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Two Lino-cut printing class students proudly show off their prints.

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Breckenridge Art Classes

Creative Things to Do in Breckenridge

As summer gracefully gives way to fall, there’s no better time to embrace your artistic side with an art class in Breckenridge. Whether you’re looking to rekindle a past passion or starting from scratch, Breck Create offers classes tailored for all ages and skill levels, ensuring there’s something for everyone in your family.

The Benefits of Art Classes

Breck Create firmly believes that art classes benefit everyone, regardless of whether you identify as an artist. The therapeutic effects of art are well-documented, and engaging in creative activities can foster innovative thinking, experimentation and self-expression. Participating in art can boost your self-esteem, provide a sense of accomplishment and cultivate patience and discipline. Plus, you might even meet a new friend!

Who Breck Create Art Classes Serve

Breck Create is committed to making art accessible to all—people of different ages, skill levels, English speakers and non-English speakers as well as individuals who may require physical accommodations. Patrons with inquiries and those who require assistance or accommodation may contact the organization at info@breckcreate.org or 970-453-3187. They also offer scholarships to local residents of all ages and skill levels for select classes and workshops. 

With an encouraging studio environment, affordable prices and flexible schedules, students can find classes that fit their day, evening or weekend preferences. Classes for children, tweens and teens focus on creative problem-solving and experimentation, providing an artful and adventurous experience featuring observation, conversation and hands-on activities led by enthusiastic teaching artists. Adults (and nearly adults, with many classes open to ages 15+) have a wide variety of options, including multi-day workshops, multi-week series classes and open studio sessions where artists can explore their medium independently with studio technicians on hand for support.

A clay hand-building class participant smiles with his large vase

Types of Art Classes in Breckenridge

Breck Create’s art class offerings change each season, but you can typically find classes in ceramics, painting, metalsmithing, glassblowing and drawing. Additionally, they provide Precious Plastic classes, which are modeled on activist-organization Precious Plastic’s global initiative aimed at reducing plastic waste, offering community members and visitors the chance to transform plastic waste into art through classes and open studio sessions held at the Precious Plastic Mix Workspace within the Arts District Campus.

To further foster community connections, Breck Create presents a monthly “Date Night” class this fall, each themed around a different project: linocut printmaking in September, jack-o-lantern carving in October and acrylic painting in November.

Fuqua Livery Stable is show against the backdrop of the Tenmile Mountain Range - Fuqua is a historic structure on the Breckenridge arts district campus that houses the Precious Plastic workspace.

Inside the Breckenridge Arts District

Breckenridge art classes are hosted within the Breckenridge Arts District, a state-certified district that is part of Colorado Creative Industries’ program. This charming village of renovated historic structures provides an inspiring backdrop for artistic endeavors. Notable venues include the Old Masonic Hall, built in 1892 and now serving as a classroom and event space, as well as the Fuqua Livery Stable, home to the Precious Plastic studio. The inviting Quandary Antiques Cabin, constructed in the 1950s, hosts numerous classes and workshops each year, while Randall Barn, originally built in 1902, now houses painting and drawing classes.

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Who Teaches Art Classes in Breckenridge

Breck Create’s art classes engage the local artist community, providing teaching opportunities that help nurture a vibrant arts culture. By participating in these classes, you contribute to the growth and sustainability of this artistic community.

Choosing an Art Class in Breckenridge

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The majority of Breck Create art classes are just a few hours long and offered once or twice a week, making it convenient for Breckenridge community members and visitors alike to get creative. The Breck Create website features an event calendar with filters for date, event type and art medium to help you find the perfect class. Classes tend to fill up quickly, especially during the busy holiday and ski seasons, so early registration is highly recommended.

Best Art Options for Intermediate + Advanced Students

More experienced students can opt for any of the above classes and take advantage of additional open studio opportunities. Please note that prerequisites may be required:

Ceramic Open Studio

Painting Open Studio

Precious Plastic Open Studio

Glassblowing Open Studio

Best Art Classes for Youth, Teens + Tweens

Families visiting Breckenridge can look forward to classes designed specifically for younger students, such as:

Young Writer’s Club

Afterschool Art

Afterschool Art: Fun With Fiber

Ceramics

The Breck Create Ceramic Studio boasts eight wheels, two kilns, a slab roller and a glaze-mixing room. Since ceramics projects require time to dry, classes are best suited for local or nearby residents. Available ceramics classes for Fall 2024 include:

Ceramic Open Studio

Clay Hand Building

Beginner Wheel Throwing: Series

Pre-Columbian Ceramics: Two-Day Workshops

Intermediate Wheel Throwing

Ceramic Glazing Techniques

Private classes

For those wishing to arrange a class for family or groups, Breck Create offers private workshops in various media, including ceramics, drawing, glassblowing, metalsmithing, painting, photography, printmaking, textiles, welding and mixed media. Please submit a Private Class Request Form at least two weeks before your preferred date.

Isak Heartstone, the Breckenridge troll sculpture created from recycled materials by artist Thomas Dambo, with a light dusting of snow.

PLANNING YOUR VISIT TO BRECKENRIDGE

Breckenridge is brimming with creative inspiration and numerous reasons to visit. Late September to early October, known as “leaf-peeping season,” showcases the stunning golden hues of aspen groves set against evergreen forests. Enjoy hundreds of miles of trails and family-friendly activities, such as the Trollstigen Trail leading to Isak Heartstone, a.k.a. the Breckenridge troll, a massive wooden sculpture by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Don’t miss the 27th annual Breckenridge Oktoberfest presented by Breckenridge Brewery from September 13 to 15, and the Día de Muertos festival on October 18-19. The holiday and ski seasons kick off soon after, making fall an ideal time to experience what Breck Create has to offer.

Support the Arts in Breckenridge

Since its inception in 2014, Breck Create has been instrumental in enriching the cultural landscape of Breckenridge. The organization provides a wide range of creative classes and workshops for all ages and experience levels. Whether you’re new to art or a seasoned creator, these classes offer a fantastic opportunity to explore your creativity.

By enrolling in an art class, you support Breck Create’s mission as a 501(c)(3) organization to promote and celebrate the arts through diverse programs in visual arts, performance, music and arts education. Members enjoy reduced class rates and many additional benefits.

Become a Member Today