Hands-On Art Experiences in Winston-Salem
Make something uniquely local – and take it home – at walk-in studios, one-night workshops, and other creative experiences.
Winston-Salem doesn't just hang art on walls and call it a day. Here, you can roll up your sleeves and make something yourself—no experience or multi-week commitment required. From walk-in art bars to one-night studio workshops, these are the places where visitors, date nights, families, and curious locals can make something of their own and carry it home the same day.
Consider this your guide to creating your own Winston-Salem souvenir.
Dabble Art Bar
Walk in, pick out a project, and create art at your own pace.
Tucked inside West End Mill Works, a former flour mill turned creative campus, Dabble is less an art class than an art café. It's a cozy, creative hangout where you simply pick a project from the menu and start making. The mother-and-daughter team behind the counter brings everything to your table, whether that's watercolor, collage, air-dry clay, stamp-making, pastel, or drawing.
There's no instructor leading the room and no pressure to create something picture-perfect. Instead, you're free to experiment at your own pace while someone else handles the cleanup. Bring your own beer or wine if you'd like, then grab a bite from The Porch before or after your project.
It's Winston-Salem's easiest creative drop-in, equally suited for first dates, families, friend groups, or anyone looking to try something new without committing to a class.
GOOD TO KNOW
►Walk-ins are welcome; reservations are only needed for larger groups.
►Open Thursday–Sunday, though private groups can often be booked on off days.
►All ages welcome (15 and under should be accompanied by an adult).
►Most activities/projects cost between $12–$24; includes materials.
Sawtooth School
Learn a new skill in a single evening.
For nearly 80 years, Sawtooth School for Visual Art has helped shape the city’s creative identity. One of the nation's oldest community art schools, it's housed inside the former Hanes hosiery mill whose distinctive roofline inspired both the building's—and eventually the school's—name.
While Sawtooth is best known for its in-depth classes, its Taste of Art workshops make the experience accessible to anyone. In just a few hours, professional teaching artists guide participants through experiences like throwing a pottery mug, fusing glass, forging a copper bracelet, or knotting a macramé plant hanger. It's an approachable introduction to a new medium—and a chance to create inside one of the region’s most important art institutions.
GOOD TO KNOW
►Classes occur each Friday evening at downtown's Milton Rhodes Center.
►Workshops typically cost about $60; includes materials and instruction.
►Registration is recommended, as sessions often fill.
Mixxer Makerspace
Trade paintbrushes for power tools and gain some skills.
Creativity isn't limited to canvas. At Mixxer Makerspace, visitors can step into professional studios and workshops to learn the skills behind everything from blacksmithing to screen printing.
Located in downtown's Industry Hill district, Mixxer operates as a nonprofit makerspace and offers memberships. However, non-members are welcome to its one-day Maker Experiences, where instructors lead beginner-friendly workshops in blacksmithing, leatherworking, screen printing, woodworking, ceramic tile making, copper wind chimes, and more. Whether you're hammering hot steel at the forge or pulling your first print from a screen, you'll leave with a finished project—and a new appreciation for the craftsmanship that helped shape Winston-Salem's manufacturing heritage.
If you'd rather watch experts in action, plan a visit around September's Arts on Fire Festival, when Mixxer hosts the city's only annual iron pour.
GOOD TO KNOW
► Most classes are open to the public (registration required) and designed for ages 16 and up.
► Maker Experiences typically cost $75–$125 depending on the project.
► Find upcoming one-day experiences on Mixxer's website.
NC Museum of Art
NCMA lets you create art – not just observe.
Art doesn't stop at the gallery walls. At NC Museum of Art Winston-Salem (formerly SECCA), making art has become just as much a part of the experience as viewing it.
As the museum's primary campus off Reynolda Road undergoes an $18 million renovation, NCMA's new downtown location has become a hub for recurring creative programs. Second Saturdays invites families to make art inspired by current exhibitions. Open Studio offers adults an evening of relaxed, artist-inspired projects. Art in the Park transforms Winston Square Park into an outdoor studio, while occasional Field Trips venture to creative spaces around Winston-Salem for artmaking in unexpected settings. Check the NCMA calendar to find the project—or audience—that fits you best.
GOOD TO KNOW
► The new downtown location opens July 16, 2026, at 400 W. Fourth St.
► Most programs are free with advance RSVP so staff can prepare materials.
More Places to Create & Take Art
Uncorked Masterpiece: A twist on standard paint & sip classes.
Tucked into historic Reynolda Village, this local studio is an easy place to walk away with a handmade keepsake. Paint a ready-to-glaze ceramic piece or a canvas, bring your own beverage, and let the staff handle the kiln. Ceramics start around $25, with glaze and firing included, and finished pieces are mailed or available to pick up a week later.
Eclection (Kernersville): Creative classes paired with wine, coffee, and boutique finds.
This creative hub in downtown Kernersville regularly hosts artisan-led classes ranging from crochet to decorative finishes. Grab a drink, settle in with friends, create something together, then spend a little time exploring downtown.
Kaleideum Museum: Hands-on fun for kids by day, adults after hours.
The museum's daily Try It! Studio invites visitors to paint, sculpt, build, and experiment as part of regular admission. Once a month, Kaleideum After Dark transforms the space into a 21-and-up evening of themed make-and-take projects paired with drinks.
The Art SHAC: Creative reuse meets budget-friendly workshops.
Part art-supply co-op, part community studio, The Art SHAC pairs affordable classes with donated creative materials. Past workshops have included handmade bookbinding, junk journaling, and collage, with materials included.
Classes at Local Breweries: Sip and create in a few favorite spots.
Several Winston-Salem breweries regularly host hands-on workshops from guest instructors. Joymongers offers recurring Sip & Script calligraphy nights, Wise Man hosts Mixxer's popular Sip & Scratch iron mold carving events, and Foothills frequently welcomes paint-and-pint classes and other creative pop-ups at their Tasting Room location.
Looking for More Inspiration?
Explore our Year-Round Guide to Arts for galleries, performances, festivals, and exhibitions happening throughout the year.
Ready to keep exploring? Browse our Things to Do page for museums, historic sites, outdoor adventures, tour options, and more ways to experience Winston-Salem.
__________
Editor's note: This is just a sampling of the creative experiences you'll find around Winston-Salem. New workshops and seasonal pop-ups are added throughout the year, so be sure to check our Events Calendar before your visit.
Share