Five Places to Get Creative in Central Mass.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Ashley Klann, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Need a getaway to exercise the right side of your brain? Unleash your creative talent at these five spots in Central Mass.

Pottery
The Fire Works Studio
Worcester, MA

If you like a hands-on art experience, give pottery a spin at The Fire Works in Worcester. Located at The Sprinkler Factory, this local studio and kiln has all you need to make your next masterpiece.

They also have their own area to glaze and paint the pieces and eleven private studio spaces.

The Pottery Paintin' Place
Lunenburg, MA

The Pottery Paintin’ Place in Lunenburg offers a variety of pottery classes and will get your creativity all fired up. The family owned business also has polymer clay classes every Tuesday from 6-8:00 p.m. Each class is only $15.00 per person, a small price to pay for what they guarantee: “Each piece is surely something your gonna wanna brag about.”

If their hours don’t work for you, The Pottery Paintin’ Place will negotiate hours, so if you’re on a tight schedule, don’t sweat it – there’s no excuse to pass up this hobby if you have been waiting to try it out.

Their May Pottery Throwing was held on the 21st and is becoming one of their more popular options. Attendees experience a hand over hand pottery throwing experience, and Master Potter Brian Murphy walks you through the process of making a food safe, over safe piece of art.

Painting
Collins Artworks
Clinton, MA

For a variety of adult classes, visit http://www.collinsartworks.com/caw/index.html" target="_blank">Collins Artworks in Clinton. They offer many different classes, and any skill level is welcome. Try your hand at oils, acrylic, watercolor – beginning or intermediate. If you’ve been dying to unleash your inner artist, here’s your chance to get a guided tour on what to do in an intimate setting. Class sizes are small, assuring you an in-depth class.

Classes are generally scheduled for weekday evenings from 6:30 PM to 9 or 9:30 PM and Friday afternoons.

If you’re looking for something outside the classroom, Collins Artworks also features en plein air, outdoor painting trips to let artists experiment with natural, changing light.

Class and workshop schedules are available on their website.

Glass Blowing
New Street Glass Studio
Worcester, MA

Want to get artsy and also live dangerously? Try glass blowing at the New Street Glass Studio in Worcester, taught through the Worcester Center for Crafts. The course will teach you’re the fundamentals of an exciting and unique form of art that puts you in control. Contort white hot glass and create any form your heart desires.

An instructor will guide you through the ancient process, providing hands-on assistance.

The next course will run from May 22nd to May 26th. All supplies are included for an overall fee of $450.00. Don’t forget you bring your WOO Card for double WOO points!

Jewelry Making
Tatnuck Bead Company
Worcester, MA

If you’re looking for a way to show off your works of art, why not choose something you can wear? At Tatnuck Bead Company in Worcester, you can create art that travels with you. If you have a brilliant idea for a necklace, bracelet or other piece of jewelry, now’s your chance to make it a reality.

They offer monthly workshops that are updated on their website, and all ages are welcome. You’ll find classes for beginners to pros, teaching you the intricacies of beading, one design at a time. For groups over four, private classes are also available.

All students all receive 20% off materials purchased during class.