A Gift That Keeps On Giving

This Holiday Season, Gift Yourself an Art Workshop

As the year winds down and we’re all thinking about meaningful gifts, here’s one you might not have considered, and one that doesn’t require wrapping paper, shipping delays, or hunting for the right size.

This holiday season, consider giving yourself the gift of an art workshop.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro, an emerging artist, or someone who simply loves making things with your hands, taking a workshop is one of the most restorative, inspiring gifts you can give yourself.

And here’s why:

1. Workshops spark new ideas

There’s something magical about watching someone else paint, sculpt, collage, stitch, carve, or sketch.
Not because you’ll copy their style, but because seeing someone else’s process lights up new corners of your creative brain.

A different brushstroke.
An unexpected color choice.
A technique you’ve never tried before.

Sometimes one tiny shift is the spark you didn’t know you were missing.

2. They break you out of studio isolation

Most of us spend hours creating alone. It’s peaceful… but it can also be draining in ways we don’t always notice.

Workshops give artists something rare: community.

Being in a room (or Zoom) with people who love talking about art as much as you do is energizing. You learn as much from the conversations around the table as you do from the instructor.

And if you’ve ever walked away from a workshop buzzing with excitement, ready to try something new, you know how powerful that energy can be.

3. They help you grow in ways you can’t predict

Some workshops teach technique.
Some teach mindset.
Some simply remind you why you fell in love with making art in the first place.

Many artists describe workshops as “creative resets”…that moment where you fall back into your work with wider eyes and a refreshed sense of possibility.

4. There’s something for every schedule and budget

Workshops aren’t one-size-fits-all. They come in every format imaginable:

• Local one-day workshops

• Multi-day deep dives

• Week-long intensives

• Retreat-style getaways

• Destination workshops abroad (Italy, France, Ireland, Mexico… art + travel is a beautiful combination)

• Online workshops—both paid and free

No matter your availability, comfort level, or budget, there’s an option that can work for you.

Where to Find Great Art Workshops

Here’s a list you can explore as you’re thinking about what to gift yourself this season:

Local & Regional Resources

• Local Arts Councils – Often share upcoming classes and workshops from artists in the community.

• State Arts Councils – Many maintain statewide directories of classes, residencies, and professional development opportunities.

• Local Galleries – Some host workshops themselves or invite instructors to teach in-gallery class series.

• Local Art Schools / Community Colleges – Many offer continuing education art classes completely open to the public.

• Art Museums – Larger museums often run one-day or short-course workshops tied to exhibitions or artist demonstrations.

Online & Community Platforms

• YouTube – A treasure trove of free lessons, demos, and technique breakdowns.

• Instagram / Threads – Following your favorite artists lets you hear about workshops the minute they’re announced.

• Artist Websites & Newsletters – Many professional artists run their own in-person and online workshops.

• Online Learning Platforms

  • Skillshare

  • Domestika

  • Creativebug

  • Craftsy
    (Great for bite-sized or technique-specific classes.)

Organizations & Directories

• Artwork Archive – Occasionally highlights workshops, residencies, and professional development opportunities.

• Americans for the Arts – Shares events, opportunities, and learning resources for creatives nationwide.

• Local Maker Spaces – Sometimes offer workshops in printmaking, ceramics, woodworking, book arts, or mixed media.

Travel-Based Workshops

Search:

• Artist-led retreats (many painters offer destination workshops)

• Art tour companies (some offer curated travel + art-making experiences)

• Artist residency programs that include workshop components

Even if you can’t travel now, it’s fun to dream and plan.

Give yourself permission to grow

This season, treat yourself and consider the gift of time, inspiration, and community.

A workshop won’t just make you a better artist. It will remind you why making art matters to you in the first place.

Here’s to giving yourself something that lasts far beyond the holidays.
And as always—

Create freely. Share easily.

-Sue

Founder ENSOhello