pushcart Prize Nominee. This free workshop will take place on February 19 at 1:30 p.m. Class space is limited to 12 poems/participants, so it’s important that you sign up fast and follow the guidelines for submission.
DRAWING
Intermediate Drawing
12 Jackson, stlouisartistsguild.org
Take your drawing technique to the next level with this course taught by artist Michael Faris. The six-week intensive welcomes participants of all ability levels, features a collaboration-oriented environment, and caps off with an open-ended final project. March 7–April 11. $140 for members, $170 for non-members.
Drawing 1 and Drawing 2
5080 Delmar, craftalliance.org
In Drawing 1, participants will “become acquainted with the use of a variety of drawing tools and surfaces.” Then, Craft Alliance invites students to build on their new skills with Drawing 2, where they’ll branch out into new materials and develop their visual accuracy. Drawing 1: April 17–May 22, $213 for members and $250 for non-members. Drawing 2: February 27–April 3, $213 for members and $250 for non-members.
Introduction to Drawing and Intro to Realistic Drawing
321 S. Main, maomgallery.com
The instructors at Missouri Artists on Main will be teaching two drawing courses this spring. For those who are just getting started, Introduction to Drawing with Adam Long is a four-week course open to students of all experience levels. Intro to Realistic Drawing Colored Pencil B. J. Kamler will provide detailed guidance for turning a reference photo into a lifelike colored pencil piece. Introduction to Drawing: February 7–28, $75 for returning students and $100 for others. Intro to Realistic Drawing: February 1–March 8, $150.
FIBER ARTS
Quilting for All Levels
6700 Arsenal, citysewingroom.com
Founded in 2016, City Sewing Room came together as a place for people to gather and share in the love of stitching. Now a nonprofit organization, City Sewing Room teaches 20 youths and over 20 adults every week. For $40 every Tuesday and Thursday, City Sewing Room welcomes beginners and advanced quilters to attend their adult class Quilting for All Levels. Participants will be able work on their individual projects with provided fabric and supplies.
Intro to Garment Sewing Course
1425 S. New Florissant, sewhopestl.com
Sew Hope Community Sewing Room, a community for sewers, quilters, and crafters, has been offering classes, workshops, and workstations for creatives of all ages in the St. Louis area. Their Intro to Garment Sewing Course, starting March 11, is open to people ages 14 and up. With a beginner friendly attitude, Sew Hope emphasizes learning sewing fundamentals, garment sewing, and commercial sewing patterns in this class. Four-week course for $299
Fiber Art
12 North Jackson Ave, stlouisartistsguild.org
The St. Louis Artists’ Guild, a nationally known arts center in the Midwest, has been in operation since 1886 and inspires art experiences through their exhibits, classes, and outreach to the St. Louis community. As a center where artists can learn and share ideas with each other, Fiber Art is an introductory class for ages 10-12 that will dive into the basics of embroidery, hand sewing, needle felting, and tie-dying. On Wednesday from 4:30–6 p.m. starting February 1, your child will be a master in fiber arts. Six-week course starting at $110 (for members) and $150 (for nonmembers)
FLORALS/GARDENING
Jump Starting the Growing Season
5501 Delmar, #B270, seedstl.org
With its mission to empower and educate, Seed St. Louis, a nonprofit organization since 1984, is offering a free Zoom class to get your garden ready for the season. Led by Dean Gunderson, Director of Education at Seed St. Louis, Jump Starting the Growing Season will teach you how to get crops started earlier than usual and which crops you can plant early.
Irish Eyes Are Smiling
210 Saint Francois, stems4flowers.com
Planning ahead the floral arrangements at your wedding or wanting to spruce up the house, look no further than Stems Florist & St. Louis Flower Delivery’s Irish Eyes Are Smiling course. On March 4th at the Stems Florist Design Studio, the company invites you to explore floral design while learning the basics. In the end, guests will come out with a beautiful centerpiece full of hydrangeas, succulents, and spring bright blooms. Costs $75 per person; class space limited to 10 people.
Thyme for a Break–It’s Spring
4344 Shaw, stlouisherbsociety.org
The St. Louis Herb Society and the Missouri Botanical Garden are collaborating to offer a class about herbs. On March 7 from 10–11:30 a.m. at the Kemper Center for Home Gardening classroom, adults can learn delicious spring recipes, tips on planting herbs, and other crafting experiences at Thyme for a Break–It’s Spring.
MUSIC
Rock Band Classes
1305 Baur, stlrockschool.com
Always dreamt of joining a rock band, but never got around to it? STL Rock School offers rock band classes that will have your kid performing live in concert at a local venue like Blueberry Hill, the Old Rock House, and more. Bands are put together by the staff to help each of the students reach their potential with an expert band director at the helm. Prices and schedules vary.
Piano Lessons
45 W. Lockwood, pattersonperformingarts.com
At Patterson Performing Arts, they ensure that your kids are given the tools and confidence to showcase their musical talents to the world. With their Accelerated Piano Lab, students will have one-on-one lessons for an hour each week, working at the student’s pace and skill level. In order to sign up, students have to schedule a discovery call, choose a time slot and register, and finally, take lessons. They also offer voice lessons with the same procedure. Costs $169 per month, including all materials.
Voice Lessons
1118 Holly Springs, gabriellestudioofmusic.com
Gabrielle Studio of Music, a premier private instruction from certified music instructors, offers a unique voice lesson experience for students of all ages and abilities. These private lessons are combined with multiple live performances throughout the year, backed by a professional 5-piece band. To begin the process, Gabrielle Studio of Music asks potential students to send an inquiry through their website. Prices vary.
Various Lessons
3301 Magnolia, themusicroomstl.com
This music school offers a variety of lessons, including piano, guitar, violin, mandolin, banjo, and ukulele, with premier instructors. With lessons held weekly and opportunities for students to perform in their recitals, all ages are invited to sign up. To contact them for teacher availability or to schedule a lesson to give it a try, they ask you to call their number, 314-282-5126. Tuition varies according to the length of the lesson.
JEWELRY/BEADWORK
Jewelry Classes
3762 South Broadway, perennialstl.org
Perennial offers personalized jewelry classes where participants can learn to make pieces like soldered pendants, reclaimed wood rings, or copper rings and bracelets. All supplies in these classes are made with recycled materials. Check Perennial’s website for class dates and times.
Metal Jewelry Classes
5080 Delmar Blvd., craftalliance.org
The Craft Alliance offers various metal classes aimed toward jewelry makers at all skill levels, where participants can learn to make items like a cuff bracelet, swivel locket, and a loop-in-loop chain. Check their website for dates, times, and class prices.
LEATHERWORKING
Wood & Leather Wall Art
3762 S. Broadway, perennialstl.org
Workshops at Perennial double as a chance to learn a fun new skill and give back to the environment. The local nonprofit's mission centers around reducing waste by reusing salvaged materials. In this two-hour class on February 15, guests will use scrap leather and wood to create a decorative hanging wall pocket. $32 for members, $40 for non-members.
METALWORKING
Various Classes
5127 Delmar, madestl.com
The MADE makerspace is equipped with state-of-the-art tech for a wide range of creative projects. For those interested in metalworking, the studio offers one-on-one classes including Basics of Metal Forming, Basics of Metal Shop, and Basics of MIG Welding. Courses tend to range from two to three hours.
Various Classes
5080 Delmar, craftalliance.org
From the basics of metalsmithing to creating an intricate swivel locket, Craft Alliance is offering plenty of metalworking classes this spring. Those with little to no experience might want to start with Casting 1 and Metalsmithing 1, while a variety of levels are also available for those who are more learned in the craft.
PAINTING
Introduction to Painting
12 Jackson, stlouisartistsguild.org
Beginning and intermediate-level artists will learn about painting techniques, art theory, form, and color in this fast-paced course. An understanding of drawing principles is a plus (but not required) and the class will deal exclusively with acrylic paint. March 22–April 12. $100 for members, $150 for non-members.
Various Classes
28 The Blvd St. Louis, paintingwithatwist.com
As the name suggests, Painting With a Twist offers more than just the basics of acrylic. The Brentwood studio plans multiple nightly events curated for couples, family, or friends. Some of February’s motifs include a Valentines-themed gnome painting, family portraits, and a rainy romance scene. Times range from afternoon to evening, and 21+ events include an open bar.
Various Classes
1201 Macklind, artherapystudios.com
The party comes to you with Artherapy Studios, a group painting service that specializes in cultivating a laid back and fun environment for beginners. The studio can cater to a variety of locations and event types—from birthday parties to team-building in the office. At Paint and Sip classes, bring your own drinks and snacks for a pick-me-up while you complete your canvas.
PAPER/PRINTING
Beginning Papermaking and 3D Papermaking
5080 Delmar, craftalliance.org
Taught by local studio artist Suzanne Oberholtzer, these classes—at the beginner and intermediate levels respectively—will walk students through the sheet-forming and lamination techniques needed to make unique sheets of paper. Those in the 3D course will move beyond the flat sheet and into various simple forms. Members of Craft Alliance are eligible for a discounted tuition on both classes. Beginning Printmaking: February 18, $72 for members and $84 for non-members. 3D Papermaking: April 8-9, $136 for members and $160 for non-members.
Intro to Papermaking
3762 S. Broadway, perennialstl.org
This workshop will cover all the essentials to papermaking, from fiber and pulp preparation to handling a mould and deckle. The course is open to beginners, but, according to the class’ description, participants should “Expect to get messy!” February 25. $24 for members, $30 for non-members.
Screen Printing Class
5110 Penrose, lawsonsp.com
Over the course of this two-day workshop, participants will be guided through all the ins and outs of silk screen printing. A limited class size of only six students ensures that everyone gets plenty of hands-on experience, and instructors will provide Q&As for any lingering queries. $350 for the two-day course.
Typesetting & Letterpress
2624 N. 14th, centralprint.org
Have a passion for fonts? This course will teach students how to set type by hand, mix ink, and choose the right kind of paper for whatever project they want to execute. Each session takes place for about two and a half hours on Saturday afternoons. March 4–April 1. $210 for four classes.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Beginner’s Photography Class
The St. Louis Photography Group is offering a beginner’s photography class on Saturday, February 11 at the St. Louis Bread Co. Participants will learn about shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and how the settings affect a camera’s exposure. The class starts at 11 a.m., is three hours long, and it costs $76 to participate.
Camera Basics – Buttons, Dials, and Levers
11806 Borman, photoprostl.com
The Photo Pros are hosting a class on an overview of a camera, with discussions on topics like metering, scene, and program modes. Participants must bring a fully charged camera, lens, and a memory card. The class costs $39, and patrons will have a discount on various items after the session.
Parent Photography Classes
201 Chesterfield Towne Center, emilylucarzphotography.com
Emily Lucarz offers photography classes for parents where they can learn how to capture their children’s moments “beautifully, effectively, and intentionally.” There are two class levels for participants, where patrons are required to own a DSLR camera.
WATERCOLOR
Watercolor Classes
3526 Washington, Suite 300, davenanderson.com
Daven Anderson, a former teacher at the College of Fine Art at the University of Missouri St. Louis, offers oil and watercolor classes six times a week. Beginners interested in watercolors are welcomed at Anderson’s studio anytime and do not have to bring materials for the first two weeks. Each student will have their own work table, water container, hair dryer, and more. Classes are generally held from 10 or 11 a.m. to 1 to 2 p.m. Watercolor classes cost $200, equivalent to around 20 hours of instruction
Watercolor Classes
4605 Olive, bowoodfarms.com
Offered by Bowood Garden + Supply, beginners and advanced artists can learn the basics of watercolor painting and brush techniques. Visit the studio's website for a calendar of upcoming events.
WOODWORKING
Fundamentals of Woodworking
1304 West Lark Industrial, awacademy.com
Interested in woodwork, but don’t know where to start? American Woodworking Academy, a locally owned business with 30 years of experience, offers classes for beginners that will have them confident in no time. Fundamentals of Woodworking will teach participants how to make a three-legged shaker table. By the end of the session, you will know how to square wood with a Jointer, Surfacer, and Saw, use a Bandsaw, learn correct clamping techniques, and more. February 23-25, eight hours per day. Costs $675, including fees for tuition, laboratory, and materials
Building + Designing Outdoor Furniture
3726 S. Broadway, perennialstl.org
Join Perennial, a non-profit organization that prides itself on sustainability by reducing waste and crafting objects from salvaged materials. At their Building + Designing Outdoor Furniture class on May 24 from 6-8 p.m., participants will be able to create their very own furniture at a fraction of the cost of a mass-manufactured one. The instructor will help you pick a design and create the materials needed for your dream outdoor furniture. For members, it costs $16 while non-members pay $20
Date Night: Wine & Cheese with Woodcraft Staff
2077 Congressional, woodcraft.com
If you’re looking for new date ideas, then Woodcraft of St. Louis has a memorable activity for you. Together, you and your date will make a bottle stopper and a cheese plane with the help of the Woodcraft Staff on April 14 from 6-9 p.m. All they ask you to bring are safety glasses and hearing protection respirator or a dust mask. Beginner friendly, this class will give you memories that will last a lifetime. To sign up, all you have to do is call 314-993-0413. Costs $120 per couple and includes a $20 material fee.
