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Breckenridge Art Classes

Creative Things to Do in Breckenridge

Summertime in Breckenridge is a vibrant mix of mountain charm, alpine adventure, and cultural experiences set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Colorado Rockies. 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. Creativity pairs well with outdoor adventure. 

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. The organization also offers 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 Re-Maker’s Space within the Arts District Campus.

To further foster community connections, Breck Create presents a monthly “Date Night” class, each themed around a different project. Check the event calendar for this season’s classes.

The Breckenridge Art District, a collection of historic buildings repurposed for art classes in downtown Breckenridge

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 annual fundraiser, A Creative and Culinary Affair, on July 10th is an excellent opportunity to tour the campus and see all that Breck Create has to offer while also sampling bites and sips from the best restaurants and vendors in Breckenridge.

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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

Students in one of Breck Create
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Carabiners created from shredded plastic
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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 as well as intermediate and advanced classes listed below. They also may take advantage of open studio opportunities. Please note that prerequisites may be required:

Ceramic Open Studio

Glassblowing Open Studio

Advanced Metalsmithing

Best Art Classes for Youth, Teens + Tweens

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

Toddler Art

Mixed-Up Media for Kids

Clay Sculpture for Kids

Pixel Printmaking for Youth

Creative Crafts for Kids

Terrific Textiles: Exploring Fiber Arts for Kids

Teen Glassblowing

Intro to Doing: Electronic Music for Teens

Junk to Gems for Teens: Plastic Projects

Teen Mosaics

In addition to the classes above, Breck Create also offers creativity-driven summer camps for kids aged six through 12.

Best Art Classes for Spanish Speakers

Breck Create’s aims to make art accessible for all, including non-native speakers. The following classes are either bi-lingual or offered solely in Spanish:

Impresiones en Pixel Para Jóvenes

Linograbado Para Principiantes

Beginner Screen Printing

Beginner Sewing Basics

Beginner Screen Printing - Reusable Bags

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:

Ceramic Open Studio

Beginner Clay Hand Building

Beginner Wheel Throwing: Series

Intermediate Wheel: Throwing Off the Hump

Glazing 101

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.

Beginner Wheel Throwing Series

Beginner Drawing 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.

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 year-round with creative inspiration and numerous reasons to visit. Summer offers warm days with endlessly blue skies and crisp evenings. 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.

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