Atlanta has a thriving arts scene, and that shows in the wide range of art classes available across the city. Whether you’re a complete beginner, a parent looking for kids’ programs, or an experienced artist wanting to refine your skills, you’ll find options in nearly every neighborhood.
This guide walks through where to take art classes in Atlanta, Georgia, what types of classes are available, approximate price ranges, and how to choose the right program for your schedule, budget, and goals.
Across Atlanta, you can expect to find:
Most programs are offered in these formats:
Several large, well-established institutions in Atlanta run ongoing art programs that are relatively easy to find, enroll in, and access by transit or car.
These organizations are good starting points if you’re new to the city or to art classes.
The High Museum of Art in Midtown regularly offers:
Classes typically take place at the High Museum’s campus in Midtown Atlanta near 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309. Schedules and offerings change seasonally, so most people check the High’s current program list before choosing a course.
These classes often focus on fundamentals and art appreciation, making them a good fit if you:
Atlanta Contemporary in Westside offers rotating workshops, talks, and community art programs. While it may not have the same volume of weekly classes as a larger studio school, it’s a strong choice for:
Location: 535 Means St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 (near the Westside/Marietta St arts corridor).
The Chastain Arts Center is one of Atlanta’s oldest community art centers, operated by the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation. It typically offers:
Location:
Chastain Arts Center
135 W Wieuca Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30342
Phone: (404) 252-2927
Chastain often appeals to:
The City of Atlanta and Fulton County sometimes support arts programming at:
For low-cost options, it’s often worth calling Atlanta Parks and Recreation or checking the Fulton County Arts & Culture program list for current offerings.
Atlanta has several nonprofit and community-focused art centers that specialize in ongoing classes.
Located just outside central Atlanta in Dunwoody, the Spruill Center for the Arts is a major hub for:
Location (Education Center):
5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd
Dunwoody, GA 30338
Phone: (770) 394-3447
Spruill is especially useful if you live or work on the north side of the metro area and want structured, multi-week courses.
Callanwolde, located in Druid Hills, is a historic estate turned arts center. It frequently offers:
Location:
Callanwolde Fine Arts Center
980 Briarcliff Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30306
Phone: (404) 872-5338
People often choose Callanwolde for its scenic campus, variety of art forms, and family-friendly schedule options.
While not a full art school, Atlanta-Fulton libraries sometimes host:
Central Library downtown and larger branch locations tend to offer the most robust programming. To find these:
This is a strong option if you want low-commitment, low-cost opportunities to test your interest.
In addition to large institutions, Atlanta has many private art studios that focus on specific mediums or audiences. Offerings change more often at this level, but these are the types of studios you’ll commonly find:
You’ll see independent instructors and studios across neighborhoods like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Grant Park, and West Midtown offering:
These studios typically offer:
When searching, look for phrases like “adult art classes Atlanta,” “figure drawing Atlanta,” or “watercolor classes Atlanta.” Location and parking or MARTA access are worth checking if you’ll attend regularly.
Ceramics has become very popular in Atlanta. In many areas—such as Candler Park, East Atlanta, West Midtown, and the BeltLine corridor—you can find:
Typical features:
If you commute or work along particular corridors (I-20, I-75/85, GA-400), it can be helpful to seek a ceramics studio along your usual route to keep travel manageable.
Many neighborhoods in Atlanta host children’s art studios that specialize in:
Look for studios in Decatur, Virginia-Highland, Kirkwood, Westside, and Buckhead, as these areas often have kid-focused spaces. If you need consistent care coverage, check whether a studio:
If you want more formal instruction, several area colleges and universities around Atlanta offer non-degree or continuing-education art classes (when programs are active):
These options are best suited if you:
Before committing, check whether a class is open to non-degree-seeking community members and confirm:
Prices vary across Atlanta, but you can use this general range for planning:
| Type of Class / Program | Typical Cost Range (Atlanta Area) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| One-time workshop (2–3 hours) | $30–$90+ | Often includes basic materials; specialty workshops cost more. |
| Multi-week community art center class (4–8 weeks) | $120–$350+ | City-run centers can be at the lower end. |
| Private studio multi-week course | $200–$450+ | Smaller class sizes; may include studio use. |
| Kids’ weekly classes | $20–$40+ per session | Some studios bill by term, not by class. |
| Summer art camps (kids/teens) | $200–$500+ per week | Varies by hours per day and materials provided. |
| Open studio / drop-in figure drawing | $10–$25+ per session | Usually pay-per-session; model fee often included. |
These are approximate ranges. For city-operated programs (like Chastain Arts Center), fees are often lower, especially if you are a city resident.
When narrowing down your options, it helps to consider:
Ask yourself:
For beginners, look for descriptions like:
If you’re intermediate or advanced, check:
Traffic in Atlanta can be a major factor. When choosing a class, consider:
For example:
Many Atlantans juggle long commutes and varied work hours. Look at:
If your schedule is unpredictable, drop-in workshops or short series may be a better fit than long, sequential courses.
Before you register, ask:
For beginners, classes that include materials can simplify the process and make your first experience less overwhelming.
Offerings change frequently, but these are reliable ways to find updated information:
Official institution websites
Local event and activity listings
Libraries and community centers
When you find a class that interests you, it’s smart to:
A few practical pointers:
Living in or visiting Atlanta gives you access to a wide spectrum of art classes, from formal museum and college settings to relaxed neighborhood studios and city-run community centers. By focusing on your goals, schedule, budget, and where in the metro area you spend most of your time, you can find an art class in Atlanta, Georgia that fits the way you live and create.
