You can learn how to do all those things right here in town because the art studios in Joplin offer classes which cover a wide variety of skills, materials, and techniques. And, no, you don’t have to be a Picasso to enjoy taking one of these classes. The mission of these studios is to make art accessible to the general public, so they offer classes for every skill level.

In addition to offering art classes, many of these studios have galleries displaying the work of talented artists in the community – and it’s for sale. So if you’re looking for an original piece, either for yourself or to give as a gift, definitely visit these galleries.

Create N Sip Studios

223 West 3rd Street

Enjoy a glass of wine (or beverage of your choice) while Create N Sip’s instructors lead you through the painting process, step by step. Capture the image of your pet on canvas at the monthly Paint-Your-Pet session, where your favorite pet photo…

…becomes a piece of art.

Younger painters (ages 6 and up) are welcome during designated times, such as Open Family Paint on Saturdays.

Firehouse Pottery

122 S. Main Street

Turn a piece of unpainted pottery into your very own work of art at this studio. Unpainted items include tiles, mugs, plates, vases, wine glasses, holiday decor, animal figurines for kids (and adults!) to paint, and much more.

Walk in and paint any time, or sign up for a special session like “Date Night” or “Story Time Pottery” (for the little ones).

George A. Spiva Center for the Arts

212 W. 7th Street

This “fine art hub of the Four States” offers painting, anime, fused glass, photography, jewelry, and more classes.

For children, Spiva offers ongoing weekly classes which introduce them to a variety of media (“Preschooler and Pal Art Class” and “Creation Station”).

Browse through Spiva’s gift shop to see original work from local and regional artists. Of course, no visit is complete without walking through the galleries to see the latest exhibits featuring artists from all over the world.

Local Color Art Gallery & Studio

1027 S. Main Street

This gathering place for local artists offers Saturday painting classes for beginning and intermediate students, ages 8 and up (all materials are included), plus Wednesday classes for more experienced painters (who bring their own materials).

The studio also offers a monthly “Vino and Van Gogh” class, where instructors lead you through the process of painting a work by one of the masters in the art world, such as Van Gogh or Monet, while you enjoy a glass of wine.

Walk through the gallery to see the abundant talent of our area’s artists, including paintings, art glass, jewelry, woodwork, ceramics, hand-dyed silk scarves, and more.

Art in Joplin is thriving right now, thanks in large part to one organization whose mission is to create awareness of cultural arts in the community: Connect2Culture.

Each week, Connect2Culture sends out a newsletter containing a comprehensive list of upcoming classes and events in the Joplin arts community; I highly recommend subscribing to it!