Not sure how to cultivate your artistic side? Try taking a cue from a local artist!
If you’ve ever had a burst of inspiration, but were unsure of where to take it, then you’re in the right spot. The following classes and workshops will help direct that creative energy into a tangible project that you can show off and be proud of. Whatever the medium you’re looking to explore, there’s a good chance you’ll find an artist-led workshop around Metro Vancouver. Here are a handful of inspiring places to start!
Vancouver
Located in East Vancouver, this collective art studio acts as much as a meeting space as it does a place for creation. We’ve made wonderful connections through the studio’s workshops, both with professional artists and dabbling art appreciators. The workshops on offer span from traditional classes like collage night and mobile making, to more abstract events such as visual meditations with the goal of artists getting out of their heads before expressing themselves.
Another East Van mainstay, Slice is a solid choice if you’re feeling a little self-conscious about expressing yourself in front of others. This gallery and meeting place has a laid-back, casual vibe and welcomes all levels of artists. While it may been said that Slice is a hipster haven, we prefer to simply call it friendly, no labels here. Drop in at your leisure to any of their courses and explore mediums like sculpture, linocut and life drawing. Heck, you can even learn to make your own books and tarot decks!
Vancouver’s North Shore
One of the hubs of the North Shore arts community, North Van Arts offers so much more than just a means to hone your creative craft. Their partnered venues are places to collaborate, share ideas, and discover new avenues of expression. A quick scroll of their events page will give an idea of the depth of workshops they offer to the public. You can learn how to develop stories through textiles, practice experimental writing and develop your own voice, or discover how to use photography as a personal documentary. If you can’t find the niche art form you’re looking for, just reach out and suggest it— there’s a good chance they’ll be curious!
Whistler
If you’ve never worked with stone before, don’t be intimidated! Once you get started, you’ll discover there’s often a zen-like moment whe you create by subtracting instead of adding. Carving away each layer, you’ll notice forms slowly coming into focus. It’s a meditative process where you can follow your natural intuition. A renowned gallery for their impressive carving displays, Fathom is the ideal place to pursue the craft. Their daily classes will give you a new piece of art you can display at home, and impress guests with. Start small with an hour-long pendant workshop, or move up to larger-scale projects where you can spend the afternoon.
Burnaby
Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre
Looking for a bit of cultural heritage with your expression? Join Nikkei to learn about the artistic traditions of Japan, while trying your hand at each of them. Try out the quiet flow of traditional calligraphy, or jump into the bombastic pomp of a traditional taiko drum group; this Burnaby spot has courses for whatever artistic phase you’re in. And for any green thumbs looking to flex their creativity, Nikkei even has a bonsai club.
Langley
Epiphany Neighbourhood Art School
Providing art leadership to the Langley area since 1991, Epiphany is known for its passionate instructors and accessible programs. Most classes are held in creative groups where all levels of artists can mingle and collaborate, but private instruction is also available. And if you’re unavailable to attend in person, you can participate in Zoom sessions on Wednesdays. Specialty courses include Chinese brush painting, art history, and acrylic landscape painting.
Surrey
When it comes to broadening creative perspectives, Surrey’s biggest art institution doesn’t disappoint! Their robust program of classes and events is a fantastic place to start if you’re looking to roll up your sleeves and try mediums like clay work, etching, and mixed media. They’ve also put together art takeout courses where participants can engage with video lessons and creative prompts to create at their own pace.
New West
Specializing in offering classes that promote inclusivity and expression in equal measure, Pottery Works has been cultivating community since opening their New West Quay-River Market retail space in 2012. Whether it’s catering to the needs neurodivergent artists or encouraging those with mobility challenges to take up clay work, you’ll feel the exciting spirit of art in every class here. Everyone is welcome in this vibrant program and participants will learn just as much about being social as they will about being creative.
There are many ways to get to these by transit. Visit TransLink’s Trip Planner to find your way.