Things to do ...
South County offers a brilliant array of art classes !
by Kelly Barbazette . Photos by Kelly Barbazette and 6th Street Art Studios
As the writer Elizabeth Gilbert says , if you ’ re alive , you ’ re a creative person . To help you tap into your creativity , South County ’ s art studios are offering a vibrant palette of art classes . From ceramics and watercolors to acrylics and photography , there ’ s an art class for every child and adult — even if you ’ ve never picked up a paintbrush .
Propelled by its mission of making art more accessible and less intimidating , 6th Street Studios & Art Center in Gilroy offers a wide array of classes . Yoga pairs with art on Saturday mornings for children , and teens ages 16 and up can sign up for monthly watercolor painting . For school-age children , art camps with full-day and half-day options are available over spring break . Summer camp will be back in session with sign-ups for one week or multiple weeks . In addition , a weekly knitting and crochet class is in the works , and Thursday art and wine nights for adults are returning .
Emily McEwan-Upright , founder of 6th Street Studios & Art Center , has observed even the most tentative student gain confidence after taking a class .
Down the street , Paint ’ n With Friends Art Studio in Gilroy offers a colorful variety of classes taught by Tami Brown , owner and self-taught artist . Following step-by-step instructions , children are exposed to painting , sculpting , water color , acrylic , painting on wood , and drawing .
“ We have rules in the studio and the first one is to have fun ,” Brown said .
Weekend classes for all ages are available , as well as spring break and summer classes for children . The studio also offers a “ mommy and me ” class , mobile art instruction , reservations for private parties , and a multi-class discount .
“ If you ' re alive , you ' re a creative person ." - Elizabeth Gilbert
Encouragement and positivity are woven into art classes , Moya said as he invites his students to try new things and learn from their mistakes .
“ I say don ’ t give up . Just because [ your picture ] doesn ’ t look like mine , doesn ’ t mean it ’ s not right ,” he said .
Moya will offer spring break and summer break classes , as well as private art classes taught over Zoom . In addition , paint and sip sessions for adults are returning and bookings for private parties are also available .
Take-home art kits are available from both Paint ’ n With Friends Art Studio and Moya Art Studio .
Gilroy artist Sheryl Cathers offers on-the-go art classes or mobile paint parties — for individuals or for various sized groups — at your home , office , park or winery this summer . She also teaches classes over Zoom .
In downtown Morgan Hill , Colibri Gallery ’ s calendar is chockfull of classes taught by Bay Area artists highlighting a variety of mediums and processes .
Artist and motivational speaker Ignacio Moya , who goes by Nacho , said Moya Art Studio in downtown Gilroy “ stands for helping others .”
“ We have things for the beginner and the more intermediate person and all ages , too ,” said Ellie Honl , director of Colibri Gallery .
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