Art Classes to Shake Up Your Winter

For art lovers and artists alike, missing performances and gatherings this winter has been challenging, to say the least. Virtual performances and live-streaming events can help break the cycle of indoor activities, but for those times when you want to shake up your own energy and get involved in something new, taking a class or a workshop is a fantastic way to do that. Art experiences can entertain and bring joy, but they can also teach a lot about new ideas and topics that might just spark your creativity for this next stretch of the pandemic. Below, we’re listing classes and one-time seminars that can allow you to get in on the action of your favorite types of art, start a new hobby, and connect with passionate learners with similar interests.

For more, check out the ArtsBoston Calendar for an extensive look at what’s happening in your local arts scene.

VISUAL ARTS

The Umbrella Arts Center

Concord’s Umbrella Arts Center has been offering many visual arts classes this year, spanning from online, multi-week explorations in watercolors and oil paints to one-time in-person workshops like this weekend’s Art & Nature Valentine’s Day Workshop. Explore the symbolism of classic Valentine’s Day traditions while crafting a gift of your own!

Artisan’s Asylum 

From woodworking to coding, quilling to chocolate-making, Artisan’s Asylum has your crafting and creating needs covered. This weekend’s Valentine’s-inspired class teaches about a form of design that yeilds impressive, 3-D designs made out of paper that can be used for visual art, home decor, or a wonderful gift for someone close to you.

deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum

Feburary break is covered with multiple workshops from deCordova, including sessions to learn about working with wire and paper to create sculptures and art works of your own! Plus, for another valentine idea, learn how to make a clay card that can make a special sentiment even sweeter.

THEATRE AND DANCE

Freeskewl

Finding a virtual dance class has been made easy by Freeskewl during the pandemic, with their weekly round-ups and frequent Instagram posts about new offerings from local, experienced dance teachers and choreographers. Check out opportunities to move in honor of Black History month here.

Better Future: Joy + Wellness 

Company One Theatre and The Theater Offensive are taking virtual classes to the next level with joy-filled spaces to teach all kinds of practices for health and wellness. Learn how to create your own drag makeup look, sign up for a BollyX movement class, and get in on some D&D action led by a local artist! Many events in this series are POC-only or QTPOC-only affinity spaces.

Guerilla Opera

Are you a performing artist looking for ways to translate your work to a visual medium for the digital space? Are you interested in creating from your home? This weekend, Guerilla Opera’s artists and practitioners walk you through how to create eye-catching shadow-puppetry for use in your theatrical creations.

Ballroom in Boston 

Start your Valentine’s Day off right with a free virtual dance class at Ballroom in Boston. Grab a partner and learn some basic moves, and even some tricks!

SpeakEasy University

For the second semester of SpeakEasy University, producers and artists will lead participants in an in-depth analysis of theatre producing and arts administration by walking through the production process of a specific show, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Each week, a different part of the theatre industry will be covered, illustrated through the lens of the play. For just a taste: The What and the How: Directing and Dramaturgy is up on February 16, followed by Engaging the Audience: Community Outreach & Access on February 23.

MUSIC

Brookline Music School 

With classes for young kids, adults, and every age in between, Brookline Music School connects music students to some of the top music instructors in New England to hone your skills, or try something new!

Boston School of Music Arts 

For in-person or virtual classes, BSMA offers a plethora of options for someone just starting to get into a musical instrument or singing, or someone who is looking for more expertise to craft their abilities.

FILM

Coolidge Corner Theatre 

Join film critics and cultural experts for a series of seminars that explore the gamut of beloved movies and films you may not know yet! Coming up: Singing in the Rain, When Harry Met Sally, and Shakespeare Reimagined: 10 Things I Hate About You!

Filmmakers Collaborative 

Register soon: join the Boston International Kids Film Festival for a class series that teaches scriptwriting, storyboard sketching, character development, improvisation, and camera skills.

WRITING

Open-Writes with Kirsten Greenidge 

Every month during the pandemic, Company One Theatre has invited a special guest to lead conversation and writing exercises with expert playwright-in-residence Kirsten Greenidge (Milk Like Sugar, Greater Good). This month’s guest is acclaimed playwright Naomi Iizuka (Polaroid Stories, Language of Angels).

GrubStreet 

The options for expanding your writing skills are endless with GrubStreet! Head on over to their website to browse their extensive class catalogue, which includes opportunities like “How to Write a Lot”, “Creating Binge-Worthy Characters“, and “Writing Fiction from Real Life“.