We needed some happy creative time, so we looked for the 10 top-rated Calgary art classes.
I still remember the thrill of art class back in school—the smell of paint, the sound of brushes on canvas, and the joy of creating something from nothing. But as life got busier with work and responsibilities, I let my creative side slip away.
As an adult, I crave that outlet to release my creative juices and reconnect with my artistic roots. That’s why I embarked on a journey to find the best art classes in Calgary, and I’m excited to share my discoveries with you!
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking to try something new, these top-rated spots offer the perfect environment to unleash your creativity and have fun. So, if you’re ready to unleash your creativity, keep reading!
1. 4Cats Arts Studio
– Media credit: ambwrbro
Website: https://edgedaleartstudio.com/
Address: 34 Edgedale Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T3A 2R4, Canada
Contact details: +14032081423
Operating hours: 9 AM–4:30 PM
4Cats Arts Studio has various art classes for kids and adults, from painting and pottery to animation workshops. The best part is that the prices are super reasonable, usually ranging from $10 to $25 per class.
They even have cool deals like two-for-one class promotions, which is great if you’re on a budget. It’s a welcoming space with two big art rooms and all the needed materials.
I went to one of their pottery classes and had a blast making my ice cream bowl. The instructors were amazing, so knowledgeable, and supportive. They even offer take-home kits for those who want to keep creating at home.
The vibe at 4Cats is just perfect – lively and relaxed at the same time. They also host special events and themed parties, like splatter parties and seasonal workshops, which would be so much fun for groups.
Pro tip: Check their schedule online for any special promotions or themed events. This way, you can participate in unique experiences that will make your visit more fun! |
2. Vin Gogh
– Media credit: vingoghyyc
Website: http://www.vingogh.ca/
Address: 7160 Fisher St SE, Calgary, AB T2H 0W5, Canada
Contact details: +14034754644
Operating hours: 6:30–9:30 PM
Vin Gogh is such a cool place where you can paint and enjoy a glass of wine or beer at the same time. Talented artists guide the classes, and you can create your masterpiece on a 16” x 20” canvas.
The studio provides all the necessary materials, including canvases, paints, brushes, and even aprons to keep you clean.
I also really liked the cozy vibe and the delicious food options they offer, like charcuterie boards and flatbreads that go perfectly with the drinks.
The instructors were super friendly and supportive. The studio is bright and modern, with a cool artistic vibe. They also host special events and themed nights, adding extra excitement to the whole experience.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to bring your snacks! While they provide drinks, having some tasty treats on hand can make your painting session more enjoyable and personal. |
3. Raw Canvas
– Media credit: rawcanvasyyc
Website: http://rawcanvas.ca/
Address: 609 Confluence Way SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0G1, Canada
Contact details: +15874331131
Operating hours: 12–9 PM
Raw Canvas is a cool art lounge where you can let your creative juices flow while chilling out in a relaxed atmosphere. They offer various art classes, from paint nights to cooking and yoga sessions.
They have a fully stocked bar where you can sip on cocktails and munch on snacks while creating. The furniture is all movable, so the space can be set up just right for whatever class is going on.
My favorite part has to be the paint nights. It’s not just about painting; it’s about having a blast with others and creating awesome memories. Plus, the atmosphere is so laid-back and inviting that it gets the creativity flowing.
They also host special events like themed paint nights and workshops, so there’s always something fun going on. It’s the perfect spot for a night out with friends or solo adventurers looking to meet new people.
Pro tip: Don’t miss out on their “Sip & Paint” sessions! They encourage you to bring your favorite snacks or even a dish to share with others, which adds a personal touch to the experience and fosters community among participants. |
4. Pinnovate
– Media credit: pinnovate
Website: http://www.pinnovate.ca/
Address: 137 Mahogany Plaza SE, Calgary, AB T3M 2P8, Canada
Contact details: +14032789065
Operating hours: 10 AM–7 PM
Pinnovate is like an art wonderland for kids and families. They offer cool art classes, like painting, sketching, and crafting, for kids aged 4 to 17. The best part is that they have a year-round program that helps young artists develop their skills.
As you walk in, you’re greeted by this colorful space filled with art supplies and projects. They’ve even got private event spaces for birthdays and a food and drink menu so that you can make a day out of it.
I personally loved the guided painting class I took there—I got to unleash my inner artist while snacking on some yummy treats. The staff there, who call themselves “Pinnovators,” are so friendly and are always there to help out.
If you’re thinking of checking it out, keep an eye out for their seasonal events and themed workshops. It’s such a cool spot, whether you’re planning a birthday party or just want to drop in for some crafting fun.
Pro tip: Check out the DIY Craft Wall! It’s stocked with ideas and materials that can inspire spontaneous projects. You can grab supplies and create something entirely new on the spot—it’s a fantastic way to explore your artistic side without any prior planning! |
5. Leading Edge Art Workshops
– Media credit: theresawilliamsart
Website: http://www.greatartworkshops.com/
Address: 1911 Spiller Rd SE #28, Calgary, AB T2G 4G5, Canada
Contact details: +14032337389
Leading Edge Art Workshops offer classes for people of every skill level, from beginners to seasoned artists. You can try painting, pottery, mixed media, and more.
The best part is that the classes are designed to help you express yourself while honing your technical skills.
They’ve got everything you need, from top-notch art supplies to pottery wheels and easels. I loved the community vibe; everyone was open to sharing ideas and collaborating.
The pottery classes were my favorite. I got to mold clay into unique pieces while chatting with other art enthusiasts. It felt like a second home, honestly.
The whole atmosphere at Leading Edge is just so relaxed and inspiring. They even host special events like art shows and community exhibitions, which add to the space’s vibrant culture.
Pro tip: Don’t miss out on their “Open Studio” nights! These sessions allow you to work on personal projects, have access to all their tools and materials, and mingle with other artists! |
6. Paint Ur Art Out
– Media credit: paint_urartout
Website: http://www.painturartout.com/
Address: 1510 7 St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1A7, Canada
Contact details: +15872101377
Operating hours: 11 AM–5 PM
Paint Ur Art Out offers many art classes for people of all ages and skill levels. They offer everything from traditional painting to pottery, dreamcatcher art, and even soap-making.
I love that they’re all about nurturing creativity, especially among young artists. They have these awesome kids’ art camps where kids can explore different types of art.
The best part is that the classes are small, so everyone gets personalized attention and can grow their artistic skills in a supportive environment.
One of my favorite things I did there was a collaborative painting session where everyone worked on a big canvas together. It was such a blast and a great way to connect with other artists while creating something beautiful.
Pro tip: Bring an old shirt or apron—trust me, you’ll want to protect your clothes because the creative process can get messy! |
7. Glass House Xperience
– Media credit: glasshousexperience
Website: http://www.ghxperience.com/
Address: 61 Brightonwoods Green SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 0V8, Canada
Contact details: +14034622651
Operating hours: 9 AM–6 PM
Glass House Xperience offers classes on making beautiful glass pieces, including drinkware, jewelry, and even memorial keepsakes. The owner, Mandy Patchin, is passionate about what she does, and it shows in the classes and the pieces they make.
When you walk into Glass House Xperience, you’re welcomed by lots of natural light coming in through these big windows. They’ve got all the tools you need to work with glass, like blowpipes and annealing ovens.
One of the coolest things is that you can even have a private shopping experience and buy some of the amazing glassware made right there in the studio.
I loved how hands-on the classes were. Working with molten glass was so exciting, and seeing my creations come to life with Mandy’s guidance was awesome!
Pro tip: Don’t miss the chance to ask Mandy about her favorite techniques or stories from her journey in glass art—her insights can add a personal touch to your experience that you won’t find anywhere else! |
8. Neon Milkshake Art Studio
– Media credit: neonmilkshake.yyc
Website: http://www.neonmilkshake.com/
Address: 7640 Fairmount Dr SE #3, Calgary, AB T2H 0X9, Canada
Contact details: +14032005760
Operating hours: 9 AM–3:30 PM
Neon Milkshake Art Studios offers adult drawing, painting, and youth art classes. The best part is that the class sizes are small, so you get personalized guidance from the instructors.
When you walk into Neon Milkshake, you’ll see that the studio has all the tools you need for your creative projects. They even provide supplies for kids’ classes, which is super convenient.
I loved that they encourage experimenting with mixed media techniques, so it’s not just your traditional painting studio.
The atmosphere there is so relaxed and inspiring, with colorful artwork everywhere. They also host special events and workshops, allowing deeper dives into specific art forms, so it’s a great way to meet fellow artists.
Pro tip: Take advantage of their drop-in class options; it’s a great way to try different mediums without committing to a full course immediately. Just remember to call ahead to check availability—this place tends to fill quickly! |
9. The Paper & Ink Boutique
– Media credit: thepaperandinkboutique
Website: https://www.paperandinkboutique.com/
Address: 5330 72 Ave SE #171, Calgary, AB T2C 4X5, Canada
Contact details: +15876206305
Operating hours: 10 AM–4 PM
The Paper & Ink Boutique is an awesome spot founded by Julia and Glenn in 2018. They offer all kinds of cool classes for art lovers, such as scrapbooking, card making, mixed media, and art journaling.
The vibe is super welcoming, becoming a rub for Calgary’s crafting community. When you walk in, you’re greeted with these well-organized crafting spaces stocked with all the necessary tools and materials.
The best part is the hands-on workshops where you can let your creativity run wild with other crafters. The staff is supportive and ready to share tips and tricks to take your crafting to the next level.
They have a bunch of unique supplies you won’t find anywhere else, so you can make your projects your own. They’re always hosting special events and themed workshops, so there’s always something new and exciting going on.
Pro tip: Don’t miss out on their “Make & Take” sessions, where you can try out new techniques and create something beautiful to take home while mingling with fellow crafters! |
10. Midlake Art Studio
– Media credit: midlakeartstudio
Website: http://tracygardner.ca/
Address: 9510 114 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T1X 0G8, Canada
Contact details: +15872281553
Operating hours: 10 AM–1 PM
Midlake Art Studio offers a variety of classes, from painting to digital art, so there’s something for everyone. The atmosphere is super welcoming, and you can feel the creativity in the air.
The artwork on the walls is inspiring, and it’s a great space to unwind and connect with other art lovers. The studio is fully equipped with everything you need, and they even have specialized tools for different projects.
I had a blast experimenting with resin art during one of their sessions. The instructors are experienced and encourage you to explore your creativity.
I found it cool that the place is not just about classes; they also host workshops and events that bring the local art community together.
Pro tip: Bring a sketchbook; it’s a great way to capture inspiration from the studio’s creative environment and the artwork around you. Plus, you never know when an idea might strike! |