1. Glassblowing: Prism Glassworks
Location: Troy
pgwgallery.com
After a safety instruction and short demo, try your hand at making a marble, pendant, paperweight, shot glass, or ornament.
Good to know: On the last Friday of each month, stop by for Prism Glassworks Studio Night, which brings together artists of all skill levels.
2. Embroidery: Arts Center of the Capital Region
Location: Troy
capartscenter.org
Stitch your way into spring with a three-part, beginner-friendly embroidery workshop on March 27, April 3, and April 10.
Good to know: If embroidery isn’t your thing, the Arts Center of the Capital Region hosts plenty of other classes, including drawing, digital arts, jewelry, and photography.
3. Pottery: The Broken Mold Studio
Location: Troy
thebrokenmoldstudio.com
Create your own bowl in an hour-and-a-half “Learn Together” session, which includes a wheel demonstration and personal lesson, or go all in with a three- or six-week individual class.
Good to know: The studio doubles as a retail shop, so you can find the perfect gift or new addition to your home while you’re there.
4. Woodworking: Saratoga Joinery
Location: Saratoga Springs
saratogajoinery.org
From turning a candlestick to building a bench, Saratoga Joinery offers a variety of classes for woodworkers of all abilities.
Good to know: The nonprofit woodworking studio is committed to inclusivity, encouraging those who don’t look like the “typical” woodworker to get involved.
5. Painting: Hudson River Valley Art Workshops
Location: Greenville
artworkshops.com
Multi-session workshops are hosted in the historic Greenville Arms 1889 Inn, with on-site meals and lodging available.
Good to know: Their all-inclusive package—including five full class days, six nights of dinner, lodging, and breakfast—makes a great gift.
6. Improv: The Mopco Improv Theatre
Location: Schenectady
mopco.org
Make it up as you go along with four- and six-week improv workshops offered regularly at the firehouse-turned-theater.
Good to know: Drop by for Mopco’s “Workout Nights” on Mondays from 7-9pm for a fun, casual way to brush up on your improv skills or to dip your toe in for the first time.
7. Cooking: Capital Cooks
Location: Colonie
capitalcooksny.com
Grab a date or treat yourself to a variety of classes and cuisines offered each month, from croissants to Pad Thai.
Good to know: Solo chefs are more than welcome, as the cooking school places emphasis on fostering new connections.
8. Dance: Albany Dance & Fitness
Location: Albany
albanydancefitness.com
Step into ballet with beginner adult classes, offered most days of the week. Other dance classes (jazz, belly dance, etc.) are available as well.
Good to know: This dance studio only offers classes for teens and adults, so you never have to worry about stepping on tiny toes (or showing them up with your new skills).
Creations and Libations
Paint & Sip is only the beginning.
Paint & Sip: Canvas, Corks & Forks, Schenectady
Come for the painting, stick around for the specialty drink menu, mac and cheese bar, and Boozy Moo ice cream. canvascorksandforks.com
Craft & Draft: Collar City Candle @ Lucas Confectionary, Troy
Create your own candle while enjoying cocktails, wine, beer, or non-alcoholic drinks. collarcitycandle.com
Print N’ Pint: Saratoga Arts @ Whitman Brewery, Saratoga Springs
Explore printmaking techniques like intaglio and stamp-making with drafts, cocktails, wine, or non-alcoholic beverages. saratoga-arts.org
Plant & Sip: The Planter LLC, (various locations)
Build your own succulent terrarium at The Planter’s Cohoes locations or one of the local businesses that host plant & sip pop-ups. theplanter.com.co
