Creativity is proven to help manage stress, and improve your mood. It’s also a way to meet new people or bond with old friends. Here is our list of ways to get your artistic juices flowing in Philly and surrounding areas for the 18 and over crowd.
photos: @taconylabartcenter, @nextfab_ phl, @ucartsleague, @mainlineartcenter
All in One Center
There are a number of centers and organizations that offer all types of classes, from painting to movement and dance. Check out the extensive offerings at one of these nearby locations.
Tacony Lab
Where: Tacony, Philadelphia
What to expect: This is one of the best secrets of Tacony, and guess what?? You don’t have to live there to visit frequently. They have art and maker resources such as looms, sewing machines, and photography equipment that are available to use. The equipment is free of charge during open studio hours. Ongoing structured classes are also free of charge, supporting their mission that “Art is for Everybody.” Most classes are held at the Tacony Lab in the center on Toresdale Ave, while others are held at the historic Glen Foerd House.
Next Fab
Where: North Philadelphia and South Philadelphia
What to expect: These guys cover it all. Long-term artist studio space is available for rent which includes access to NextFab’s tools, education, and maintained shop space. For folks interested in learning a skill or two, you can sign up for classes that run the gamut of woodworking, leatherwork, jewelry, sewing, welding, and metal fabrication. Becoming a member or renter provides a reduced rate on classes and online tools and template access. If you are even a little bit curious, sign up for a tour of the facilities and take a look around.
University City Arts League
Where: West Philadelphia
What to expect: Each semester’s class catalog is jam-packed. Offering pottery, painting, upcycling fashion design, and contemporary movement to name a few. Most classes run for about 6 weeks and meet once a week. In addition, there are often workshops that are more intensive and shorter.
Main Line Arts Center
Where: Haverford, PA
What to expect: Illustration, drawing, painting, pottery, and jewelry taught by masters are just some of the classes offered this spring. Both day and evening sessions, as well as online classes and workshops are available. A sprinkling of tuition-free classes are in the schedule as well.
photos: @pafacademy, @fleisherart, @woodmereart, @studioincamminati
ART
Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA)
Where: Center City, Philadelphia
What to expect: True artists will find it difficult to decide which adult education class to sign up for. As the name suggests, the medium is fine arts. Think oils, charcoal, watercolor, and art appreciation. Online and in-person classes are offered.
Fleisher Art Memorial
Where: South Philadelphia
What to expect: Leaning towards contemporary art vibes, you’ll join classmates in collage, jewelry casting, photography, woodcutting, and painting. While many classes are geared toward the more experienced artists, beginners will also find options that will get them started.
Woodmere Art Museum
Where: Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia
What to expect: Painting, drawing, and sculpture are the focus at Woodmere. Beginners and long-time artists will find the exact class they are looking for. Sharpen your perspective skills, learn the basics of oil painting, or investigate basic color theory. Held in person and online.
Studio Incamminati
Where: South Philadelphia
What to expect: Realist drawing, painting or sculpture classes run for 10 consecutive weeks. Professional artists lead small and intensive groups. Stay connected and up to date with seasonal classes by signing up for their email list.
photos: @misterjohnsmusic, @philagmc, @settlementmusic, @schoolofrock
Music And Writing
Mister John's Music
Where: Italian Market, Philadelphia
What to expect: Our very own Kate Kyle joined the chorus at Mister John’s Music and absolutely loved it! If singing isn’t your thing but learning an instrument is they do that too! Classes are BYOB so let those inhibitions loose and become the star you were meant to be!
Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus
Where: Center City, Philadelphia
What to expect: You’ll need to audition (held in Dec and Aug) to join this chorus. Once you’re in, you’ll be part of a top-notch talented community. Although “men” is in the name, PGMC prides itself on being an inclusive organization and welcomes members of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions. If you want to be part of the magic but can’t hold a tune, there are other volunteer opportunities to get involved.
Settlement Music School
Where: Various locations: Germantown, Kardon-Northeast, Willow Grove, and Queen Village, Philadelphia
What to expect: Private lessons are available for just about every instrument (including the harpsichord!). If you’re an intermediate player and looking to meet other musicians consider signing up for the Jazz Ensemble.
School of Rock
Where: Callowhill, Philadelphia, Fort Washington, PA, Cherry Hill, NJ, and other nearby locations
What to expect: Open to those who may be looking to improve their licks or have never picked up an instrument. You’ll partake in one private lesson a week and one weekly group rehearsal. Everyone is placed in a band and will learn specific songs which are then performed at a live show!
Writers Workshop with Patricia Noonan
Where: Online
What to expect: Offering workshops geared towards women who are looking to jumpstart their next chapter, reconnect with their creativity, and rediscover their voice on the page. Patricia also offers coaching in acting, sessions for nailing your audition and script writing.
photos: @sawubonacreativity, @philly_circus, @thesavoycompany, @oldacademyplayers
Theatre ANd Performance
Sawubona Creativy Project
Where: South Philadelphia
What to expect: Recently opened in February 2023, this is a spot to watch. Designed as a theatre for creative arts, mental well-being, and advocacy. Stay tuned for adult classes and workshops focused on performance and improvisation. All supporting growth and mental health. Future plans include offering space for productions and performances.
The Savoy Company
Where: Norristown, PA
What to expect: The oldest amateur theatre company in the world dedicated to producing performances of Gilbert and Sullivan. Join the theatre world as an actor, scene painter, or wardrobe. All participants are volunteers. Sign up for their newsletter for show news and company announcements.
Old Academy Players
Where: East Falls, PA
What to expect: Exactly what you want community theatre to be. A sweet cozy 100-seat theatre with a robust production repertoire. Open auditions are posted, with scripts and roles on their website. If you are a theatre lover but not a performer, rent the entire theatre for $500 and get a private showing for your friends and family!
Philadelphia School of Circus Arts
Where: Germantown, Philadelphia
What to expect: Fly high on the trapeze or down low with lyra. Learn fabric, pole, flexibility, and rope work. You can sign up for unlimited classes, single drop-ins, or class packs.
photos: @philadelphiafurnitureworkshop, @mlwoodworking_classes, @eastfallsglassworks
Woodworking and Glass
Philadelphia Furniture Workshop
Where: Germantown, Philadelphia
What to expect: Workshop courses are designed to introduce the total beginner to woodworking by presenting material around a specific project. At the moment you can make anything from small bandsaw boxes to a gorgeous cherry side table.
ML Woodworking
Where: East Kensington, Philadelphia
What to expect: Project-based classes that last a number of weeks are popular here. They also offer private lessons and a class focused on bringing your designs to reality. Day session workshops are where you craft a project from beginning to end. Woodworkers renting workspace have access to the shop’s tools and machines.
East Falls Glassworks
Where: East Falls, Philadelphia
What to expect: Special workshops and classes that are geared towards absolute beginners and more experienced blowers. Workshops let you walk away with a glass, ornament, or bowl. Multi-week classes will cover safety, technique, and blown forms as the class continues. If you’re crowd adverse, you can even sign up for one-on-one classes. Studio rental includes the use of tools, color box, and tables.
photos: @yayclay, @theclaystudio, @neighborhoodpotters
Pottery
Yay Clay!
Where: Port Richmond, Philadelphia
What to expect: Clay dates are a fun introduction to wheel throwing. After a 2-hour class, you’ll have a new mug, bowl, or trinket of your choice. You don’t go home with it right away, they will fire it and then give you a ring when ready. For a more intensive experience sign up for an 8-week class. Memberships allow you access to open studio hours.
The Clay Studio
Where: East Kensington, Philadelphia
What to expect: A brand new building with shiny well equipped studios! Learn hand building or wheel throwing for all levels in a 9-week class. Attend a date night or daytime workshop for a quick immersive experience.
Neighborhood Potters
Where: Fairmount and Brewerytown, Philadelphia
What to expect: Meet and Make Fridays provide a social meet-up and the opportunity to get some mud on your hands. You’ll construct a piece and pick it up once glazed. Multi-week wheel-throwing and hand-building classes are held on weekday evenings.
photos: @fabricworkshop, @butchersewshop, @made_institute, @weaverhouseco, @loopyarn
Fashion, Fabric, and Yarn
Fabric Workshop and Museum
Where: Old City, Philadelphia
What to expect: Artist talks, peek at behind-the-scenes collections, and hands-on workshops are all part of the criteria offered. Think dying fabric with botanicals, screen printing, and mending circles. For inspo check out their rotating Artists-in-Residence program.
Butchers Sew Shop
Where: Bella Vista, Philadelphia
What to expect: Online and in-person opportunities. Sign up for a series of classes based on a theme like Garment Basics, Learning to Sew, and Fitting Techniques. Weekend Workshops are crash courses- walk away with a garment or item.
Made Institute
Where: Callowhill, Philadelphia
What to expect: For beginners to experienced designers. Offering a wide range of courses from Sewing Essentials, Fashion Illustration, Digital Arts, and Patternmaking. If you have experience take a Master Class in tailoring or bodice construction. One-day (or evening) workshops are designed to get you inspired!
Weaver House
Where: South Philadelphia
What to expect: If you have always been lured by the call of the loom, you have found your people. With beginner and advanced classes offered in all aspects of weaving, you’ll find everything to learn and perfect your techniques.
Loop
Where: Graduate Hospital, Philadelphia
What to expect: Knitting levels 1,2,3 allow a base to move on to the more experienced classes. Make patterns you’ll actually want to wear. Don’t miss out on the two-session class that shows you how to fix knitting mistakes, a must for every knitter. They also offer private lessons M-F.
The Philadelphia Guild of Handweavers (PGHW)
Where: Manayunk and various locations
What to expect: Sewing, knitting, felting, natural dying, stitching, spinning, and all things fiber arts! Becoming a member of PGHW (only $35/year for adults and discounts for students and 65+) gives you the opportunity to join one of their several interest groups where you can explore your passions in fiber arts. Members also receive one on one mentoring, access to renting a large inventory of spinning and weaving equipment, and more! If membership is too much of a commitment, they offer workshops and events that are open to all (with discounts for members).
photos: top row | @tuft_the_world, @durossandlangel, @loomenlabs | bottom row: @craftfoundry, @hudsontable, @lovenfreshflowers
Get Crafty With One-Time Activities
Tuff the World
Where: Kingsessing, Philadelphia
What to expect: One 4-hour session where you learn the basics of tufting. You’ll set up the frame, thread, and operate the tufting machine. You’ll also learn how to cut, glue, and finish your piece once you are home. Use your imagination to create the pattern and take your frame and piece home at the end of class.
Duross and Langel
Where: Center City, Philadelphia
What to expect: Make candles, your own beauty products, or luscious-smelling soaps. To learn the process you’ll make real products that will be carried in the store. The second half of class will be to create your very own take-home product(s) from the skills you learned.
Loomen Labs
Where: Queen Village, Philadelphia
What to expect: Make your own eco candle. You can even bring back the vessel from your previous session and make a new one! Good for groups or just bring your friend. They offer fun non-alcoholic seltzers but you are also welcome to BYOB.
Craft Foundry
Where: Fishtown, Philadelphia
What to expect: One-day classes that include Macrame Wall Hanging, Creative Greeting Cards, and Jewelry Making. Classes are always being updated so keep an eye on their Instagram for new announcements.
Hudson Table
Where: Northern Liberties, Philadelphia
What to expect: Cooking classes for all specialties- vegan, veggie, meat lovers, and those with a sweet tooth. They even have a Chef vs. Chef competition where you get to be the judge! Rotating classes with seasonal themes sell out quickly so sign up now for a future date night.
LoveNFresh Flowers
Where: Upper Roxborough, Philadelphia
What to expect: Floral FUNdemental Workshops teach the basics of floral design. Held on the farm, you’ll use flowers directly raised on the grounds! Classes are for beginners. They also offer true professionals a collaborative Floral Cohort that allows florists to learn, grow and support each other.
Other Resources
Turn to these resources for individuals or small businesses that host workshops and classes outside of the traditional brick-and-mortar locations.
Eventbrite
You can find a workshop based on just about anything. Candle making, cooking, printmaking, art, music, stained glass, dancing, the world is your oyster.
Airbnb
Offering so much more than places to stay. Check out the in-person experiences tab in your local area and find art tours and cooking classes. There are online options too that open you up to the world.
Philly Fun Guide
On a recent peek, we found Belly Dancing, Harmonica Lessons, and Art History courses.
This is only the tip of the iceberg for opportunities Philly and the nearby suburbs have to offer. While you’re out touring homes, be sure to ask your Philly Home Girls’ agent for suggestions in the neighborhood!
