Milwaukee, WI

In 2001, the Santiago Calatrava Quadracci Pavilion of the Milwaukee Art Museum drew attention to our fair city as a place where art really can and does happen. The city is also home to the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, and even UW-Milwaukee offers graduate programs in fine arts. But aside from the colleges and tech schools, what does Milwaukee offer as far as art classes for the average person?

Lots, if you look hard enough.

The Milwaukee Art Museum itself features a number of classes and lectures both on technique as well as art appreciation. Prices are not at all out of line for the calibur of class offered, and the offerings are unusual and interesting - definitely worth a periodic visit to the Museum’s website.

Artist and Display, the north side’s finest art supply store, features an ecclectic offering of classes, from staples like watercolor and colored pencil to the more unusual such as art clay silver crafting and versals. The prices vary wildly and may reach beyond the budget of students and retirees, but the unique subjects make them the only game in town for many of the featured classes. Artist and Display also offers a number of children’s art classes.

Greenfield News and Hobby on Layton offers a very practical selection of art classes on a regular basis, including airbrushing, watercolors, and calligraphy. The prices are more than reasonable, and there are even a number of free art classes such as model kit building, designed with kids in mind.

Michael’s Craft stores, which are located all over Milwaukee, typically feature some basic art and cake decorating classes at low costs. The classes vary by location, and schedules are available at the individual stores.

Occasionally, even the Classes section of the local Craigslist features some art-related gems. While that option is hit-or-miss, it is worth the occasional browse.

There are art classes in Milwaukee for every taste and every budget if you look hard enough.

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Mental & Emotional Health