Classes & Studios

I just want to try something

Hand-picked dance and arts studios across DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Every listing is researched and written by the guide editors.

19 studios

CityDance

Multi-style adult classes in a community setting, drop in once or enroll for a session.

All levelsBeginner friendly

Northern Virginia

The Art League

Large established program in Old Town Alexandria with beginner classes across painting, ceramics, and printmaking.

All levelsBeginner friendly

Capitol Hill Arts Workshop

Neighborhood arts center with beginner-friendly ceramics, drawing, and painting classes near Eastern Market.

All levelsBeginner friendly

Maryland

Washington Glass School

Workshop-based glass arts school offering classes in fusing, slumping, and flame work, a major warm-glass education center in the United States.

All levelsBeginner friendly

Maryland

Yellow Barn Studio

Painting and drawing classes at Glen Echo Park, one of the DC area's largest programs, welcoming to beginners.

All levelsBeginner friendly

Sio Ceramics

Small, owner-run pottery studio at Brookland Arts Walk, intimate beginner wheel classes and date-night workshops with hands-on instruction.

All levelsBeginner friendly

Studio Kusi

Boutique ceramics studio in Mount Pleasant, small-group classes with an emphasis on creative exploration.

All levelsBeginner friendly

Smithsonian Studio Arts

The Smithsonian's own adult education program, museum-adjacent classes in painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography for all levels.

All levelsBeginner friendly

Washington Printmakers Gallery

Artist-run printmaking cooperative with small experimental workshops, monoprint, linocut, gel plate, and drypoint for all levels.

All levelsBeginner friendly

Northern Virginia

Art House 7

Small neighborhood art school in Arlington with adult ceramics and painting classes, relaxed environment with an onsite art-supply shop.

All levelsBeginner friendly

Northern Virginia

Workhouse Arts Center

Large arts center on a repurposed historic campus in Lorton, 'TryMe' one-day workshops designed for no-experience beginners, plus ongoing classes.

All levelsBeginner friendly

Maryland

Glen Echo Glassworks

One of the DC area's few blown-glass programs, historic studio at Glen Echo Park with instruction from beginner through advanced.

All levelsBeginner friendly

Maryland

VisArts

Large community art center in Rockville Town Square with classes across ceramics, painting, glass, printmaking, and more, key Maryland hub.

All levelsBeginner friendly

Maryland

McFadden Art Glass

Family-run Baltimore glass studio offering hands-on make-your-own glassblowing experiences, accessible to complete beginners.

BeginnerBeginner friendly

Taal Academy of Dance

South Asian dance academy offering Bharatanatyam, Bollywood, and Indian folk, workshops approachable for adult beginners.

All levelsBeginner friendly

Maryland

ZIND Academy

Maryland-based Bollywood dance school offering weekly classes that combine classical Indian movement with contemporary film choreography, beginner programs available.

All levelsBeginner friendly

Smithsonian Associates: Photography Programs

Smithsonian Associates photography courses teach exposure, composition, and image critique with professional instructors, multi-session programs for beginners.

All levelsBeginner friendly

Northern Virginia

Alexandria Clay Co-Op

Community ceramics co-op in West Alexandria with wheel-throwing and hand-building for beginners through experienced potters.

All levelsBeginner friendly

Northern Virginia

Audrey Moore Rec Center Pottery Lab

Fairfax County rec center pottery lab with beginner classes via Parktakes and open studio time for experienced potters in Annandale.

All levelsBeginner friendly

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