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Breckenridge Art Classes
Ski season in Breckenridge opened November 8th, and the Lighting of Breckenridge followed a month later, officially christening the winter season—there’s no better time to get cozy and 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. Plus, classes are a great alternative to skiing and snow sports.
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.
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, each themed around a different project: My One + Only: Monoprinting (January), I Love You to Pieces: Mosaics (February), Stop the World + Melt With You: Pysanky (March) and Firm, Even Pressure: Linocut Printmaking (April).
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.
The Arts District Campus Crawl on January 11th is an excellent opportunity to tour the campus and see all that Breck Create has to offer.
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
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.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CLASSES
Breck Create values community engagement and endeavors to provide opportunities for residents and visitors alike to commingle in creative spaces. The winter/spring 2024-25 exhibiting artists, Camille Hoffman and Gyun Hur, will be in Breckenridge on January 11th to discuss their collaborative site-specific work, Our river flowing from our eyes, and to each teach a workshop (see below). These events will be offered as part of the Campus Crawl event on the same day.
• Intergenerational Visual Storytelling Workshop with Gyun Hur
• Meditation Workshop with Camille Hoffman
Best Art Classes for Beginners + Visitors
For the Winter/Spring 2024-2025 semester, consider these beginner-friendly classes, where tools, materials and supplies are provided:
Precious Plastics: Injection 101
Precious Plastics Pick-A-Project
Pysanky Ukrainian Egg Decorating
Date Night: My One + Only - Monoprinting
Date Night: I Love You to Pieces - Mosaics
Date Night: Stop the World + Melt With You - Pysanky
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:
Best Art Classes for Youth, Teens + Tweens
Families visiting Breckenridge can look forward to classes designed specifically for younger students, such as:
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. Currently available ceramics classes include:
Beginner Wheel Throwing: Series
Series classes
Breck Create offers several series-style classes that allow a student to dive deeply into an art form. While students don’t necessarily need to be an intermediate or advanced student, it definitely helps if they live or are on extended stay in the area. Please read class descriptions for more information regarding skill level and class series duration.
Intro to DJing Electron Music Series
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.
PLANNING YOUR VISIT TO BRECKENRIDGE
Breckenridge is brimming with creative inspiration and numerous reasons to visit. Ski season traditionally falls between November and April. Enjoy hundreds of miles of ski 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. The holiday seasons kick off the first weekend in December with the Lighting of Breckenridge and Race of the Santas, making winter 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.