Art is an embedded part of our culture here in Rhode Island. Thoughts of the Ocean State often bring to mind WaterFire, the RISD Museum, Gallery Night Providence, and a number of art festivals such as The Wickford Art Festival, The Scituate Art Festival, NecronomiCon PVD and PVD Fest.
It’s easy to understand how the artistic bug could bite with so many vibrant and exciting art-based events happening in our home state. If one is looking to scratch that creative itch, where might they turn to do that? Where can they go to crack what seems to be the magic code of creating their own artwork?
If you’re one of those people yearning to let your creative self loose and tap into the transformative power of creating art, you may find just the right place here in this sampling of great art organizations. From 2D (drawing, painting, printmaking, pastels) to 3D (sculpture, jewelry making, ceramics) you’re bound to find a class or workshop to tickle your artistic fancy.
Many places offer memberships that provide great benefits. Look up each organization for a more comprehensive list of what those are, as some are quite unique! Also, be sure to visit the websites of the following organizations for more in-depth information regarding specific class offerings and events.
Bristol County
Bristol Art Museum: Offers primarily 2D classes to adults. Varied Membership rates based on age and type. Benefits: Discounts on classes, art purchase discount and showing opportunities. 10 Wardwell St, Bristol. bristolartmuseum.org
Don’s Art Shop: Primarily 2D classes for adults. Weekly classes offered on Fridays. Free class after six taken. 543 Main St, Warren. donsartshop.com
Mudstone Studios: Offers classes for all skill levels/ages. Pottery and sculpting classes. One can become a member and have 24-hour access to facility. They offer drop-ins, open studios and a range of talented instructors for class instruction. 30 Cutler St, Warren. mudstonestudios.com
Kent County
Nancy Stephen Gallery: Offers primarily 2D classes for children and adults. Classes take place in the gallery building. 6 King St, East Greenwich. nancystephenartschool.com
Newport County
Jamestown Art Center: Offers classes for children and adults. 2D and 3D classes (including ceramics) offered. Movement workshops, such as yoga, taught as well as a variety of music, theater and spoken word events. Membership rates vary based on age/type of membership. Membership provides discounts on classes, events and showing opportunities. 18 Valley St, Jamestown. jamestownartcenter.org
Newport Art Museum: Classes offered for children and adults in 2D and 3D. Memberships available that provide a number of benefits, including class discounts and access to members’ exhibition. 76 Bellvue Ave, Newport. newportartmuseum.org
Portsmouth Arts Guild Center for the Arts: Offers 2D and 3D classes primarily for adults with a variety of artist educators. Memberships are offered (varied rates) and provide benefits such as free Open Studio Sunday classes, exhibition opportunities and class discounts. 2679 E Main Rd, Portsmouth. portsmoutharts.org
Providence County
Artists’ Exchange: Classes offered for children and adults including 2D and 3D classes (ceramics included) and paint and wine nights. The Artists’ Exchange is also home to a number of other arts-based programming and events. 50 Rolfe Sq, Cranston. artists-exchange.org
AS220 Youth: The AS220 Youth program offers a variety of classes for at-risk and beyond-risk youth aged 14 to 21. Membership and classes are free and include drawing, printmaking, cartooning and mural classes. 115 Empire St, PVD. youth.as220.org
Blue Door Studios: Offers a wide variety of classes (primarily 2D) for both children and adults. Discounts are offered for multiple children in one family taking a course. An annual registration fee is required to sign up for a class and is good for the year. 115 Pleasant View Ave, Smithfield. bluedoorartstudio.com
Dew Claw Studios: One must be 16 or older to take classes. Pottery and sculpture classes, as well as one night event workshops, offered. Membership provides access to studio when open, buying discounted supplies on account and access to sell in member sales. Class discounts given to members, as well. 545 Pawtucket Ave, Suite 106, Pawtucket. dewclawstudios.com
Dryden Gallery: Housed in Providence Picture Frame, classes are offered by local artist Kate Huntington. Tuesdays: 2-5 Portrait Class Thursdays: 2-5: Figure Drawing Class. All walk-in. Some guidance offered and groups are supportive and interactive. Primarily for adult students, but mature minors are welcome. 27 Dryden Ln, PVD. providencepictureframe.com
East Side Art Center: Offers 2D and 3D classes for adults and children. Classes regularly taught by Don and Carolyn Simon (owners) and a variety of rotating staff. In addition to classes, ESAC organizes overseas art trips. Offers discounts for multiple classes taken. 26 Rochambeau Ave, PVD. eastsideartcenter.com
Gather Glass: Offers a variety of classes and workshops working with glass. See them in action during Gallery Night Providence Events! 521 Atwells Ave, PVD. gatherglass.com
HeARTspot Art Center and Gallery: A wide range of programming for children and adults. HeARTspot features a variety of 2D and 3D classes and paint and wine nights. The center also includes a gallery and small artist consignment gift shop featuring the work of local artists and artisans. 1970 Pawtucket Av, East Providence. heartspotart.com
Providence Art Club: Offers a large variety of adult classes, primarily in 2D mediums. Members are given preference for seating in both classes and workshops. Most courses take place in the main facility in Providence. 11 Thomas St, PVD. providenceartclub.org
Rhode Island School of Design: Offers a wide range of classes (2D and 3D) for children and adults including continuing education classes. Classes housed on historic RISD campus with classes offered by professional artists, designers and makers. Some CEC classes have prerequisites. Varies depending on class. ce.risd.edu/search/courses
Rhode Island Watercolor Society: Offers mostly watercolor classes, but occasionally 2D mixed media as well. Adults only. Memberships entitle artists to class discounts and showing opportunities. Housed in a beautiful, historic location in Slater Park. 831 Armistice Blvd, Slater Memorial Pk, Pawtucket. riws.org
The Steel Yard: Those 15 and up interested in industrial arts classes (welding, blacksmithing, jewelry and ceramics) will find a variety of programming to dig into here. Students qualify for shared studio space use after completing course work to create their own art. The space houses long- and short-term lease residents as well as many events to provide inspiration. 27 Sims Ave, PVD. thesteelyard.org
Washington County
South County Art Association: Offers adult classes including pottery, painting and drawing. Members receive class discounts and have multiple exclusive display opportunities, discounts in gift shop and access to sell at holiday sale. 2587 Kingstown Rd., Kingstown. southcountyart.org
Wickford Art Association: Offers a variety of classes in 2D and 3D media, including jewelry-making classes. Primarily for adults. Classes offered in a space that doubles as a gallery as an inspiring environment. Memberships are available and vary based on age/type. Some benefits include discounted rates, opportunities to show work and discount on show fees. 36 Beach St, N. Kingstown. wickfordart.org
