There is a lot being said about our generation of millennials, including our desire to drift away from big box stores and seek out local, handmade products and even experiment with our own creativity. Some may call it the “hipster mentality,” or just think of those Starbucks-hating Brooklyn dwellers who grow their own food and sell their jewelry on Etsy, but it’s true, our generation loves to make and feel a connection to the things we put effort towards. I hesitate to say we are “crafty,” but we certainly are finding more ways than ever to embrace our artistic sides. So if you are one of those people who want somewhere to release your creative juices and put down the phone for an hour or two, there are some great places in D.C. that offer a variety of artsy experiences.
Pottery
For instance, if you like the idea of painting your own special coffee mug or plate to cherish for years, consider a pottery painting studio like All Fired Up, located in Bethesda, Maryland and Cleveland Park in North West. They offer shelves and shelves of items, from teapots to vases to cat figurines, which you can put your unique stamp on, and then come back and pick up when it has been fired in the kiln. Prices run between $20 and $25 on average, but you can always take a group of friends to paint one large piece you all can enjoy.
3413 Connecticut Ave.
Washington, DC 20008
and
4923 Elm Street
Bethesda, MD 20814
Metro: Cleveland Park, Bethesda on the Red Line
PHOTO BY LAUREN STAEHLE
Painting
If you’re a painting traditionalist, ArtJamz in Dupont Circle is a fantastic space that fuses the qualities of a lounge, a bar and an art studio into one fun painting experience. Reserve a painting package, with studio time, painting materials, a canvas and drink, or choose a themed class where an instructor will guide you through the process of making a masterpiece. The vibe is upbeat and relaxed with energetic music playing 24/7 and artistic license to create whatever your heart desires. Classes are a bargain at $18, and packages run anywhere from $33 to $75.
1728 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20009
Metro: Dupont Circle on the Red Line
Tipsy Painting
For those of you 21 and over, UnCorkd Art and Merlot’s Masterpiece offer painting classes accompanied by wine. At each location, you can check out their online calendars and choose a class with the featured painting most appealing to you. Then receive guided instruction from an expert painter, all while sipping on a tasty beverage to keep the creativity coming. At around $50, these experiences may be more of a splurge, but you will leave with a priceless piece of art to brighten your home.
UnCorkd Art:
1054 31st street NW| Washington, DC 20007
Bus Route: 32, 34 buses to Georgetown
Merlot’s Masterpiece:
1512 U Street NW in Washington, D.C
Metro: U Street on the Green and Yellow lines
Graffiti
Art Jar, a company run by renowned D.C. artist Rajan Sedalia, offers something a bit grittier and audacious. Sedalia will lead you in a graffiti class, which includes a brief history of street art and some popular painting techniques, and then will take you to tag a wall, meaning you can really leave your lasting mark on D.C.
3305 8th Street Northeast, Washington, DC 20017
Metro: Brookland-CUA on the Red Line
Jewelry
Finally, if you are one of those aspiring Etsy merchants, consider a jewelry making class at the Potomac Bead Company in Alexandria, Virginia. Classes run from one to three hours, and each is centered around a specific piece of jewelry, like a leather wrap bracelet or copper cuff. Potomac Bead Company has a vast selection of beads and materials from which you can pick and choose to make your own special piece. Each class is generally only $22—a bargain for a one-of-a-kind accessory.
The best part of each of these experiences is that you don’t need to be an art major to enjoy them. Anyone from the very basic beginner to the painting pro is welcome to attend, and of course, bringing along some friends will always make for an even better time.
1104 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314
Metro: King Street on the Blue and Yellow lines
