Are you an adult looking to explore your creative side, destress, and maybe make some new friends? If so, consider signing up for a painting class at your local Hobby Lobby store! This national arts and crafts retailer offers a wide range of affordable, accessible, and fun painting classes for grown-ups of all skill levels.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about Hobby Lobby‘s adult painting classes, from the types of mediums and projects offered to tips for getting the most out of your experience. As a retail and consumer expert with over a decade in the industry, I‘ll also share some insider insights on how these classes fit into larger trends in the art and maker space.
Whether you‘re a total beginner or a more experienced artist, by the end of this article, you‘ll be ready to grab an apron and unleash your inner Bob Ross at Hobby Lobby!
The Popularity and Benefits of Adult Art Classes
Before we dive into the specifics of Hobby Lobby‘s offerings, let‘s zoom out and look at the bigger picture of adult art classes. In recent years, there‘s been a surge in popularity of creative workshops and classes geared towards grown-ups, from paint-and-sip parties to pottery studios to digital art bootcamps.
According to a report by market research firm Technavio, the global online art and crafts learning market is poised to grow by $420.54 million from 2021-2025, progressing at a compound annual growth rate of over 10%. And that‘s just the digital side – in-person art studios and retailers are also seeing increased demand for adult classes and workshops.
So what‘s driving this trend? For one, many adults are seeking out creative hobbies as a way to destress and disconnect from the constant distractions of technology and social media. In a survey conducted by the American Art Therapy Association, 82% of respondents said that participating in art helped them relax and relieve stress.
Creating art can also provide a sense of accomplishment, boost self-esteem and cognitive skills, and even alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. One peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association found that just 45 minutes of creative activity significantly reduced stress in the body, regardless of artistic experience or talent.
Additionally, adult art classes offer a unique opportunity for social connection and community-building, especially for those who may be retired, empty nesters, or new to an area. Bonding over a shared creative project can be a great way to make new friends and expand your support network.
Types of Adult Painting Classes at Hobby Lobby
Now that we‘ve established the many benefits of flexing your creative muscles as an adult, let‘s take a closer look at the range of painting classes Hobby Lobby has to offer:
Painting 101
These intro-level classes are perfect for absolute beginners looking to learn the basics of painting. You‘ll get a crash course in color theory, brush techniques, and composition, all while working on a simple guided project. Expect to leave with a completed painting and a new sense of confidence in your artistic abilities!
Paint and Sip
Want to unwind with a glass of wine while you create? Check out Hobby Lobby‘s paint and sip classes, where you can enjoy your favorite adult beverage (where permitted by law) while following along with a instructor-led painting. These casual classes are perfect for date nights, girls‘ nights, or solo self-care sessions.
Medium-Specific Classes
Ready to get more serious about painting? Hobby Lobby also offers classes that focus on specific mediums like acrylic, watercolor, and oil paint. You‘ll dive deeper into the unique properties and techniques of each type of paint, from blending and layering to creating various textures and effects.
Style and Subject-Specific Classes
If you‘re drawn to a particular painting style or genre, like landscapes, portraits, or abstract art, you can find a Hobby Lobby class to match your interests. Seasonal and holiday-themed classes are also popular, from spooky Halloween scenes to cheery Christmas tree paintings.
Finding and Registering for Hobby Lobby Painting Classes
To find upcoming painting classes at your local Hobby Lobby store, simply visit the Classes and Events page on their website. There, you can browse listings by course type, skill level, or date, as well as filter results by location.
Each class listing includes key details like:
- Date and time
- Price (typically $25-50 per person, including supplies)
- Skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
- Medium and subject matter
- Sample image of the featured painting project
- Items to bring (if any – most classes include all necessary materials)
Once you‘ve found a class that catches your eye, you can register and pay for your spot directly on the Hobby Lobby website. Just be sure to sign up early, as popular classes can fill up quickly!
Cancellation policies may vary by store and instructor, but in general, Hobby Lobby offers full refunds for cancellations made at least 48 hours in advance. Be sure to carefully review the specific policy for your class before registering.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Painting Class
With so many options to choose from, picking the right painting class can feel a bit overwhelming. Here are a few key factors to consider:
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Skill Level: Be honest about your current painting abilities and choose a class that matches your level. Jumping into an advanced class as a beginner may leave you feeling frustrated, while a too-basic class could bore more experienced artists.
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Medium: Consider which type of paint you‘d like to work with, whether it‘s the smooth blending of oils, the quick-drying layers of acrylics, or the soft washes of watercolor. If you‘re not sure, start with a beginner-friendly medium like acrylic.
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Subject Matter: Pick a painting project that excites and inspires you! Whether you‘re into serene nature scenes, colorful abstracts, or pop culture icons, there‘s a Hobby Lobby class for every interest.
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Instructor: Check out the instructor‘s bio and reviews from previous students to get a sense of their teaching style and expertise. A passionate and supportive teacher can make all the difference in your learning experience!
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Schedule and Location: Of course, make sure to choose a class that fits your availability and is convenient for you to get to. Luckily, with Hobby Lobby stores nationwide, you‘re likely to find an accessible option near you.
Meet Hobby Lobby‘s Expert Art Instructors
One of the highlights of taking a painting class at Hobby Lobby is learning from their talented team of art instructors. Many of these teachers are professional artists with years of experience and training in their mediums of choice.
For example, meet Katie, a Hobby Lobby art instructor based in Texas. With a degree in Studio Art and a concentration in oil painting, Katie has been teaching adult painting classes for over 5 years. Her specialty is helping beginners build confidence and unlock their creativity through patient, step-by-step instruction.
"I love seeing that ‘aha‘ moment when a student realizes they‘re capable of so much more than they thought," Katie shares. "Painting is not about perfection, it‘s about the joy of the process and expressing yourself in a new way."
Beyond the Canvas: Continuing Your Painting Journey
Once you‘ve caught the painting bug at a Hobby Lobby class, you may be hungry to further develop your skills and knowledge. Here are some ideas for taking your artistic journey to the next level:
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Take a Series of Classes: Many Hobby Lobby instructors offer progressive painting courses that build on each other from week to week. Committing to a series is a great way to see real growth and progress in your painting practice.
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Join a Local Art Club or Guild: Connect with other painters in your area by joining a community art club or guild. These groups often host workshops, critique sessions, and exhibition opportunities for members.
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Attend Art Festivals and Workshops: Keep an eye out for art festivals, fairs, and workshops in your region to further immerse yourself in the creative community and learn from a diverse range of artists and instructors.
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Invest in Quality Supplies: As your painting skills grow, you may want to upgrade from student-grade to professional-quality paints, brushes, and canvases. Hobby Lobby offers a wide selection of top-notch art supplies to support your blossoming talent.
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Create a Dedicated Studio Space: If possible, carve out a small area of your home to serve as a dedicated painting studio, with ample natural light, storage for your supplies, and inspiring decor. Having a designated space can help you stay motivated and focused on your artistic goals.
The Bigger Picture: How Hobby Lobby‘s Classes Fit Into the Maker Movement
As a retail and consumer expert, I‘d be remiss not to point out the savvy business strategy behind Hobby Lobby‘s adult painting class offerings. By providing affordable, accessible, and engaging creative workshops, the company is tapping into a larger cultural trend known as the Maker Movement.
This grassroots phenomenon celebrates the joy and empowerment of creating things by hand, whether it‘s art, crafts, or even technology and engineering projects. Maker spaces, studios, and retailers like Hobby Lobby are popping up across the country to meet the growing demand for hands-on, DIY experiences.
Hosting painting classes also serves as a clever marketing tactic for Hobby Lobby, driving foot traffic to their stores, fostering customer loyalty, and encouraging attendees to purchase art supplies and materials. It‘s a win-win strategy that supports both the company‘s bottom line and the creative endeavors of its customers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hobby Lobby Painting Classes
To wrap up, here are answers to some of the most common questions about Hobby Lobby‘s adult painting class offerings:
What is the average cost of a Hobby Lobby painting class?
Prices vary by location and project, but most adult painting classes at Hobby Lobby fall in the $25 to $50 range, which typically includes all necessary supplies.
Do I need to have any prior painting experience to take a class?
Nope! Hobby Lobby offers painting classes for all skill levels, from total beginners to more advanced artists. The class descriptions will specify if any prior experience is recommended.
What should I wear and bring to class?
Wear comfortable clothes that you don‘t mind getting a little messy – even with aprons, painting can be a bit of a splatter zone! Most classes include all the supplies you‘ll need, but check the listing to see if you should bring anything extra.
Can I bring my own food and drinks to class?
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted in Hobby Lobby classrooms, with the exception of capped water bottles. Paint and sip classes may allow you to bring wine or beer, but check your local liquor laws first.
What is the refund policy for Hobby Lobby painting classes?
Refund policies may vary, but most Hobby Lobby classes will allow you to cancel for a full refund up to 48 hours before the start of class. Be sure to review the policy specific to your class and store location.
How can I stay updated on new class offerings?
Keep an eye on the Hobby Lobby Classes and Events page for new listings, or sign up for the Hobby Lobby email newsletter to get updates and coupons delivered straight to your inbox.
Unleash Your Inner Artist at Hobby Lobby!
With 800+ stores nationwide and a constant rotation of creative class offerings, Hobby Lobby is your one-stop shop for exploring the joys of painting as an adult. Whether you‘re looking to destress, make new friends, learn new skills, or simply express yourself, there‘s a Hobby Lobby painting class to suit your needs and interests.
So what are you waiting for? Grab an apron, pick up a brush, and get ready to unleash your inner artist at Hobby Lobby! Your masterpiece awaits.
