London, Ontario's vibrant arts community offers hands-on experiences you’re going to want to try on your next visit.
From pottery and painting classes to stained glass and woodworking workshops, London hosts create-your-own experiences for whatever type of art you’re looking for!
pottery
Have you always wanted to try making pottery but don’t know where to start? Seize the clay at these studios in the city!
Cottage Pottery Studio prides themselves on creating an inviting space for creative exploration. They offer a variety of date night events, one-night workshops and multi-week classes. Take advantage of their glazes, clays and materials to create pottery unique to your artistic vision!
Clayworx offers a number of hands-on workshops that are perfect for an outing with friends and family. Get your hands dirty and throw a unique bowl on the wheel or roll up your sleeves and hand-build a customized mug or creative décor piece for your home.
Looking for a place where the pottery is already made for you? Check out Crock a Doodle! Suitable for all ages and abilities, this paint-your-own-pottery studio lets you gather with friends to enjoy the fun of decorating a piece without the mess of making it.
painting/drawing
Nothing is more intimidating than a blank canvas, so let these programs in London give you the confidence to tackle it!
For those looking to fine tune their skills, TAP Centre for Creativity provides opportunities to try and master many different painting, drawing and sketching techniques. Take classes on handling oil paints or try costume drawing from a live model.
Creative U Inc offers painting and drawing classes for children, youth and adults, allowing all ages to creatively express themselves. Test your skills with watercolours and paint a dreamy landscape or switch things up by sketching out a masterpiece.
Over in Byron, 4 Cats Art Studio hosts a wide range of weekly classes perfect for creating handmade gifts or adding personalized décor to your home! They also offer memberships that let you get special pricing on events and parties.
The Art Gallery and Studio of Lambeth is another local business offering a variety of watercolour workshops and Sip & Paint parties. Gather up some friends and plan a fun evening out as you engage your artistic side!
textile art
What about string and yarn classes? Yes, London has those too! These classes are sure to leave you in stitches.
The London District Weavers and Spinners Guild has been around for over 70 years. Their goal is to share the experience of weaving and spinning, improving the craft and supporting others with similar interests. The guild offers a variety of classes such as drop spindle spinning and beginner weaving. Spin your own yarn for your next knitting project or weave your own custom wall hangings to add personal flair to any room.
Just a short drive away in Arva, you’ll find The Wagon Shed holding classes on weaving, basket making and so much more. Make your own beautiful quilt to cuddle up with on a cool night or spin your own yarn to create a warm pair of mittens for snowy walks this winter.
The London chapter of the Canadian Embroiderers’ Guild's class offerings preserve and foster the art of many different textile crafts including embroidery, needlework and fibre art. Stand out from the rest by adding a personalized touch to a bag or piece of clothing with an embroidered design!
woodworking
Woodworking is an art form not many people know how to cut into, but the London Community Woodshop is out to change that. Book one of their classes to learn to use a lathe, epoxy and other methods. You can even make your own wooden items like cutting boards or a mortar and pestle to impress your friends and family.
stained glass
Have you ever marveled at beautifully coloured panes of glass in an old church or historic home? Head over to Sunrise Stained Glass and join one of their one-night workshops or three-week classes. Their expert instructors will teach you how to make your own beautiful stained-glass creation to add pizzazz to any old window.
culinary arts
Everyone knows food is an art form unto itself. Perfect your skills by taking a cooking class and trying your hands at a new cuisine!
Jill's Table is a favourite food destination of Londoners and they have been offering cooking classes for years. Featuring unique cuisines and the latest food trends, these classes sell out quickly so you’re going to want to register early. When you’re there, factor in some time to shop! With the latest in specialty food items, cookware, bakeware, kitchen gadgets and more, Jill’s Table is the perfect spot for incredible gifts or to treat yourself.
Growing Chefs! Ontario will have you on your way to being an iron chef in no time! They offer monthly cooking classes for kids, teens, adults and even intergenerational baking classes so the whole family can learn together.
The Chef's Table at Fanshawe College recently also launched cooking and baking workshops, inviting the public to make something delicious in their state-of-the-art labs under the guidance of certified chefs.
art inspiration
Need a little artistic inspiration before you get started on your own project? Visit London’s many local art galleries! Museum London, Benz Gallery or the Jonathon Bancroft-Snell Gallery may have just the inspiration you need. Take in the wide range of displays and exhibitions including paintings, drawings, sculpture, ceramics and photographs.
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No matter what type of art you’re looking to learn more about, there's a class somewhere in London! Tag @TourismLondon and #ExploreLdnOnt in your artistic endeavors for the chance to be featured!
