Art Classes in Atlanta, Georgia: Where to Learn, Create, and Explore

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.

What Kind of Art Classes Can You Find in Atlanta?

Across Atlanta, you can expect to find:

• Drawing and painting (acrylic, oil, watercolor, gouache)
• Ceramics and pottery
• Printmaking and mixed media
• Digital art and illustration
• Photography and darkroom work
• Sculpture and 3D design
• Textile arts (fiber arts, quilting, fabric design)
• Kids’ and teen art programs
• Portfolio preparation for high school and college applications

Most programs are offered in these formats:

• One-time workshops (good for trying something new)
• Weekly class series (4–10 weeks)
• Drop-in sessions (especially open studio or figure drawing)
• Camps (often for kids and teens during school breaks)

Major Atlanta Institutions That Offer Art Classes

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.

Atlanta’s Museums and Art Centers

These organizations are good starting points if you’re new to the city or to art classes.

High Museum of Art – Adult & Youth Classes

The High Museum of Art in Midtown regularly offers:

• Adult studio classes: drawing, painting, mixed media
• Youth and teen art classes
• Workshops related to current exhibitions

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:

• Want to combine museum visits with instruction
• Prefer structured, curriculum-based learning
• Enjoy connecting class lessons to major works of art

Atlanta Contemporary – Workshops and Programs

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:

• Creative adults who enjoy experimental or contemporary art
• People interested in combining classes with artist talks and exhibitions

Location: 535 Means St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 (near the Westside/Marietta St arts corridor).

Chastain Arts Center & Gallery (City of Atlanta)

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:

• Ceramics and pottery
• Drawing and painting
• Printmaking
• Youth and teen classes
• Summer camps

Location:
Chastain Arts Center
135 W Wieuca Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30342
Phone: (404) 252-2927

Chastain often appeals to:

• Residents in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and north Atlanta
• People who want community-center pricing and a relaxed environment

Other City-Operated Art Programs

The City of Atlanta and Fulton County sometimes support arts programming at:

• Neighborhood recreation centers
• Senior centers
• Library locations (occasional one-day workshops)

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.

Community Art Schools and Nonprofits

Atlanta has several nonprofit and community-focused art centers that specialize in ongoing classes.

Spruill Center for the Arts (North Metro Area)

Located just outside central Atlanta in Dunwoody, the Spruill Center for the Arts is a major hub for:

• Adult and youth classes
• Drawing, painting, ceramics, jewelry-making, photography, and more
• Daytime, evening, and weekend sessions

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 Fine Arts Center

Callanwolde, located in Druid Hills, is a historic estate turned arts center. It frequently offers:

• Visual arts classes: drawing, painting, ceramics, photography
• Youth and teen programs
• Seasonal workshops and camps

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.

Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System – Free & Introductory Workshops

While not a full art school, Atlanta-Fulton libraries sometimes host:

• Free introductory art workshops
• Craft and drawing sessions for kids and families
• Teen art clubs or maker sessions

Central Library downtown and larger branch locations tend to offer the most robust programming. To find these:

• Search events by branch and filter by “art” or “craft”
• Call your local branch and ask about hands-on art programs

This is a strong option if you want low-commitment, low-cost opportunities to test your interest.

Private Studios and Specialized Art Classes in Atlanta

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:

Drawing and Painting Studios

You’ll see independent instructors and studios across neighborhoods like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Grant Park, and West Midtown offering:

• Beginner drawing and sketching
• Oil and acrylic painting
• Watercolor workshops
• Figure drawing sessions (often open studio with a model)

These studios typically offer:

• Small class sizes, usually evenings or weekends
• Drop-in sessions, especially for life drawing
• Instruction tailored to adults, sometimes with separate youth sections

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 and Pottery Studios

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:

• Wheel-throwing classes
• Hand-building and sculpture
• Glazing workshops
• Open studio memberships for independent practice

Typical features:

• Intro courses (often 4–8 weeks) for beginners
• All tools and firing included in class fees
• Limited space; spots can fill quickly

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.

Kids’ and Teen Art Studios

Many neighborhoods in Atlanta host children’s art studios that specialize in:

• After-school art classes
• Weekend workshops
• Summer art camps
• Portfolio-building for high schoolers applying to arts programs

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:

• Coordinates after-school pickup from nearby schools
• Offers early drop-off/late pickup during camp weeks

College and Continuing-Education Art Classes in Atlanta

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):

• Georgia State University (GSU) – In downtown Atlanta, with historically strong fine arts programs. Some community-oriented or continuing-ed style workshops may be available.
• Georgia Tech – More focused on design and technology, but occasionally supports digital media and design-related workshops through campus organizations.
• Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD Atlanta) – Primarily degree programs, but the presence of SCAD in Atlanta contributes to an active local art culture and events. Occasionally there may be community or youth programs.

These options are best suited if you:

• Prefer a structured academic environment
• Are considering building a portfolio for further study
• Want to work in fields like illustration, animation, or design

Before committing, check whether a class is open to non-degree-seeking community members and confirm:

• Tuition and fees
• Required materials
• Campus parking or transit options

Typical Costs and What to Expect

Prices vary across Atlanta, but you can use this general range for planning:

These are approximate ranges. For city-operated programs (like Chastain Arts Center), fees are often lower, especially if you are a city resident.

How to Choose the Right Art Class in Atlanta

When narrowing down your options, it helps to consider:

1. Your Skill Level and Goals

Ask yourself:

• Are you brand new to art?
• Do you want to build a serious portfolio, or just unwind after work?
• Are you more interested in craft and hands-on making, or in drawing and painting fundamentals?

For beginners, look for descriptions like:

• “Intro,” “fundamentals,” or “beginner-friendly”
• Mentions of no experience required
• Clear explanation of what you’ll learn (basic shading, color mixing, wheel-throwing basics, etc.)

If you’re intermediate or advanced, check:

• Instructor background (professional practice, teaching experience)
• Whether the class includes critique and individual feedback
• Access to specialized materials or equipment (printing presses, kilns, digital labs)

2. Neighborhood and Transportation

Traffic in Atlanta can be a major factor. When choosing a class, consider:

• How far it is from your home or workplace
• Whether it’s near a MARTA station or bus line
• Parking availability, especially in Midtown, Decatur, and along the BeltLine

For example:

• If you live in Buckhead or North Atlanta, Chastain Arts Center or Spruill may be easier to reach.
• If you’re in Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, or Cabbagetown, you might look for studios near the Eastside BeltLine or in Downtown/Decatur.
• For Westside and Downtown residents, Atlanta Contemporary area studios and West Midtown spaces may be most convenient.

3. Schedule and Commitment Level

Many Atlantans juggle long commutes and varied work hours. Look at:

• Evening vs. daytime classes
• Weekend-only options
• Length of commitment (one-day vs. 6–8 weeks)

If your schedule is unpredictable, drop-in workshops or short series may be a better fit than long, sequential courses.

4. Materials and Extra Costs

Before you register, ask:

• Are materials included, or do you need to buy your own supplies?
• If not included, is there a required supply list?
• For ceramics, are clay, glazes, and firing covered by the class fee?

For beginners, classes that include materials can simplify the process and make your first experience less overwhelming.

Where to Find Current Art Class Listings in Atlanta

Offerings change frequently, but these are reliable ways to find updated information:

• Official institution websites

  • High Museum of Art (education/studio class sections)
  • Chastain Arts Center (City of Atlanta)
  • Callanwolde Fine Arts Center
  • Spruill Center for the Arts

• Local event and activity listings

  • Neighborhood social media groups (e.g., in Decatur, Grant Park, Westside)
  • Community bulletin boards at coffee shops and local businesses near arts districts

• Libraries and community centers

  • Ask staff at the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library or your local recreation center about any upcoming free or low-cost art programs.

When you find a class that interests you, it’s smart to:

1. Call or email to confirm current availability and pricing.
2. Ask about age ranges, skill levels, and class size limits.
3. Check whether a trial session or single-class option is available if you’re unsure.

Tips for Making the Most of Art Classes in Atlanta

A few practical pointers:

• Arrive early for the first session to find parking, locate the studio, and get settled.
• Wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy, especially for painting and ceramics.
• Let the instructor know your experience level and goals; many will adjust feedback accordingly.
• If you enjoy a class, ask about next-step courses or open studio time to keep building your skills.
• Keep an eye on seasonal schedules—Atlanta programs often shift offerings in the summer and around major holidays.

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.