Best art classes in Birmingham: find options near you

We had a wonderful time at the pottery wheel taster class. Our instructor Avery was brilliant throughout. We were greeted with a warm welcome, the venue was easy to find and there was areas to leave your belongings safely. After everyone was sorted with a drink and apron we were shown pieces others had made to gain inspiration and Avery covered the process of how your piece would get to its final stage when it’s ready for collection. We then took turns on the wheel with a partner to start creating our pieces. We were guided through the process and equally left to have some fun on our own as Avery watched over us in case we needed help. I would definitely book this again and highly recommend for a birthday/hen do. Thank you again Avery!

Robin was phenomenal…the atmosphere was just lovely, and I had some great laughs in between my lesson. I would love to bring my girlfriends here for a day of fun!

The staff were so pleasant from start to finish, and I appreciated how personal everything was. I was able to work at my own pace and was met with great encouragement at all points. I’ll know not to wear my nails so long next time hahaha. Thank you for the experience, I will be back.

I had a great afternoon learning to throw pottery with Robyn. Robyn was very patient and helpful, we’re excited to see how our pots turn out! We would really recommend this taster session for anyone interested in playing with some clay!

We had a fabulous time at the pottery wheel taster class. The studio is easy to find and a lovely environment. Out tutor Robyn was patient, encouraging and gave really clear directions and demonstrations. Robyn helped us to feel at ease and the afternoon was really relaxing. I am now planning to sign up for an 8 or 12 week course, highly recommended!

First time pottery making for my birthday it was absolutely amazing… loved the studio… loved loved the instructors kat and Avery. Was such a fun experience would definitely come again, had the best time and Avery was exceptional from her teaching to her warm smiley personality and conversation. GIVE HER A RAISE 🙂

SO MUCH FUN! My teacher was abi, extremely talented and so patient. She was so friendly and made the experience so enjoyable. I would highly recommend, the only thing I would change is that I would have brought the whole family 🙂

Had lots of fun at a taster session today and managed to throw 3 pots. Abi was a really good tutor, she helped everyone succeed and have a laugh. Nice studio, great equipment, good location in JQ.

Wow such an enjoyable experience saw *penguin lessons* with Steve coogan after 7pm. Great atmosphere and vibe so relaxed nobody cares what you’re wearing or stares at you. Staff are great and polite, accomodating. I honestly expected a really small room for the screening but was surprisingly spacious and seats weren’t bad. I think the £14 ones are recliner…Was my first time here and I I didn’t expect to laugh at the adverts..I found myself laughing loudly. and honest nobody cared and I love that. My last visit to a cinema must have been December 2023!! I will visit again and got a quick peek at some of the exhibits there too.

The premier arts centre in Birmingham, located in Cannon Hill Park, in Moseley. On the day we visited there was a lively exhibition and we wanted to watch a film but the box office closed and it was too late to buy tickets in the shop. We popped into the recording studio which is well equipped and stopped for snacks in the cafe. As well as the cinema, music studio and exhibition space, there are also workshops and events space.

This was our first visit, and we were thoroughly impressed. The venue hosts a variety of engaging exhibitions that change over time, ensuring a fresh and exciting experience with each visit. The team is exceptionally friendly and supportive, and the entire facility is impeccably clean.Additionally, there is an on-site shop and restaurant, making it a convenient and enjoyable destination. This place is suitable for all age groups, offering something for everyone regardless of age.An added bonus is its proximity to Cannon Hill Park, a stunning location perfect for a leisurely walk. Overall, this is a highly recommended destination that we look forward to visiting again.

Very impressed with our first time at cinema – small but very comfortable & staff member was lovely. Less impressed with restaurant- disappointed that the two items we chose from a restricted menu (mostly pizzas) were not available & we had to eat elsewhere. As new residents of Birmingham we think the MAC is an exciting and interesting venue.

Been here a coupla times for different exhibitions. Nostalgic building. Interesting exhibitions. Nice gift shop! Family and kid friendly centre, often well-visited over the weekends. Connected to the park and the River Rea cycling trail.

Modern facilities but soulless.

The outside is an ugly mixture of unkempt functional architecture and brash, upbeat marketing decorations. Both the front and back entrance are not welcoming spaces, the latter from the car parks being quite narrow.

The meeting rooms & suites, bar area and cafés look and feel up to date with everywhere looking smart and clean. A little too much so as the entire place lacks character or atmosphere leading to a sterile feeling.

Display areas, even for the same exhibition, can spread out and one is in the small café making it awkward to see. Small corridors are also used not allowing the viewer to stand back from the display.

The gift shop is stupidly expensive easily beating some London museums in pricing. The goods and books seem aimed at serious arty types and, although I’m one, I still wouldn’t pay £7 for a fridge magnet.

Parking can be a nightmare if there’s more than one event on and impossible if there’s a match at neighbouring Edgbaston Cricket ground. Be aware that the parking area is split into two so make sure you pay at the right pay station for where you’ve left your car. RingGo app works works well here though.

I read one of the reviews on here about this place being soulless…obviously everyone on here has an opinion that needs listening to but the sad fact is NO city/place (in my opinion) will ever get the funding for arts that London gets, so as humble as the MAC is and as pretentious as art can be on occasion..we have to support our local Art places. Anyway, the MAC is a great place to enjoy good food in a large, open stylish place. Cannon Hill park is worth a visit especially on a quiet day

I’ve come here on a quiet day but I really do like the atmosphere, the playlist is great and Major really explained the process well for us, customer service was amazinggg. And I would definitely come back again!

Definitely coming again! Everyone here is so lovely, such a warm and welcoming place. They give you time and a lot of options for paints and clay pots! Would highly recommend ! X

We had such a great experience! The staff were so friendly and accommodating, even though we didn’t have much time. They made sure we were able to enjoy the pottery session without feeling rushed. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a fun and relaxing activity! Amazing service and great pick up also 🙂

I have no artistic skills but still had alot of fun. Felt it was a little bit too overbooked because of how loud and crowded it was in a small space but understandable because it was a Saturday. Will come back!!

Such a cute spot! Lots of pottery choices, relaxing vibe, and super friendly staff. Perfect for a girls day out or a creative afternoon!

Was accommodated to with a last minute booking for my little sister’s birthday. Staff were informative, helpful and friendly. The best thing was the huge selection of pottery items to pick from and having a handy guide for colouring! All in all, really enjoyed it. It was incredibly therapeutic and our items came out amazing in the end. Absolutely would come back again. Thanks team!

Cafe craft was amazing, myself and a group of other new mums all booked in to paint our babies feet onto pottery. Staff were so accommodating of us and all our prams/baby stuff! We all had a really lovely time. The cafe is lovely and calm and the pottery turned out great. Thank you!

I cannot recommend this course enough. Peter is a fantastic teacher – I’ve done other courses before but never made that much progress (see pics- first painting was awful). I hated acrylics but thanks to this class I feel more confident with them. Peter actually breaks it all down and takes the time to support you. It’s obvious he’s passionate about art and he really helps you find your feet and confidence. On top of all that, there’s always a really playlist playing and it’s a good break. Highly recommend.

As a complete beginner, I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to drawing and art. Peter was incredibly friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable, creating a relaxed and supportive environment from the very first session.

Everything was broken down step by step, making it easy to follow and build confidence over time. Peter was always on hand to guide you through each stage, offering encouragement and clear explanations throughout.

Over the 12 weeks, we explored a variety of materials and techniques. Each new medium was introduced thoughtfully, with plenty of time to get hands-on experience. Peter didn’t just show us how to draw, but also why certain approaches work, which really deepened my understanding of the process.

Overall, it was a really rewarding experience. I came in with no experience and left feeling inspired and excited to continue drawing on my own. I’d highly recommend this course to anyone looking to start their artistic journey!

I have just completed the 12 week drawing and painting class and loved every minute! Suitable for all abilities as each class starts with a demonstration of the medium and techniques and Peter is available throughout to offer help and guidance. The 2 hours goes so quickly when you are there. I’m an absolute beginner and am really pleased with some of the pieces I have produced and can’t wait to frame them and put them up around my home.

Peter is an outstanding teacher! The course is held in a beautiful building, and each week offers something new and enjoyable. I came away from both the courses I did with lots of new skills and renewed appreciation for ones I had forgotten I loved.

Peter provided a fantastic introductory course to Art using different mediums. I had lots of fun working with pencil, charcoal, pastels and acrylic paints and the course has given me much more confidence with my art. Thanks for a really engaging and interesting course Peter.

Peter is simply the best. His classes are interactive and easy to follow. I love how he encourages and guides us when needed adapting for each individual’s level and style. I have learnt a lot in the classes. This is the first time in years I have been consistently drawing and painting and this classes truly fuel that desire! I will definitely repeat.

I had some art training at college but haven’t done any drawing or painting for decades! I’d been talking about taking it up again but needed some encouragement so my lovely sister booked this course for me. I’ve really enjoyed taking part and Peter is a great tutor. I’ve learnt a great deal that I didn’t know before and now have the confidence to try things that I was less sure about. Peter has a lovely manner. He is very friendly and encouraging to people of all abilities. I would definately recommend the course and am looking to book another as soon as I can.

Very nice (free entrance) local gallery with two floors of exhibition.

I was there during the annual exhibition which was super varied with great breadth of art mediums, subject, emotions.

Space was a bit crowded with pieces so you may get overwhelmed but it’s also the opportunity to discover new artists or pieces you may not usually see.

All pieces were priced in a very affordable way.

Nice shop downstairs with jewellery, cards, art pieces.

Excellente galerie qui expose des artistes locaux ! Personnel chaleureux et une boutique au RDC pour repartir avec pleins de souvenirs !
Entrée gratuite.

A small gallery in the Jewellery Quarter, it is near St Paul’s Square. They have exhibitions on. Vote if you want for your favourite artwork, voluntary donation. The gallery has a history going back a few centuries, and was formerly on New Street until the end of the 20th century .

Great small gallery over three floors in a nice old part of Birmingham. I saw the Prize Exhibition 2022 and spent ages being fascinated by the remarkable array of different styles and media. The quality of the work was extremely impressive. Well worth a visit. Admission is free but the experience certainly deserves a donation.

Beautiful gallery with incredible, varied exhibitions. I visit almost monthly to check it out. Also has a lovely little gift shop

Such a lovely Gallery to visit, the standard of work is exceptional and I loved the variety of artistic mediums too. The prices for the art are really good and reasonable as well the prices of the arts and craft in the Craft Shop. The shop has some lovely handmade items too from local crafts people. It is free entry so is a must visit gallery in Birmingham!

Wonderful gem of a gallery, featuring contemporary works and a serious contribution to the art world. I really enjoyed the work on show and as an artist I really enjoy the gallery’s enthusiasm and professionalism. today’s ‘artists talks’ were a real insight into the work on display and thoroughly welcome.

I regret to say my experience with Castle Fine Art at the Birmingham Mailbox has been extremely disappointing.

After much consideration, I purchased a piece of artwork — a significant financial commitment for me. I was later told that the artwork actually belonged to someone who worked at the gallery and, because they no longer had space for it, it had been sold to me.

A week after my purchase, I received a phone call from the gallery telling me that this person had changed their mind, no longer wished to sell, and was taking back the artwork that I had already paid for. In other words, after committing my money, the piece I believed I owned was removed from me.

What makes this worse is that I am still considerably out of pocket. Despite promises of a refund, I have not been reimbursed. For a gallery of this reputation, I find it shocking that a customer can be left in this position — having paid a large sum of money and been left without either the artwork or the refund.

This experience has completely undermined my trust in Castle Fine Art.

Interesting gallery selling modern works by artists such as McQueen, Bob Dylan, Boy George, and even Johnny Depp.
I am intrigued with the “Affordable” tag with most pieces at least 4 figures, many 5.
Is the art amazing and great? Some, and of course it’s going to be in the eye of the beholder.
Staff were friendly and approachable and were very understanding of packaging and getting your art to your home with ease.
An interesting gallery with plenty of quirky pieces. Bring money!

Fantastic service from start to finish from an amazing company. The gallery in The Mailbox is outstanding with helpful and attentive staff. Special thanks to Eleanor at the gallery for helping me whilst I was there to collect my artwork and also to Daniel at the head office who helped me with the initial purchase.
As you can see, it now has pride of place at home.
Thank you so much from one very happy customer.

I recently purchased a rather expensive framed print. When it arrived, I unpacked it to find there were 2 metal folding tabs on the back that were protruding through the brown tape. There was a split in the brown tape in the corner. There was a black mark on the INSIDE of the Perspex. There was no certificate of authenticity. When I complained, the Customer services advisor told me they have investigated the situation with dispatch managers, and they have confirmed that this damage occurred during dispatch even though the picture was still In-Transit with DPD. I fail to see how they came to this conclusion before they received the picture. They must have psychic powers!!
To add insult to injury, the heavy duty cardboard box (marked ‘Fragile’) had NO damage, dents or impact marks on it.
I requested my complaint was raised to senior management but the Advisor just offered me a full refund. Why would I want a full refund??? I just want them to accept responsibility for complete lack of quality control and liability.
Post reply 7-12-23:- Hi Rachel, You might be happy this situation is resolved, but I am not!! Your Dispatch Manager is a complete charlatan who tried to fob me off with any old baloney instead of accepting responsibility. The Customer Services Advisor has clearly been told not to entertain any complaints and just feed me your generic list of B-S excuses. I doubt very much whether my complaint was even escalated any higher then her keyboard.
Having bought 3 pieces of Art from you and this piece being the 2nd that had to be returned due to lack of Quality Control, I would have thought I would have received a more satisfactory outcome, alas, I have not. So I reiterate to you that I will never use Castle Art again.

J’aime beaucoup cette galerie d’art. J’y vais dès que je suis sur Birmingham !

Always a joy to view fine art. Bob Dylan paintings and Lorenzo Quinn sculptures were my highlights.

Terrible customer service! Me and my partner visited last month as he is into his art and we were looking for ideas and seeing which artists work we would love for when we finally get our own place and we immediately felt out of place when we walked in. We weren’t welcomed and frowned upon by the staff members and other elder customers that were receiving top service compared to us. They were offered drinks and all of the staffs attention was focused on them. Not once were we treated as equals and we actually walked out feeling very judged and discriminated against. I’m not sure if this was because we were young or how we were dressed compared to the other customers who were way older than us or that they just assumed we couldn’t afford any art work but just a piece of advise to the members of staff to not judge a book by it’s cover as we were and still are very interested in making several purchases however we will definitely be travelling to the Stratford upon Avon branch instead to do this. Not once was there a conversation between us and the staff members and they were obviously very reluctant to help, show us or advise about any pieces of art in the store. It was an completely different vibe and was extremely unwelcoming compared to the Stratford store where we have received exceptional service in the past and have even been offered drinks.

Me and my partner loved this place, overall everything is really well thought out and good value for money. When you enter the staff are super friendly and explain everything to you. The complimentary food and drink selection is awesome and the unlimited hot drinks are not just your basic tea bags and coffee granules. The selection of things to paint is also great really high quality prices and very on trend.

100% worth a visit!

Nice place, the lads was very helpful. I’d highly recommend this place the painting was really fun I’ll definitely be back the hosts are awesome the options are good, you get free coffee and a snack and a cold drink. Well worth the money can’t wait to see my mushroom dry that I painted. Good fun night. Thank you.

Very good value for money, only £10 studio fee which included a drink and a snack + as many hot drinks as we liked. The staff were very nice and gave us tips. We didn’t feel rushed at all, and ended up staying about 2.5 hours. The pottery we made was glazed and fired within 2 weeks and came out great (despite my lack of artistic talent)

I had such a lovely experience at Glaze Room in Birmingham! The place is warm, welcoming, and beautifully set up for a relaxing and creative time. The staff were super friendly and helpful throughout the visit, and everything was really well-organized. It’s a perfect spot for a fun day out with friends or a unique activity to try. I’ll definitely be back highly recommended

Had a fantastic time! The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, and we really enjoyed the whole experience. Big shoutout to Nandini — she was incredibly patient, friendly, and made the session so much fun. Highly recommend if you’re looking for something creative and calming to do!

Me and my friend went here, lovely place. They offer a snack and a cold drink with your time slot and unlimited hot drinks! The staff are nice and friendly and they teach you the best ways to paint on your chosen item. The wait to pick up the item isn’t too long either!

Brilliant couple of hours spent with friends decorating a variety of pottery items. The space is busy but well laid out, the staff are lovely and helpful with advice and information (but get out of the way quickly to allow you to create!). I booked in with 9 friends and we had a really mindful and enjoyable couple of hours on a Sunday. The included snacks and drinks are quality too! Will be back!

I joined Sundragon around 3 years ago now and I can say with full conviction that it has been one of the best decisions of my life. The community itself is fantastic and welcoming. The breadth of knowledge from both the tutors and members is immense, I came as a self taught potter with only a few months experience and have grown so much over the past few years all thanks to Sundragon. They provide services that are hard to come by nationally never mind just in the midlands. Everyone is extremely helpful and the pottery exudes a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Signing up for Sundragon Pottery’s courses back in 2019 was the best decision I ever made! I was able to explore a new hobby stress free whilst meeting so many other wonderful and talented potters along the way. I highly recommend their courses if you’re looking to begin or advance in your pottery journey

Amazing pottery studio! I’ve been on two six-week courses here and thoroughly enjoyed both of them. Everyone is super friendly and I’ve learnt a lot about pottery whilst having a good time. The tutors are fantastically knowledgeable and eager to help you create whatever you like out of the clay. The facilities, tools and materials provided are all of the highest standard. If you’re thinking about giving it a go then don’t hesitate!

I did a 6 week pottery course over summer, learning throwing, pinch pots and hand building. The entire centre is a lovely supportive place to be. Especially my tutor Nessa, with unending patience (thank you!) and guidance I left feeling that I had really learnt the foundations of a new skill. The courses are very reasonably priced and you leave with pieces you have made yourself to keep or give to friends!

I’ve done 3 courses at Sundragon -Two of Nessa’s beginners courses and one of Austin’s advanced course. I would recommend both! They were both fantastic teachers who were extremely supportive throughout the entire process. Sundragon is a special place, making pottery affordable and fun. 10/10 recommend 🙂

I have always wanted to try pottery and my friend found the 6 week course with Sundragon. Nessa was so lovely, patient and supportive to us newbies. I am proud of the pots I created and I am definitely keen to do another course in the future. Highly recommend!

We had a 1to2 taster session with Ian who made us feel very at ease with his informal style. He taught us very well and wasn’t strict on the time. We could see that pottery is his passion. We made two items each and picked the glaze we wanted them finished in. I’d highly recommend Ian and Sundragon in general. It feels like a lovely community you’re visiting.

We held a celebration party at Stryx after our previously booked venue let us down on the day. They were extremely welcoming, flexible and helpful allowing us to use the courtyard and gallery space last minute and helping us with decorations and room layout. The spaces were ideal for our guests and the facilities were good. It seems like a great community atmosphere in general and we would definitely recommend!

I am attending the yoga sessions with Mel every Thursdays, and I am extremely happy about this experience. Mel delivers her lessons in a way that is fitting each person’s different level, offering options on the same stance and making you feel comfortable. Also, she brings sound healing into it, which is something I never experienced during a yoga session, such a big plus. Everything takes place in the peaceful and magical environment of the gallery, surrounded by the secret garden. A selection of fruit is offered at the end and then I usually treat myself with coffee and cakes served in the lovely café at the front of the gallery. A really special place to be!

An excellent venue for arts related social events for all ages. Dynamic ranging art exhibition program, live music. Also fantastic interactive creative playdays for parents and children. food good and the coffee is always a highlight

We organised an exhibition in the gallery in January 2025 and the team were super helpful, friendly, flexible and inviting. It’s good quality for money exhibiting artwork here. It’s a lovely community space and visitors felt welcomed. I have been recommending the space and the various activities to lots of people.

Have been coming for yoga and art sessions “calm and creative” it was a life saver! These sessions helped me to stay calm and introduce more balance in life. Mel is an amazing yoga teacher and none of her classes are the same she ads sound and breath work which I think is brilliant! Art sessions are a cherry on a top:) Stryx cafe is a beautiful cosy and safe space to hang out, love it!

Stryx Café on Vyse Street is one of those places you stumble upon and instantly want to tell your friends about. Tucked away in the Jewellery Quarter, it offers more than just a decent coffee (though the coffee is very good!). The menu has a lovely variety of hot drinks and snacks—perfect for a catch-up, a creative session, or just a quiet moment to yourself.

What really sets Stryx apart is its vibe. The space doubles as an art gallery, so there’s always something interesting to look at, and they regularly host creative events that make you feel part of a community. The atmosphere is fun, laid-back, and full of personality—no pretence, just people being genuinely welcoming.

The staff are lovely—always smiling, happy to help, and clearly passionate about the place. If the sun’s out, the courtyard is a real treat: peaceful, pretty, and full of charm.

Whether you’re an artist, a coffee lover, or just someone looking for a warm and welcoming space, Stryx Café is definitely worth a visit.

Stryx Cafe is a peaceful and relaxing space, where you can be yourself and connect with likeminded people. The yoga and art sessions that they run have provided me with an opportunity to explore something new in a safe and supportive environment and build lasting friendships. I always feel welcome here.

We had a great time learning how to make pots with Angela. Great experiance and made us want to have more lessons in pottery. Would definitely recommend for beginners, like us.

This experience was super amazing! It was birthday treat from myself to my wonderful husband and he absolutely loved it.
Angela is such a great host and teacher. Her customer service skills are above the best and she is very accommodating. Her space is clean and lovely. She made us feel at home and she explained every step so impeccably.
We are already looking forward to another session and also the finished work on our pots. I totally recommend Tribe Pottery Studio for your classes or just a session.

Had a pottery experience for 2 bought for me as a surprise wedding anniversary present.
Had an absolutely brilliant time. This was both of our first times on a potter’s wheel. Angela is a gifted pottery and is amazing at teaching how to use the clay wheel. I liked that it was just the 2 of us with Angela.
During the experience, we learnt how to work the clay, we laughed a lot and now have some brilliant photos from the experience. Also, for someone who loves music, the music playlist was awesome!
We’ve just collected our finished pots and they are beautiful. I would 100% definitely recommend visiting Tribe Pottery.

My partner booked this for my birthday as part of a surprise

We really enjoyed this, was a great experience and Angela was so welcoming and supportive
Was a great bonding experience and we will definitely be back again

P.S thank you for taking some great pics and vids of us ❤️

I recently had the pleasure of taking a pottery throwing session at an adorable studio, and I can confidently say that it was an amazing experience from start to finish! The pottery throwing instructor was not only extremely friendly but also incredibly knowledgeable, making the entire session both educational and enjoyable. Angela’s passion for pottery was infectious, and her dedication to ensuring we had a great time was evident throughout the session. She patiently guided us through each step of the pottery throwing process, offering helpful tips and tricks along the way.The atmosphere of the studio was simply charming. It had a cozy and inviting ambiance that instantly put us at ease. Not only was the pottery throwing session educational and engaging, but it was also a lot of fun!
I highly recommend this pottery throwing session to anyone looking for a fun and creative activity. The friendly instructor, the inviting studio, and the overall experience were absolutely delightful. We can’t wait to receive our creations!

Loved it! It is an amazing gift opportunity for 2. A detailed instruction to start then an hour to throw what you can with some hands on guidance.

A little studio but a so much fun. It’s worth the few extra to have your items glazed so you can keep.

Very good experience, teacher was welcoming and knowledgeable. Great fun highly recommended. Pots are kept and kiln dried for a number of weeks ready for pick up when they are ready.