Registration is now open for new spring ArtPlay classes and workshops, including creative movement, writing, storytelling, visual arts, ballet, keyboard basics and much more.Registration is open now for new art classes for all ages in 2025, presented by ArtPlay Community Education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
ArtPlay makes the arts accessible to a broad audience and cultivates an understanding of and appreciation for the arts. Classes are available from preschool to adult. Most classes meet weekly. Read more about ArtPlay’s classes online at alysstephens.org/classes.
For information on sold-out classes, call ArtPlay at 205-975-4769. A discount is available for UAB students and employees when registering by phone.
Children and teens
Creative Movement for Kids for kindergarten through second grade, from 10-11 a.m. Saturdays, Feb. 22-April 19, 2025, with no class March 29. Led by teaching artist Lisa Gibbs, Ed.D. Wiggly, squiggly, curious and fun, this dance class explores movement using the concepts of space, time and energy in a fun, creative way. $145. Register.
The Art of Storytelling for kindergarten through second grade, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 26-April 9, 2025, with no class March 26. In this class led by teaching artist Irealle Saul, children will explore their imagination to create fun, interactive stories told from their own perspectives. They will work on performing short stories, helping to build confidence and develop communication skills. $120. Register.
Drawing Exploration & Mixed Media for third through fifth grades, from 5-6 p.m., Tuesdays, Feb. 25-April 22, 2025, with no class March 25. Led by teaching artist Sam Roberts. Kids will have a blast trying out lots of different art activities. Students get to express themselves, make choices, play, discover new things, and learn about materials and how to create. $140. Register.
Ballet Basics for third through fifth grades, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 26-April 23, 2025, with no class March 26. Led by teaching artist Lisa Gibbs, Ed.D. Bend, stretch, turn — these are the basics of ballet. Learn how these movements connect to create the timeless dance technique of ballet. $145. Register.
Fairy Door Sculpting Workshop for third through fifth grades, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 24, March 3 and March 10, 2025. In this fun and imaginative class led by teaching artist Cindy Free, kids will learn basic sculpting techniques and create their own fairy doors using clay, shaping charming details like tiny mushrooms, flowers, swirling vines and enchanting windows and adding colorful finishing touches with paint. Perfect for sparking creativity, this workshop invites young artists to design a whimsical world where fairies might just pay a visit. $150. Register.
Printmaking: Flowers & Bugs for sixth through eighth grades, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 26-April 23, 2025, with no class March 26. Led by teaching artists Kat Murray and Hannah Lewis. In this fun and interactive class, young artists will dive into the world of printmaking through hands-on projects. Students will explore scratchboard techniques to introduce the foundations of printmaking. By the end of the class, each student will have a beautiful collection of nature-inspired prints to take home. $200. Register.
Group Keyboard Classes for three age groups, led by teaching artist Ahmun Miles. These fun and engaging small group keyboard classes have only four students per class, so each child receives personalized attention. Students will learn keyboard layout, basic music theory and simple songs, and be introduced to reading sheet music and developing proper techniques while participating in interactive activities and performance opportunities. Perfect for young beginners eager to explore the world of music in a friendly and supportive setting.
- Group Keyboard Class for kindergarten through second grades, from 10-11 a.m. Saturdays, Feb. 22-May 3, 2025. $140. Register.
- Group Keyboard Class for third through fifth grades, from 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Saturdays, Feb. 22-May 3, 2025. $140. Register.
- Group Keyboard Class for sixth through eighth grades, from 5:45-6:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 19-April 30, 2025. $150. Register.
Adults
Galentine’s Workshop: Victorian Purse Puzzles, 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. Teaching artist Brianna Payne will guide students through crafting unique Victorian purse puzzles, perfect for gifting. All materials and candy are provided — just bring friends and enjoy an afternoon of fun, creativity and good company. $70. Register.
Solar Printing & Creative Stitching Workshop, 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays, March 1 and March 8, 2025. In this two-part class led by teaching artist Sam Roberts, explore the art of solar printing and hand stitching to transform an article of clothing or a tote bag into a one-of-a-kind wearable piece. In the first session, use solar printing techniques to design and create unique fabric patches. In the second, learn basic sewing and embroidery techniques to hand-stitch and apply original custom prints onto the garment or tote students bring, or a tote that ArtPlay provides. $95. Register.
First Person: Personal Narrative Writing, 6-7:30 p.m. Mondays, March 31-May 5, 2025. Teaching artist Javacia Harris Bowser will lead participants in an exploration of the basics of creative non-fiction with a focus on memoir. Students will learn how to transform personal life experiences into compelling stories and gain insight into getting their narratives published. $200. Register.
Art for the non-Artist, 1-3 p.m. Saturdays, March 22-April 26, 2025. Teaching artist Brianna Payne will gently guide students in sketchbook activities and ask students to keep a sketchbook or creativity journal. Through creative exercises, collage, printmaking and abstract painting, students will learn basic, easy techniques they can use on their own. $200. Register.
Creating Your Own Children’s Book 101, 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 19-April 2, 2025, with no class March 26. In this six-week class, teaching artist Jenny-Rebecca Lewis will show students how to bring a children’s book to life, from inspiration to creation. The class will nurture a creative flow and guide students through the step-by-step process of turning an idea into a published work. Your story can take any form — words, pictures or both. Not only will inspiration flow, but the class will also talk about the step-by-step process of getting from idea to print, self-publishing and publishing. $190. Register.
Creating Your Own Children’s Book 102, 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 18-April 2, 2025, with no class March 25. In this advanced class by teaching artist Jenny-Rebecca Lewis, participants will build on the story-writing skills learned in 101, with time and guidance to further develop their work. The class includes six hours of dedicated writing and planning, with a supportive community to offer feedback and encouragement. Practical aspects like copyright, self-publishing, working with book agents and getting published will also be covered. Additionally, the illustration process will be explored. $210. Register.
Sculpting the Human Figure Workshop, 1-4 p.m. Saturdays, Feb. 22, March 1 and March 8, 2025. This hands-on sculpting workshop led by teaching artist Cindy Free covers the basics of anatomy and form that artists need to understand to begin sculpting human and animal figures. Students will learn essential techniques for constructing, sculpting and detailing characters and creating both realistic and fantastical figures. With a blend of group and personalized instruction, this workshop is ideal for both beginners and intermediate artists. All materials are provided. $200. Register.
Spring Fairies Sculpting Workshop, 6-7:30 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 24-April 7, 2025, with no class March 24. In this hands-on class, teaching artist Cindy Free will guide students through the basics of sculpting delicate flower fairies with human-like bodies using polymer clay, and crafting beautiful, detailed clothing. Perfect for both beginners and those with some experience, students will learn to shape form and texture while creating a one-of-a-kind character and leave with their own enchanting fairy sculpture and the foundational skills to continue their creative journey. $180. Register.
Snap to Stunning: Creative Photography for Digital Camera Owners, from 5:30-7 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 24-April 21, 2025, with no class March 24. Ready to move beyond “auto” mode? Dive into the exciting world of digital photography with this hands-on course led by teaching artist Leann Hill that covers the essentials of composition, lighting and editing, with practical tips on retouching, posing and capturing landscapes and architecture. Bring your digital camera with manual control capability, a sturdy tripod and a computer with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. $216. Register.