By: Anabel Kissel

As a creative, I suffer no shortage of inspiration, especially with social media feeding me one masterpiece after the other. With so many ideas, it can be hard to pick a project and even harder to find time for one. If you’re like me, in need of a time and place dedicated to one project, then allow me to present my list of art workshops here in Gwinnett. 

Let’s start by going back to the basics: painting! For many of us, big bottles of tempera paint and copy paper were our first introduction to art as children. Whether you’re still finger-painting or you’re a modern-day Picasso, you need to check out Painting with a Twist in Downtown Lawrenceville. Pop in to try your hand at painting projects on serving trays, wine glasses, tote bags and more. 

Now that we’ve reviewed the basics, we can explore my favorite medium, pottery! At abcPottery, you can explore both dimensions of design! They offer walk-in pottery painting, where you can choose from their constantly evolving inventory of ceramic pieces. If you’re interested in working with clay, sign up for one of their pottery wheel or hand-building workshops! At abcPottery, you can paint and build masterpieces that you will actually use like a plate, clock or mug. 

If you’re looking to turn up the heat and try something new, then allow me to suggest glassblowing. Calvary Glassblowing Studio offers a unique workshop experience, where beginners can turn a shapeless blob of molten glass into a colorful work of delicate art. Under the guidance of professional glassblower, Kelly Robertson, you can face the heat of the torch and furnace and walk away with a wine glass, vase or bowl made by your own hand. 

With so many workshops right here in Gwinnett, there is no excuse for us artists to go all summer without creating. Here’s to a summer of making art and making memories.