We put a lot of focus on finding ways for our children to channel their creative energy. But what about adults?
It is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and neglect our creative side. Tapping into our creative energy, however, has numerous benefits – from improving overall mental health to reducing the risk of dementia. Getting creative can be as simple as starting a daily journal or picking up an adult coloring book. For those who are looking to take a deeper dive into their creative endeavors, here are a few spots in Tampa Bay that offer classes and workshops catering to adults.
Tampa Loves Creating
11059 Countryway Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33626
Tampa Loves Creating offers a variety of DIY projects – from wood projects to sewing, candle pouring and glass etching – that can be completed in their spacious studio located right here in Westchase. Each week new project kits come out on their web store, providing unique DIY for every season. Visitors can call 813-205-3090 to check the availability of projects that you might be interested in as some projects are seasonal. If you want to create homemade gifts but are unsure of where to start, Tampa Loves Creating might energize your inner artist.
Yellow Bird Studio
3347 S West Shore Blvd Suite 1, Tampa, FL 33629
16921 Gunn Highway, Odessa, FL 33556
Looking for a relaxing environment to wind down in time for the weekend? Check out the Yellow Bird Studio of Tampa Bay. On every second Friday of the month through May, women can check out the studio’s “Mediative Art for Women” art classes for adults. Here, you can enter a welcoming studio where women support each other in their crafts. Mediums include traditional arts, visual arts, sound and music, and the ancient practices of aromatherapy and meditation. These classes are from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at their Gunn Highway location. The fee for the sessions is donation-based and proceeds go into a fund to give children a class or camp relating to the arts at the studio.
School of Rock Tampa North
11730 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618
Ever regret not pursuing that dream of being a rock star? Now’s your chance to rock out like a kid again. School of Rock Tampa North’s adult program is for students over 18 years old who are looking to either improve their musical proficiency or pick up an instrument with no prior musical experience. The Adult Program includes one weekly private music lesson and a weekly group rehearsal. Every student at School of Rock Tampa North is placed in a band of fellow adults and then assigned specific songs as a way of learning key music concepts and skills. Adult students then take the stage to play at a live show in Tampa.
Dunedin Fine Art Center
1143 Michigan Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698
From digital art and photography to pastels and metal arts, Dunedin Fine Art Center offers classes in numerous mediums for all ages. Their state-of-the-art facility offers 17 well-equipped studios that cater to both hobbyists and professional artists. Not sure where to start? A basic drawing class is always a good place to get those creative juices flowing. Spring session classes begin the week of April 10. They also offer a number of weekend workshops. Browse their catalog here.
Carrollwood Cultural Center
4537 Lowell Rd, Tampa, FL 33618
Like Dunedin Fine Art Center, Carrollwood Cultural Center offers a wide range of classes to keep adults creative. From creative writing to ballet, portrait drawing to wheel throwing, there is something for everyone. Spring classes begin the week of April 17. Browse adult classes here.
Tampa Hackerspace
4931 W. Nassau Street Tampa, FL 33607
Tampa Hackerspace is a non-profit, volunteer-run makerspace. The goal is to help people learn to make things. The Tampa Hackerspace has a little bit of everything in its workshop. Through classes and events, people are provided instructions on how to prototype things using different materials and technical tools to make something unique. Their calendar of events is here and provides a community-like group feel once joining on the meetup site. There is a paid option to the space ($50 per month or $500 per year) that grants members 24X7 access to the space and the tools needed to make your unique prototype. Take a glance at Tampa Hackerspace’s website and see what fits your inner artist.
Florida School of Woodwork
1609 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
The School of Woodwork offers an opportunity for people of all skill levels to spend a weekend, a week or several weeks immersed in the craft of designing and making furniture, wood carvings and woodturnings on the lathe. Classes range from beginning woodworking to more intense project-specific classes. All instructors are professional woodworkers who have mastered their trade. Take a peek at their course offerings here.
Painting with a Twist
12926 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, FL 33618
Painting with a Twist is the perfect space for beginning artists. No experience or artistic skill is necessary. Artists will lead you step-by-step through the painting selected for that session. You can browse the offerings on their calendar and then choose the session that you like best. As an added bonus you can bring your own wine!
AR Workshop
2414 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33629
This DIY Studio in South Tampa offers a wide range of wood projects you can customize, as well as knitting and canvas crafting projects. Best of all, you can bring your favorite beverage to sip while you create. View their DIY Workshop schedule here. AR Workshop also offers private workshops that are perfect for team building, celebrating or just getting out with a group of friends. There are also locations in St. Petersburg and Brandon.
Gott Glass
811 E Knollwood St, Tampa, FL 33604
If you’ve ever been enthralled by the process of glass blowing, Gott Glass is the place for you. Here you can work one-on-one with highly experienced instructors to make your own glass flower, paperweight or glass sculpture. No experience is necessary. Whether you are an accomplished artist or struggle to draw a stick figure, you’ll feel like a true artist with your new glass creation. Call (813) 607-1801 to learn about upcoming workshops.
