If you’re always binging on Netflix or hitting the same bar every weekend, it’s probably time for a change.
Instead of staying in or heading to your regular spot, try learning a new skill or taking up a new hobby. No, we’re not talking about collecting coins or bird watching (not judging if those are your jam). We’re talking about some legit classes and workshops for grown-ups in Pittsburgh.
Like what, you ask? How about perfecting your photography skills, fermenting your own kombucha, or learning the basic of blacksmithing. See, we told you these classes were pretty cool! So what are you waiting for? Check out the entire list, then get signed up for the next session.
School @ Pittsburgh Filmmakers/Pittsburgh Center For the Arts
Whether you’re a wanna-be artist or iPhone photographer, Pittsburgh Filmmakers/Pittsburgh Center for the Arts School can help you take your game to the next level. From drop-in classes to accredited, semester-long courses, instructors here are committed to personal and artistic growth in every course. Check out their entire class catalog to see what’s coming up on the calendar.
Glass Blowing @ Pittsburgh Glass Center
Glassblowing? That sounds pretty awesome! Get to the Pittsburgh Glass Center where masters of this craft will guide you through the entire process. They’ll teach you how to add shape, color, and uniqueness to your design. With classes that range from newbie to advanced, this class could turn into a full-blown obsession in no time.
West African Drum @ Irma Freeman Center for Imagination
This awesome drum-and-dance combo will get you moving and keep you coming back for more. You’ll learn the techniques of djembe, doundoun, sangban, and kenkeni. Drumming and dancing at the same time sounding a bit difficult to you? Don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it quickly.
Gardening and Healthy Living Classes @ Phipps Conservatory
If you’re looking to learn something new and have fun doing it, Phipps should be your go-to. With a line-up of classes that is varied, high-quality, and constantly changing, you simply can’t go wrong here. Topics and themes include fermentation, composting, sketching, herbal tea, rain barrels, and more.
Beginning Knitting @ Knit One
Want to get cozy? Here’s your chance. This beginner’s class at Knit One will put you on your way to bundling up in a homemade scarf or sweater. Plus, it’s a skill you can take with you anywhere. Bored in the doctor’s office? Need something to keep you occupied while you binge-watch Netflix? Now you’ll be able to knit your way through everything.
Blacksmithing Basics @ Tech Shop
Instead of rewatching Game of Thrones, try forging your own sword. You can totally do it at the Tech Shop in Bakery Square. You’ll learn the basics of metalworking, including hammering techniques, the nuances of heat sources and how to use medieval-sounding equipment like chisels and anvils. At the end of the course, you’ll take home your very own hand-forged leaf wall hook.
Improv Classes @ Steel City Improv
Whether you were a die-hard theater kid or you’ve never set foot on the stage, improv classes can help you make friends, hone your wit, and get more confident. You’ll learn about comedy and master new techniques before participating in a show at the end of the course. We have to warn you, though, improv is addictive so you’ll probably be back for more. Sample classes are FREE!
Tango for Beginners @ PGH Tango
If you’ve ever daydreamed about strutting your stuff across the dance floor, PGH Tango in Squirrel Hill will make it a reality. The talented instructors will guide you through the basics of each step, even if you haven’t been on the dance floor since your junior prom. It’s a great way to get out of the house and get moving — and, there’s no denying that it’s a seriously sexy idea for a date night.
Culinary Classes @ Crate
Cooking always looks like so much fun, but following a recipe can get complicated quickly. Crate, a cooking school in the South Hills, offers a ton of awesome culinary classes throughout the year. From Cooking with Kids to full-on Cooking Bootcamps, Crate will turn you into the Iron Chef in no time. Okay, maybe not. But you’ll definitely impress your friends at the next dinner party.
The Studio @ Society for Contemporary Craft
If you’re a maker (or want to be one) this is your space. The Studio at Contemporary Craft is devoted to engaging the public in making. It’s from metal and wood to mixed media and paper arts, these workshops will take you from newbie to mastery in a hurry. Upcoming classes feature textiles, bowl turning, soap making, stone setting, and more.
Pottery Class @ Fireborn Studios
Perfect your pottery skills at Fireborn Studios in the South Side. Each term lasts 8 weeks, with classes meeting once per week. As a beginner, you’ll be able to crank out three pots per class. Teachers will guide you every step of the way, helping your piece go from unformed clay to beautiful fired-and-glazed pots for you to display and use.
Life Drawing @ Le Poire
Drawing is really, really hard, right? Well, Artist Joyce Perry will guide you through the basics and help you develop your drawing skills through a series of timed exercises. Whether your current art skills are on the level of a kindergarten display or you’re a whiz with a pencil and paper, these classes will help you get better and quicker.
Classes, workshops, and lectures @ Sweetwater Art Center
The list of offerings at the Sweetwater Center in Sewickley is simply too long and awesome to do justice here. Head to their website to explore the offerings for yourself. Just know that you’ll encounter more than 500 classes in the visual, performing, literary, and culinary arts. From music to cooking, pottery to painting, and jewelry to dance, Sweetwater has you covered.
Homebrewing @ Copper Kettle
Get excited, folks. You can make your very own home-brewed beer at Copper Kettle. They make it super easy too: you get to pick from over 40 recipes and stop down to spend a couple hours getting your brew on. Patience is required, however, because you’ll have to wait three whole weeks until your beer is ready. When it is, you’ll pour it into bottles yourself and share it with friends or family… or keep it all for yourself.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.
