Tessa WilliamsMy family was hunting for a place where my nieces could go wild with paint and creativity, and the first studio here in Denver we walked into had them fully immersed within minutes.
I even grabbed a brush myself—though my masterpiece looked suspiciously like a lopsided potato. We kept exploring studios around the city, from bright, kid-friendly spaces to more polished spots where even the adults in our family jumped into classes.
A few spots stood out thanks to instructors who made everyone feel welcome and inspired. If you’re searching for a studio that brings out real creativity, keep reading!
Sip and Throw Pottery Studio
– Media credit: sipandthrow
Address: 1160 26th St
Contact details: +13039097584
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 11 AM to 8 PM
Cost: $$
Walking into Sip and Throw feels like stepping into the kind of space where strangers instantly become friends, and everyone’s sleeves are rolled up for something fun.
Here, you get a full two hours of hands-on wheel time, and it’s paced in a way that lets you relax into it even if it’s your time touching clay. But what makes this place unique is how the whole atmosphere feels upbeat without being overwhelming.
As you move through the class, you’re guided in a way that feels supportive rather than rushed, whether you’re shaping a mug or just trying to get the clay to behave.
It’s a great spot for birthdays, date nights, or any time you want an activity that gets everyone laughing and focused on the moment. The studio keeps everything organized, so you only worry about the clay in front of you.
| Pro tip: Try booking an early session if you’re coming with a group—the room is quieter, and you’ll have more time to settle in before the wheels start spinning. Also, bring a small hand towel, because it makes cleanup a lot easier than relying on the shared one. |
Art Garage
– Media credit: artgaragedenver
Address: 6100 E 23rd Ave
Contact details: +13033772353
Operating hours:
- Monday and Thursday – 9 AM to 7:30 PM
- Tuesday – 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM
- Wednesday – 9 AM to 6:30 PM
- Friday – 9 AM to 8:30 AM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 7 PM
Cost: $$
Art Garage is one of those neighborhood studios where you immediately feel like your creative side is wanted. You get access to programs that truly meet kids and adults where they are, whether you’re signing up for a structured class or dropping into one of their open studio days.
The best part is how they focus on exploration, not perfection, so you never feel pressured to perform. Their kids’ camps are especially popular because they’re built around kindness, flexibility, and real art-making.
You’ll see everything from painting and clay to mixed-media projects that kids proudly bring home at the end of the week. Their staff communicates well, and they’re great at helping kids who need a little extra support feel comfortable and ready to create.
| Pro tip: If you’re planning to join one of the Friday open studios, try arriving a bit early so you can claim a table with the best natural light. You can also bring a small folder for transporting wet or fragile pieces home—it can save you from accidental smudges! |
Puff, Pass, and Paint Denver
– Media credit: puffpassandpaint
Address: 1910 S Cherokee St
Contact details: +13034208687
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Cost: $$
Puff, Pass, and Paint is one of those studios where you walk in expecting a novelty experience and leave genuinely surprised by how relaxing and creative the night feels. You get all your supplies ready to go, an instructor who breaks things down in a way that even non-artists can follow, and a crowd that’s friendly enough.
It’s a chill alternative to the usual night-out options, especially if you like a more playful approach to art-making. The cannabis-friendly format is what makes this studio the most unique of the bunch, and you’re never pressured to follow the lesson.
You can either paint the guided piece or just freestyle your own thing. Breaks are built into the class for anyone who wants to step aside and enjoy the smoking area, but you can still have a good time even if you’re the clean, sober friend along the ride.
| Pro tip: Bring layers during winter—the warehouse-style studios can get chilly, especially during breaks. Pack a small box or bag for transporting your painting so it stays safe while drying on the ride home. |
REAL Academy of Art Colorado
– Media credit: realacademyartco
Address: 2055 S Oneida St Suite : 150
Contact details: +17208139845
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, Friday to Saturday – 9 AM to 4 PM
- Thursday – 6 to 9 PM
Cost: $$
REAL Academy of Art Colorado is a great fit if you want serious, skills-based training rather than casual drop-in classes. Their program follows classical, old master techniques, so you move through structured lessons in drawing, painting, and sculpture.
It’s one of the most focused atelier-style studios in Denver, which makes it perfect if you’re aiming to level up your fundamentals. You get close guidance in small groups, which helps you build solid habits without feeling overwhelmed.
The atmosphere leans supportive and driven, and you’ll meet artists who are just as committed to improving their craft. Even if you’ve been creating for years, you’ll likely pick up techniques that can make your process feel more intentional.
| Pro tip: Bring a dedicated sketchbook just for study drills—you’ll revisit these exercises often. It’s also helpful to photograph your work monthly to see how much your technique evolves. |
Painting with a Twist
– Media credit: pwatlodo
Address: 1962 Blake St
Contact details: +17205985755
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 12 to 8 PM
Cost: $$
Painting with a Twist is the kind of spot you visit when you want something light, creative, and easy to jump into. The setup is simple: you walk in, grab a drink, and follow along with an artist who keeps things fun without overwhelming you.
It’s great if you like guided projects but still want the freedom to add your own style. Their classes move at a comfortable pace, so you never feel rushed, and the instructors keep the mood relaxed and playful.
You get all your supplies laid out for you, which makes it feel very beginner-friendly. Their studio sits in a charming older building, giving the whole experience a cozy, lived-in vibe.
| Pro tip: Arrive a little early so you can pick your preferred seat—front tables make following the demo easier. Bring a tote bag too, since your painting will still be a bit tacky when you head out. |
Flux Studio & Gallery LLC
– Media credit: fluxstudiollc
Address: 377 S Lipan St
Email: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 10 AM to 3 PM
Cost: $$$
Flux Studio & Gallery is a great pick when you want hands-on clay work in a space that feels warm and down-to-earth. The classes are structured enough to teach you real technique, but you still get the freedom to experiment with your shapes and ideas.
It’s one of those studios where you walk in and instantly feel like you’ll actually make something you want to keep. The small class sizes make a big difference because you get plenty of one-on-one help when you need it.
You’ll learn wheel work, trimming, and finishing steps in a way that feels doable even if you’ve never touched clay before. The studio also has a welcoming vibe, which makes it easy to settle in and enjoy the process.
| Pro tip: Wear sleeves you can roll up easily because clay gets messier than you think. Bring a shallow box or tray if you’re taking home greenware, so your pieces stay intact on the ride home. |
Art Students League of Denver
– Media credit: artstudentsleaguedenver
Address: 200 Grant St
Contact details: +13037786990
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM
- Friday – 12 PM to 5 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 5 PM
Cost: $$$
Art Students League of Denver is a great option when you want structure without feeling boxed in. The classes start with clear demonstrations, then you get plenty of studio time to practice at your own pace.
You’ll appreciate that instructors step in when you ask, so you get help that’s actually relevant to your project. The building itself adds to the experience—a historic space filled with natural light, which makes long sessions feel a lot more enjoyable.
The community is friendly too, so you’ll meet people who are just as excited about learning new techniques as you are. You can choose from a wide range of programs: ceramics, drawing, painting, printmaking, and more, so it’s easy to switch things up as your interests grow!
| Pro tip: Arrive a little early if you’re driving because parking fills up fast. If you can, stick around after class to explore the student gallery for extra inspiration. |
Different Strokes Paint n`Sip Art Studio
– Media credit: differentstrokesaurora
Address: 2300 S Chambers Rd Ste J, Aurora
Contact details: +13033697785
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Wednesday – 1 to 6 PM
- Thursday – 1 to 8:30 PM
- Friday – 1 to 10 PM
- Saturday – 12 to 10 PM
- Sunday – 12 to 5:30 PM
Cost: $$
Different Strokes Paint n’ Sip is where you go when you want an art class that feels more like a party. The energy in the room pulls you in right away, and you’ll love how easy it is to relax, paint, and have a genuinely good time.
The drinks, music, and upbeat atmosphere make group events feel effortless. You can jump into more than just painting here—candle-making and scrub-making workshops are bit hits, especially if you like hands-on projects with lots of customization.
Their staff keep things light and fun while still giving you clear steps to follow, so you end up with something you’re actually proud to take home. It’s also an ideal spot for birthdays, team outings, or nights when you want something different from the usual dinner plan.
| Pro tip: Bring a small bag or box if you’re doing candles or scrubs, because you’ll want a safe way to carry them home. Reserve ahead for weekends since workshops fill up quickly. |
Washington Heights Arts Center
– Media credit: washheightsarts
Address: 6375 W 1st Ave, Lakewood
Contact details: +13039875436
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 9 AM to 9 PM
- Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM
Cost: $$
Washington Heights Arts Center is great if you want a studio that mixes structure with a warm community feel. You get clear guidelines, easy-to-follow processes, and staff who genuinely want you to succeed.
Even the sign-up process feels less stressful because someone is always ready to help if you get stuck online. Their ceramics program stands out for beginners and returning artists alike.
You can start with a simple intro course and then ease into independent studio hours once you’re comfortable. It’s a calm, steady way to rebuild your creative confidence without feeling rushed.
| Pro tip: Arrive a little early if you want wheel or workspace flexibility, especially during open studio sessions. Bring a small towel—your own makes cleanup easier and saves you time. |
