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Right after I graduated from college, one of the best things I did was take an evening acrylic painting class. I was working at Harding University, and it was one of the many options offered through the adult continuing education program. It provided a creative outlet I had not had the time to explore since high school.
There are many such year-round opportunities in Arkansas, but here are some beginning in March, just in time for a spring artistic refresh.
Arkansas Craft School
The Arkansas Craft School (ACS) is located in the heart of Mountain View’s historic town square and houses a variety of craft and art studios where students can hone their established skills or explore other outlets for their creative spirit. ACS offers classes year-round in wood, metal, glass, clay, photography, jewelry, fiber, and studio arts, in addition to hosting workshops and events that showcase other creative talents. A nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, the ACS is dedicated to the growth, appreciation, and instruction of arts and crafts in this region and beyond.
Courses are taught by highly skilled artists/instructors, many of whom are based in Arkansas and known across the country for their craft expertise. Classes are small to allow ample individualized instruction and provide hands-on, engaging learning in a fun, creative environment.
Students come away from classes with creations to be proud of, crafted by their own hands and with the skills to continue their creative process. Studio passes are available on a select basis for those who wish to continue honing their skill set in one of their specialty studios, using their equipment.
March classes include Rose of Sharon watercolor batik, Songwriters’ Circle, beginning stained glass, Raku pottery and chip carving. In the Rose of Sharon watercolor batik class, students will learn how to paint in this style, which is a layering technique using wax as a resist on delicate rice paper, creating textured art by applying paint from light to dark, waxing layers, crumpling the paper for cracks, and then ironing out the wax to reveal intricate patterns and rich color.
This class is for beginners to experienced painters. Materials and instructions are included, and students take home their paintings ready for framing.
Songwriters’ Circle — a free, open forum for songwriters of all levels — is intended to provide a forum for aspiring songwriters to receive feedback from other writers and audience members. It is held on the second Saturday of each month from 2-4 p.m.
AMFA Photo by Jason Masters
Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
The Windgate Art School at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts was established in 1963. But the facility unveiled in the 2023 grand reopening offers 11,000 square feet of fully equipped studio space for instruction in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, glass, textiles, wood and metalsmithing, along with a gallery space for displaying student work. Additional features of the school include the Robyn and John Horn Gallery, dedicated studios for artists-in-residence, and the newly incorporated art lawn for outdoor classes and activities.
Daytime and evening classes are offered year-round for students of all ages and skill levels — primarily on a quarterly basis, though short-term courses and specialty workshops are also available.
March beginner class options include one- and two-day workshops in glass sculpture, mixed media, expressive portrait drawing, weaving and gelli plate printmaking.
Gelli plate printmaking, a monoprinting technique growing in popularity, requires minimal equipment, is affordable to practice, and is gentle on the body. Participants will learn to layer colors, incorporate stencils, and use found objects to print one-of-a-kind images onto paper. This fun and immersive workshop is perfect for both beginner and experienced artists.
AMFA Photo by Jason Masters
Another option is an art-assemblage weekend workshop. Participants will discover the creative potential of everyday objects and learn to transform found materials into expressive, three-dimensional artworks. They will combine and assemble elements like wood, metal, fabric and personal keepsakes. This workshop is perfect for artists of all levels interested in mixed media, sculpture, or simply looking to experiment in a playful, hands-on environment.
Uncommon Weaving with Found Materials is a workshop for beginners inspired by AMFA’s exhibition, Uncommon Threads in Contemporary Art. Participants will weave a unique tapestry using found objects, fabric, and other unconventional materials, with an experienced textile artist guiding them through the process and referencing the artwork on display.
Supplies are generally included in the cost, and discounts are available to AMFA members. You can even purchase a gift certificate online that can be applied to any Windgate Art School offering.
Community Creative Center
Community Creative Center, located in the heart of Fayetteville’s arts district, is a non-profit visual and studio arts organization providing classes, workshops and camps in a variety of hands-on art forms, including clay and pottery, painting, drawing, printmaking, glass fusion and mixed media for children and adults of all ages and skill levels.
The center offers workshops, six-week classes for adults and even a senior series that is exclusively for seniors aged 62 or older. Friday and Saturday night date nights are also offered on a recurring basis, allowing participants to learn a new skill together with a partner, friend or family member. Currently, those classes are wheel throwing, but no clay experience is necessary. Clay, glazes and firing fees are included, and it is for ages 18 and up.
The art classes are multi-week classes that typically meet once a week for two hours. They offer classes in a variety of mediums and skill levels — even if you’ve never touched clay or a paint brush.
Originally a division of Walton Arts Center’s visual arts programming, the hands-on studio arts program was dissolved in 2007. The teaching artists, along with several local artists, joined efforts to keep this valuable studio arts resource available to the Northwest Arkansas community. In 2008, Community Creative Center emerged as a separate 501(c)3 arts organization with a permanent home in Walton Arts Center’s Nadine Baum Studios building. The 6,900 square foot space includes a fully equipped clay studio, glaze room and outdoor kiln yard, a drawing studio, two multi-purpose art studios, and gallery exhibition space in the building’s lobby.
Little Rock Writing Workshop
The Little Rock Writing Workshop is a group of writers who meet twice a month (currently on the first and third Wednesdays) to offer critiques and suggestions on works-in-progress. This workshop is for writers of all types: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, screenwriting, etc., and it’s for beginners, college-trained, semi-professionals and Pulitzer-Prize winners. All genres are welcome, as long as participants are willing to provide and accept thoughtful feedback.
Participants don’t need to submit anything to attend. Each workshop is intended to help writers improve their craft through constructive feedback, thoughtful dialogue and encouragement.
Make.Do.
Make.Do. in Searcy is a community-focused creative studio and 501(c)(3) nonprofit that brings people together through hands-on art and craft experiences. They offer a wide range of pay-what-you-can classes — from quilting, sewing and embroidery to watercolor and other creative projects — so that cost isn’t a barrier to participating in creative expression. The studio also hosts kids’ classes and private parties and partners with other local organizations to expand access to artistic opportunities. At its heart, Make.Do. uses creativity as a way to build connection, foster personal growth and strengthen community bonds.
Quilting classes are a popular option at Make.Do., including its annual mystery quilt. The design is still TBD, but executive director and founder Jo Ellis has offered this hint: “CHRISTMAS!!!”
This eight-week class meets on Thursday nights, April 9 through May 28, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Participants receive a 25% on any additional fabric purchases for the duration of the class. This is an intermediate-level class; beginners can look ahead to May for more options.
Ozark Folk Center State Park
Arkansas State Parks offer classes regularly, and Ozark Folk Center State Park has a great lineup this spring.
Crafters, gardeners, homesteaders and herbal enthusiasts are invited to roll up their sleeves and learn from skilled instructors during Spring Ozark Folk School at the Ozark Folk Center State Park throughout March. This popular seasonal program features immersive, hands-on classes rooted in Ozark traditions and practical skills for modern living.
Spring Ozark Folk School offers multi-day intensives for a variety of interests, from one-day workshops to gardening and plant-focused classes. March classes begin with Pruning for Harvest, Health and Beauty, and Gardening for Healthy Soil, followed by specialized topics including Mediterranean herbs, container gardening, backyard foraging, annual herbs, and region-specific advice in Gardening in the Ozarks. Participants can also sign up for personalized guidance through Garden Assessment: Planting, Pruning, and Weeding.
Traditional and contemporary crafts are at the heart of the Folk School experience. Classes include Broom Making 101, Beginning Blacksmithing, Intro to Bladesmithing, Basic Tinsmithing, Letterpress Then and Now, Crochet a Round Rag Rug, and Handcraft Your Own Native Wood Walking Stick with Leather Grip.
Metal, glass, and clay artists can explore creative techniques through Stained Glass Quilt Square, Forming and Soldering Copper, Hands-On Copper Flame Painting, Pottery on a Potter’s Wheel, and Learn Pottery Hand Building. Homesteading skills are also featured in classes such as Soap Making in the Ozarks.
Classes range in price depending on length and materials. All class fees include required materials and the use of specialized tools and equipment during the class. The registration deadline for all classes is two weeks prior to the class’s start date, and space is limited. Early registration is encouraged.
To learn more and register for Spring Ozark Folk School classes, visit Tickets.OzarkFolkCenter.com. Lodging discounts are available at the Cabins at Dry Creek, just down the hill from the classes during Spring Ozark Folk School—ask for details when you call 870-269-0861 to book your room.
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