9 Best Art Classes in New Mexico
Inside every human being is a creative spirit waiting to be set free. Whatever artistic activity inspires, there’s a teacher ready to help unlock the door to creativity. Whether you're interested in painting, sculpting or photography, these 9 New Mexico art classes have you covered.
Taos Art School, Taos, NM
Classes here take students out of the classroom to spectacular locations throughout the northern part of the state. Sessions range from painting to photography to sculpting. Students, of all levels, are encouraged to reawaken the artist within opening a door to self-expression. Each class is limited to 12 students, adults only. The class unfolds at a reasonable pace in a nurturing, creative environment.
Jane Shoenfeld's Art Adventures in the SW, Santa Fe, NM
Professional artist Jane Shoenfeld is the focus and passion behind the sketching and plein air painting classes she teaches. All of the classes and workshops are adventures that focus on the beauty of the New Mexico landscape. Classes include residential workshops at nearby Ghost Ranch, private instruction and group lessons. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to explore new artistic endeavors, you’ll find new inspiration at any of these classes.
Espanola Valley Fiber Arts Center, Espanola, NM
Keeping the rich history of New Mexican textile art alive is the goal of this center. Step inside to its realm of looms, colorful yarns, handmade textiles, books, and supplies. Students can learn knitting, spinning, weaving, quilting and collage. This non-profit is membership based with a mission to "cultivate and support multi-generational participation in local, traditional and contemporary fiber arts," according to its website.
Fechin Art Workshops, San Cristobal, NM
Personal artistic growth is the emphasis behind the instruction at the workshops in the style of artist Nicolai Fechin. Many take place at his historic studio in Taos. Classes are conducted through Fine Art Services with internationally renowned teachers, inspiring students to unlock their creative spirit. The master painter instructors provide personal critiques and insights to adult students.
MAS Art, Las Cruces, NM
Two sisters joined together to create this locally-owned art supply business, with one of the largest frame molding and art supply selection in town. Tucked away in a corner of the shop is a classroom, a nucleus of artistic creativity. Ceramic, drawing, jewelry wrapping, and painting classes take place regularly, generally over the course of two or three weeks. Instruction caters to beginning adults.
Gallup Arts, Gallup, NM
Throw caution to the wind, unlock your inner artist and enroll in a class here, an integral member of the town’s creative economy and art scene. In addition to art classes, you can wander through two art galleries, attend an artist talk, participate in art festivals and help support public art projects. The classes, for adults, focus on the beginning painter. Art workshops take place in summer for teens and adults.
Main Street Arts/The Gallery, Roswell, NM
This co-op gallery is sponsored by the Roswell Fine Arts League to highlight and promote the work of local artists and to provide art experiences for the community. More than 25 artists showcase their work on a wide variety of subjects and mediums. Regular classes take place on water color, sketching, mosaic, enameling and even scarf making. For those with otherworldly artistic ambitions, there’s a UFO Art contest for all ages.
Center for the Arts, Hobbs, NM
An anchor in the city’s downtown area, this center promotes all of the arts—visual, performing, live music and literary. In collaboration with local elementary schools, students attend weekly art classes in painting, ceramics, as well as outdoor mural projects. The center opens its doors to those from all walks of life interested in learning about and appreciating art.
Homemade Culture, Albuquerque, NM
Learn how to throw a pot at this open-to-the-public ceramics and pottery studio, that’s also a school, gallery and bookstore. The space is well-lit and fully-equipped with wheels, kilns and all of the accessories that go into pottery making. Take a mug-making class, learn how to create a Japanese-inspired bowl or take part in a therapeutic hand-building session. Grab some friends and take a group class. Open to all over the age of 13.
