Arts & Crafts Classes in Long Beach

Long Beach’s artistic side is on display all over the city—from colorful murals and gallery walls to handcrafted goods at local markets. The beauty of it is that the city also has plenty of places where you can create; welcoming studios and creative spaces offering hands-on experiences in everything from pottery to painting to silversmithing. Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned maker, these spots invite you to connect beautifully.

CLAY ON FIRST

Clay on First (406 E 1st St) in the East Village Arts District allows people to gather around pottery wheels and clay tables to explore ceramic arts. One‑time introductory classes let beginners spin a bowl, while multi‑week sessions deepen technique in hand-building, glaze work and firing. Their studio supports both casual and committed makers with open studio access, memberships, private classes, parties and community events like pottery markets.

BRUSHSTROKES + BEVERAGES

Brushstrokes + Beverages (501 E Broadway) is Long Beach’s original paint-and-sip experience, blending socializing and artmaking in a fun, casual environment. Classes take place in their studio as well as at some of the city’s most popular local wine bars, breweries and restaurants–including The Attic and Trademark Brewing. Guests are guided step-by-step through a featured painting by a lively instructor, all the while sipping their favorite drinks.

HELLBENT SILVERSMITH

Known for creating extraordinary handcrafted jewelry, Hellbent Silversmith (433 E First St) is much more than a showroom–it’s a workshop hub where locals and visitors can craft silver pieces from scratch. Their multi‑week silversmithing courses–which include all silver materials and tools–guide participants through bezel‑setting, cutting, shaping, soldering and finishing, resulting in wearable art created by your own hand. Sign up early, as courses tend to sell out.

BOWMAN CERAMICS

Bowman Ceramics, led by artist Beth Bowman, balances a refined, minimal aesthetic with hands-on instruction. Workshops and private lessons invite students to learn wheel throwing and hand‑building in an intimate, home‑studio setting. In a two-hour session Beth offers instruction and assistance as needed. Most students make anywhere from three to five pieces during the two hours. To reserve studio time, click here.

CREDIT: Bowman Ceramics

COLOR ME MINE

Color Me Mine (5225 2nd St) offers a relaxed, pick‑your‑project model where participants select a ceramic piece and then paint it under light guidance. They also host workshops (“Let’s Paint Pottery”) where groups can paint together over the span of two hours. Finished pieces are glazed, fired, and returned later, making it a low-pressure, playful way to experiment with surface design and color.

About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.