6 Best {Places to Learn}
Something New
Words by Sam Lauron Photo by Ellen Bruxvoort
Whether honing a skill or discovering a new creative hobby, Austin is full of places and people who are ready to teach their crafts to inquiring minds. From technical classes to hands-on workshops, explore the many opportunities available to learn something new.
Austin School of Photography
Understanding how to take photos is a skill that most everyone can benefit from, whether as a hobby or a profession. For those who want to learn this covetable trade, Austin School of Photography is here to bridge the gap. The school offers classes for photographers of all levels, ranging from introductory courses covering the basics to more in-depth subjects such as Editorial Photography. Get behind the lens to discover the world from a new angle.
asopgallery.org | 500 San Marcos St.
Melody DanceFit
For those who don’t consider themselves dancers, attending a class like Melody DanceFit will certainly make a person feel comfortable on the dance floor. Melody Afkami combines energetic dance cardio with empowering messages for an upbeat and welcoming workout, creating a space where all levels can learn to let loose while working up a sweat. Find Melody’s class at various venues across the city each week, including the North Door on Monday nights.
melodydancefit.com | 501 Brushy St.
CRAFT
Think of CRAFT as a personal craft supply closet. CRAFT provides a space for creatives to let their brains and hands go wild with imagination. For just $10 an hour, crafters can dig into the abundance of supplies provided by CRAFT, get messy and leave with a homemade creation of their own. The studio also hosts workshops for those who prefer guidance when crafting. Workshops range from screen printing to macramé and even chocolate making.
madeatcraft.com | 4704 E Cesar Chavez St.
ATX Hackerspace
Have a big project to work on, but don’t have the space or resources? ATX Hackerspace is an 8,000 square foot community industrial workspace where members have the opportunity to work on projects spanning from soldering to woodworking, or even melding — the sky’s the limit. While members have unlimited access to the space and its resources, like 3D printers and laser cutters, non-members can visit the space during events or open houses to learn from a community of makers, designers, builders and engineers with a range of skills.
atxhs.org | 9701 Dessau Rd.
Austin Film School
Budding filmmakers aren’t the only ones who can benefit from taking a class at Austin Film School. In addition to intro courses covering everything from filmmaking to directing, the school also offers classes on creative programs like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Students can take away valuable technical skills that can be applied to any sort of creative project or profession.
austinfilmschool.org | 2200 Tillery St.
Broad Studios
What happens when six female artists join forces to share their talents with others? The result is Broad Studios, a new female art collective based out of Springdale General. Broad Studios hosts events and workshops open to anyone wanting to learn a new creative skill, whether it’s ceramics or weaving or botanical dyeing. Try one of their workshops — you never know what kind of hobby or side hustle may come out of it!
broadstudiosatx.com | 979 Springdale Rd.
