The Heckin’ Drawin’ Club is a regular occurrence at Heck House in Scottdale. You’ll find many opportunities for learning and creating art there. (Photo by Paula Novelle)
Each week, ArtsATL delivers a critic’s short list of the shows, exhibitions, concerts and events we recommend for the coming weeks within one discipline or venue type in the kaleidoscope of Atlanta arts and culture. This week, we take a look at some arts-related learning opportunities in and around Atlanta.
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August 9
Twice monthly, Theresa Davis hosts the Saturday Writers Workshop at ArtsXchange. It happens on the second and fourth Saturday of the month, and the next one is from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. on August 9. On August 23, it happens from noon until 2 p.m. It’s one of many learning and community opportunities you’ll find at ArtsXchange.
August 12
At the hands-on Nerikomi Workshop at Alpharetta Arts Center (238 Canton St., Alpharetta), explore the beauty of this traditional Japanese technique of layering and combining colored clays to create stunning, one-of-a-kind patterns. Discover more from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on August 12.
August 15
Learn the basics of stop motion animation at Clay & Sip, a workshop at Purple Fish Studios (132 Mitchell St. SW, Atlanta), where you’ll have the chance to work with award-winning filmmaker and founder of Triclops Films, Mikael Trench.
August 16
Heck House in Scottdale (3498 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.) is home to numerous workshops and art-making opportunities every month. On August 16, check out an Introduction to Visual Poetry with Michael Orr, where you’ll combine visual art and written expression to create new ways of presenting and interpreting poetry. Head to the Heck House website for a complete list of the workshops and other events, including their Heckin’ Drawin’ Club.
Lostintheletters will host Eco-Writing with Janisse Ray (Ecology of a Cracker Childhood), a generative two-hour writing workshop that will explore the intersection of story and trees. The session will use mindful observation, sensory details, memories, and prompt-based writing to deepen our connections with trees and treescapes. The craft focus will be on metaphor, how trees can be used as powerful symbols in writing. It’s happening from 2-4 p.m. on August 16 at Trees Atlanta’s Kendeda TreeHouse (825 Warner St. SW Suite A).
August 17
Atlanta Historic Dance’s Historical Dance Soiree and Tea will feature dances ranging from beginner to advanced levels, encompassing 18th- and 19th-century styles. Historical costumes from any period are preferred, but modern, modest formal attire is acceptable. The event is happening at Hawkins Hall at Decatur Legacy Park (500 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur) from 4-8:15 p.m.Â
Dance instructor Marc Antonio will delve into the cultural and historical roots of Afro-Cuban rhythms and movements. His workshop, Exploring the Black Roots of Salsa, will offer participants an engaging exploration of the vibrant influences that shape this dynamic dance form. The event happens from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on August 17 at the home of Proyecto Barrio Dance Company (2700 Northeast Expressway, C500, Atlanta).
Join Atlanta-based nature photographer Eric Bowles at the Chattahoochee Nature Center (9135 Willeo Road, Roswell) for the Butterfly Encounter Photography Workshop, which will help you make better photographs of butterflies and other garden subjects. You’ll have private access to the Butterfly Encounter and the butterfly garden, along with classroom time to talk about technique, equipment and tips. It takes place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on August 17.
August 21
Trilith Institute hosts The Next Generation of Indie Filmmakers: Getting Middle and High Schoolers Excited About Filmmaking from 6-7 p.m. on August 21. This panel of industry professionals, this conversation aims to inspire and challenge educators, creatives, parents and industry insiders to help build a homegrown pipeline of storytellers ready to lead the future. Trilith Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to developing Georgia’s next generation of storytellers, has also opened enrollment for its Fall 2025 Professional Education courses, which are designed for college students, adult learners, career changers and emerging filmmakers, offering semester-length and accelerated courses in film, television, VFX, animation, acting, directing, production and storytelling.
August 25
Instructor: Jen Singh will teach you how to tap into your inner artist and connect with your creative intuition in Intuitive Painting: Paint with Feeling Over Fear, a half-day workshop at Garage Door Studio in Avondale Estates (128 N. Avondale Road) that will allow patrons to use mark-making tools, acrylic paint, stencils, and collage to create nature-inspired works of art. Garage Door offers many other workshops, too.
September 4
The Southeast Fiber Arts Alliance offers classes on sewing, knitting, crocheting, felting and mixed-media fiber art. Among them is Foundational Skills – Sewing, a supportive, hands-on class designed to help you refresh your skills, build new ones, and gain confidence with your sewing machine. It happens from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on September 4, but there are many more classes available.
September 10-12
The Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville hosts frequent workshops, many aimed at intermediate and advanced students, though many welcome all levels. From 9 a.m.-4 p.m. September 10-12, they’ll offer Painting the Sunrise and Sunset — From Classical to Contemporary, a three-day oil studio workshop with Chris Groves. It explores both classical and contemporary methods in capturing the sunrise and sunset. Head to the Booth Art Academy website to view all of the workshops and open studio events.
