Visual Arts
Not all children are able to access specialist art teaching in school. This is especially true at the primary stage. But any child who enjoys art will be keen to extend their skills outside school. So it’s worth investigating the range of classes and workshops offered by specialist schools and studios.
Young artists are always hungry for new techniques, ideas and influences. So do speak to your child’s art teacher and/or enquire at local art shops for class info. regarding specific disciplines. Museums and galleries such as Edinburgh Printmakers also host fantastic workshops.
Such opportunities not only help a child develop resilience and concentration skills. They will enable your child to express themselves creatively as an individual, thus contributing to their overall wellbeing.
The list below is not exhaustive. We have limited ourselves to a few establishments known for the quality of their coaching. This is not to say that there won’t be other professionals and organisations equally capable of inspiring your child.
Leith School of Art (Est. 1988) runs in-depth week-long Easter and Summer courses for keen young artists aged 11-15. Week-long Portfolio Preparation courses run during February and over the Summer and are a fantastic opportunity to build a portfolio. Families in receipt of state benefits are eligible to receive 50% off the course fees. Other courses are only suitable for young people aged 16+ and provide a good opportunity to develop their skills.
The Edinburgh Drawing School runs classes for children aged 8+ and teens aged 13+. Among the disciplines on offer are Painting, Portrait Drawing and Anime and Cartoon Design. There are also lectures on art history and the history of art materials. These are based at 13a Great King Street EH3 6QW.
The Art Club in Canonmills runs term time and holiday courses for children and teens aged 6-10, 10-14 and 14+ years. Each set of 10 term time classes takes place either on a weekday evening, or on Saturday morning, and lasts for 1.5 or 2 hours. Themed holiday courses run Monday to Friday.
At Studio 48 the artist Sally-Ann Johns runs weekly term time classes (1.5 hours) for young people aged 6-10 and 10-14. These are held at 62 Newhaven Rd. EH6 5QB. NB: Subsidised classes are available.
Louise Campbell-Rogers of artroom32 also runs weekly after-school classes (lasting 1 hour) at 44 Ferry Road EH6 4AE. These are an affordable opportunity for young people aged 8-17 to explore different mediums.
Portobello Art School runs evening workshops for young people aged 6-15 during term time. Sessions run from 3.30-5pm and 6-7.30pm. Young artists are invited to explore their creativity and learn new skills in drawing, printmaking, painting, collage and sculpture classes. Classes take place at 7A - Basement Studio, East Brighton Crescent, Portobello, EH15 1LR. NB: Pick up from local schools can be arranged.
Submarine Art & Design School runs term time courses for children aged 7-16. Drawing, painting, sculpture, digital art, animation, graphic design, sewing/textiles, street and pop art are all on offer. Classes take place at 36 Henderson Row, Edinburgh.
Doodles Ceramics Clay Workshop clay throwing for children 12+ with an adult. For those who fell in love with the ' The Great Pottery Throw Down', now is your chance to have a go! This is a beginner's class, lead by our in-house potter, Caitlin. The class will last roughly 1.5-2 hours and there will be a maximum of 6 people per booking, plus the throwing instructor.
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