2 min read
Looking at art is an enriching and inspiring experience. But sometimes you want to be on the other side of the easel, so to speak. We found local outlets that let you satisfy your artistic side in unexpected mediums. Dress accordingly.
Working with Metal
Photo: Facebook
Safety first: Not only do you get to try your hand at welding, but you also get to wear a Darth Vader-looking protective mask
If you’re looking for something a little more hard core than watercolor classes, check out the metal work classes at Stonybrook Fine Arts in Jamaica Plain. In a one-day workshop you can learn about stick or oxy welding and sculpt your own metal creature.
Or you can cut, file, solder, and inscribe your own ring (talk about statement jewelry!). If you ignite a metal-working passion inside yourself, you can sign up for a multi-week intensive course in mold making, metal casting, and figure sculpture.
Stonybrook Fine Arts
One-day workshop, $150–$350
24 Porter St., Jamaica Plain
Stony Brook T stop, limited street parking
Indigo Dyeing
Photo: craftwork.rocks
To dye for: Learn how to create patterns using the ancient indigo color process
Dive into textile work with an indigo dyeing workshop at Craftwork Somerville. Learn the history of the ancient color process and then get your hands dirty (literally) trying it out. Instructors will teach basic dyeing techniques as well as how to create patterns on fabric. They also offer a Clone Your Clothes workshop where you can learn how to replicate your favorite garments in different colors or fabrics.
Craftwork Somerville
One-day workshop, $75–$150
259 Highland Ave., Somerville
Porter T stop, limited street parking
Woodworking
Photo: artisansasylum.com
Get crazy with wood: Learn shop basics or build full-on furniture at Artisan’s Asylum
Channel your inner Ron Swanson (Parks and Recreation, anyone?) in a woodworking class at Artisan’s Asylum. If you don’t know a saw from a sander, Woodworking 101 will teach you the basics of all the tools involved and allow you to get comfortable working with each one. For more advanced participants, the two-part Build a Cherry Side Table class teaches Shaker-style techniques for turning raw lumber into a polished piece of accent furniture (complete with drawer). If you prefer working alone, you can rent space and tools for use in the building.
Artisan’s Asylum
Three-week course, $215
10 Tyler St., Somerville
Somerville Ave. at Loring St. stop on the 87 bus, limited lot parking available
Bookbinding
In addition to its full-time programs, North Bennet Street School offers a robust calendar of continuing education programs. Particularly interesting are its bookbinding courses. Students can learn adhesive and nonadhesive strategies while binding first a basic pamphlet and working their way up to two multi-signature books. The school also offers workshops in book conservation, paper marbling for book covers, and drum leaf binding. Once you’ve made the book, it’s up to you what you put in it. You may want to take a writing workshop next!
North Bennet Street School
Two-week course, $200
150 North St., Boston
Government Center T stop, limited street parking
