James MartinSome folks need fashion or ax throwing (I know, random) to express themselves, whether they’re brimming with joy or seething with anger. Me? I prefer paper, paint, and sometimes clay to vent my frustration, happiness, or occasional melancholy.
And this got me thinking: how many people like me struggle to find places to unleash their creativity? Or where to look for a tribe of fellow artsy souls?
So, I decided to help by coming up with a list of the best places to enroll in an art class in Halifax. And while listing them down, I thought: why limit creativity to pen and paper when the digital world awaits?
So, online or in-person, here are the top places to kickstart your artistic journey in Halifax!
NSCAD Extended Studies
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Website: https://make.nscad.ca/
Address: 5163 Duke St
Phone: +1 902-494-8224
What better place to kick off your artistic journey than Halifax’s own NSCAD? Known as the granddaddy of art institutions around here, NSCAD’s Extended Studies program offers a treasure trove of classes taught by experienced faculty and talented alumni.
Whether you want to dive into drawing, master Photoshop, or polish your professional practice, there’s a class for you. Some are online right now, so you can learn in your pajamas!
Classes run year-round, and spots fill up fast, so don’t dawdle. Prices range from $160 to $280 for 7-8 weeks of pure creative bliss!
| Pro Tip: Sign up early to snag a spot in these popular classes, and keep an eye out for special workshops that might pop up! |
Centre for Craft Nova Scotia
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Website: https://craft-design.ns.ca/
Address: 1061 Marginal Rd
Phone: +1 902-492-2522
Hours:
- Closed from Monday to Tuesday
- Wednesday to Sunday: 11 AM–4 PM
If you fancy getting your hands dirty with some serious craft, then the Centre for Craft Nova Scotia has you covered! Their instructors are top-notch professionals who know their stuff inside out.
Classes are cozy with just five students each, ensuring you get all the attention you need. From ceramics and throwing to bookbinding and embroidery, they’ve got a class to tickle your creative fancy.
Thursday and Friday Fun nights are a blast for making bowls, mugs, and tumblers. Classes cost between $60 and $120, with a material fee of around $85.
Most sessions last from one day to eight weeks, making it easy to fit into your schedule.
| Pro Tip: Make sure to call ahead to register and budget for that material fee! |
Yaymaker Halifax
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Website: https://yaymaker.com/
Phone: +1 855 275 5071
Not into physical classes? Yaymaker Halifax, previously known as ‘Paint Nite Halifax,’ has taken its creative sessions to the virtual world! Now you can enjoy paint nights from the comfort of your home every Friday and Saturday at 8 pm.
For just $15, join their Zoom sessions where an instructor guides you through creating a masterpiece!
| Pro Tip: Collect your painting supplies in advance and maybe set up a little paint station with snacks and drinks for the ultimate at-home paint night experience! |
Argyle Fine Art
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Website: http://argylefineart.com/
Address: 1559 Barrington St
Phone: +1 902-425-9456
Hours:
- Closed from Sunday to Monday
- Tuesday: 11 AM–3 PM
- Wednesday to Saturday: 11 AM–5:30 PM
If you’re looking to refine your artistic skills or try something completely new, Argyle Fine Art offers an array of workshops and classes taught by professional artists.
From watercolor techniques to mixed media exploration, their classes are perfect for both beginners and seasoned creatives. The gallery oozes inspiration, making it the ultimate spot to unleash your creativity!
| Pro Tip: Sign up for their newsletter to stay updated on upcoming classes and exclusive events. |
Wonder’neath Art Society
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Website: http://www.wonderneath.com/
Address: 2482 Maynard St
Phone: +1 902-454-6860
Wonder’neath Art Society is a fantastic community space in Halifax that offers open studio sessions and workshops. The goal here is to make art accessible to everyone while providing all the materials you need.
It doesn’t matter what you’re into. Painting, drawing, or sculpture? Wonder’neath is the most welcoming environment to explore your creativity!
Their open studio sessions are a great way to work on personal projects, and their workshops provide guidance and inspiration from experienced artists.
| Pro Tip: Check their schedule for open studio hours and drop in whenever you’re feeling creative! |
14 Bells Fine Art Gallery
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Website: http://www.14bells.com/
Address: 5523 Young St
Phone: +1 902-406-2355
Hours:
- Closed on Monday
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Sunday: 12–4 PM
Located in the charming Hydrostone Market, 14 Bells Fine Art Gallery offers a variety of workshops and classes led by professional artists.
Whether you’re into watercolor, acrylics, drawing, or mixed media, they’ve got your back. Newbies and pros alike will dig the cozy vibes and inspirational digs—perfect for letting your inner artist shine.
| Pro Tip: Keep an eye on their website for special seasonal workshops and artist talks for a little extra inspiration and learning. |
Halifax Makerspace
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Website: https://halifaxmakerspace.org/
Address: 275 Rocky Lake Dr Suite 19
After moving from Barrington to Rocky Lake Drive, the Halifax Makerspace finally decided to go fully online. Now, it’s your go-to for all things crafty without leaving your couch.
This online haven merges art with tech, offering courses in woodworking, 3D printing, electronics, and metalwork. It’s like a DIY dreamland where you can get your hands dirty (virtually, of course) and collaborate with fellow makers.
| Pro Tip: Get on their mailing list for updates on the latest workshops! |
Visual Voice Fine Art
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Website: https://visual-voice.ca/fineart/
Address: 128 King St
Phone: +1 902-843-9464
Hours:
- Closed on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 12:30–5 PM
Just a few minutes from Halifax, Visual Voice Fine Art in Truro provides workshops in various artistic disciplines like painting, drawing, sculpture, and printmaking.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an experienced artist. Their classes often feature guest artists for special sessions, offering fresh perspectives and techniques.
Here, you can check out their gallery exhibitions (in-person or online) for a dose of professional artistry and fresh inspiration!
| Pro Tip: Works of art not enough? They occasionally offer language classes taught by a native speaker. Art and culture—need we say more? |
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
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Website: https://agns.ca/
Address: 1723 Hollis St
Hours:
- Open daily from 10 AM–5 PM
The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia isn’t just about staring at pretty pictures—it’s about getting your hands dirty too! They’ve got workshops and classes for everyone, from wee ones to grown-ups wanting to unleash their inner Picasso.
Plus, there are loads of special events and artist chats to jazz up your artistic voyage.
| Pro Tip: Look into getting a gallery membership for discounts on classes and workshops—great for your wallet and your artistic growth. |
