London, Ontario's vibrant arts community offers many 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? Well, get ready to seize the clay at these studios in the city!
Cottage Pottery Studio prides themselves on creating an inviting space perfect for creative exploration. They offer a variety of date night classes, private events and multi-week workshops. Take advantage of their clay guides, exclusive glazes, clays and materials to create pottery unique to your artistic vision! Want to work in your own space? Pick up a "Studio in a Box" and get started at home with everything you need!
Clayworx offers a number of hands-on workshops that are perfect for a date night or an outing with friends and family. Get your hands dirty and throw a unique vase or 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? Look no further than Crock a Doodle pottery painting studio! Suitable for all ages and abilities, this studio offers a special place to gather with friends and enjoy the fun of decorating your own pottery.
painting/drawing
Nothing is more intimidating than a blank canvas, but London has many programs and spaces perfect for dipping your paintbrush and giving that painting a go.
For those looking to fine tune their skills, the TAP Centre for Creativity provides classes for mastering different painting, drawing and sketching techniques. Take a class on finishing techniques with oil paint, or try costume drawing from a live model.
Creative U Inc offers painting and drawing classes for all ages, in addition to take home kits with supplies that let you take your creativity to the next level. Test your skills with watercolours and paint a dreamy landscape or switch things up by making an ink masterpiece.
Over in Byron, 4 Cats Art Studio offers seasonally themed classes perfect for creating handmade gifts or adding personalized holiday décor to your home! They also offer memberships that include group bookings for a variety of painting and art classes and access to eight new projects each month.
The Art Gallery and Studio of Lambeth is another local business offering a wide variety of workshops beyond traditional drawing and painting classes (although they offer those too!). Maybe you’ll learn to combine different colours of wool to create a beautiful felting piece or turn up the heat and join a fused glass workshop. The studio also offers paint parties and take-home DIY art kits for all ages craving a creative outlet.
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 more than 70 years with a goal to share the experience of weaving and spinning, improve the craft and support others with similar interests. The guild offers a variety of classes such as drop spindle spinning and beginner weaving. Spin your own yarn to knit or crochet beautiful blankets, socks and scarves or weave your own custom pillows and 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, you can make your own beautiful quilt to cuddle up with on a cool night or spin your own yarn from fleece to create a warm pair of mittens for snowy walks this winter.
The London chapter of the Canadian Embroiderers’ Guild has class offerings that work to preserve and foster the art of a number of different textile crafts including embroidery, needlework and fibre art. Get ready to stand out from the rest by adding a personalized touch to a bag or piece of clothing with an embroidered name or 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 with their classes. Make your own live edge charcuterie board or a cutting board that will impress your friends and family. They even have a masterclass where you can design and build a segmented bowl from a variety of exotic woods.
stained glass
Have you ever marveled at beautifully coloured panes of glass in an old church or historic home? Make your own stained glass masterpiece! Head over to Sunrise Stained Glass and join in on one of their six-week courses. 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. Perhaps you’ll try making your own homemade gnocchi? Or maybe you’ve been craving the perfect roast beef dinner with all the fixings. London offers a variety of cooking classes you’re going to want to try.
Jill's Table is a favourite food destination of Londoners. They have been offering a variety of 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, don’t forget to 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.
For the little ones, Growing Chefs! Ontario offers classes for kids as well as occasional adult cooking classes that will have you on your way to being an iron chef in no time.
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 into, or 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!
