Maya HartleyEveryone starts somewhere. Maybe it was doodling on the corner of your notebook instead of listening in class, or seeing a piece of art that stuck with you. For me, it started with my mom signing us up for art lessons every summer as kids.
From pottery projects to watercolor paintings, we tried a bit of everything. At the time, it didn’t always feel like the most exciting way to spend a summer afternoon; but looking back, it was a great way to explore creativity and experiment with different art forms.
So whether you’re thinking about enrolling your child or finally giving art classes a try yourself, Oklahoma City has plenty of art schools that might make you wish you’d started sooner. Keep reading, future creatives, and take note!
How much do art schools in Oklahoma City charge?
In Oklahoma City, art schools usually charge about $30 to $60 per class or hour. This will depend on the class type, instructor, and format. Longer programs, like 6 to 8-week courses, usually cost about $200 to $350.
1. ARTSPACE at Unititled
Address: 1 NE 3rd St
Contact: +1 405-815-9995
Business hours: Wednesday to Saturday – 10 am to 4:30 pm
Most OKC locals are already familiar with ARTSPACE as a non-profit gallery that hosts exhibitions and printmaking events. But did you know that they also host educational programs, workshops, and mentorships all under one roof?
The ARTSPACE is both a community art center and creative hub with a variety of classes, ranging from animation courses to marbling led by local professional artists and educators.
We appreciate that there’s a class for everyone, like Artful Wearables, where we get to ink and drink (pun intended!) while transforming our clothes with various painting techniques.
Their small class sizes are another win, with maximum group sizes at about 12.
The best part? Most of their workshops are all-inclusive, meaning you only need to bring yourself and a packed lunch, or simply join their group takeout.
But here’s the hitch: They’re only open from Wednesdays to Saturdays, making it a bit tricky for early-week planners to squeeze in a class.
Great community place
“Great community place that highlights amazing artists and gives back to okc through their mentorship program.”
A gem in the city
“Art space is a gem in the city of okc producing shows for local artist and providing quality classes for okc youth to learn about the arts”
2. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center
Address: 11 NW 11th St
Contact: +1 405-951-0000 / [email protected]
Business hours: Wednesday to Monday – 11 am to 6 pm
What we love most about the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center is that it’s the ultimate creative hub. Hand sewing? They’ve got it. Wheel throwing? Of course. Writing? Check. Want to learn to make your own books? Yep, that too!
On top of these, they also host exhibitions and events for all ages and skill levels. With a lot going on, it’s easy to see why they’re so popular, though this also means that slots run out pretty quick.
Luckily, they run regular art classes, including some four- to eight-week programs held six days a week, so there’s plenty of chances to drop by, even on the weekends.
Plus, booking on their site is easy. Class prices usually range about $150 to $435, depending on the program’s difficulty and length. Do keep in mind that the materials aren’t typically included, so you’ll need to buy separately.
And if students can’t make it, we appreciate that refunds are issued as long as they’re requested 10 business days before the class or workshop.
Classes are so informative & enjoyable
“Absolutely adore Oklahoma Contemporary! Their studio is full of everything you need, classes are so informative & enjoyable, and the people are great too! Highly recommend checking the studio out if you ever want to take a leap and try something new or perfect a current hobby.”
Great pottery class!
“Great pottery class! Lots of open studio + great instruction + 8 classes = Tremendous Value”
3. Harding Fine Arts Academy
Address: 3333 N Shartel Ave
Contact: +1 405-702-4322
Business hours: Monday to Friday – 7:30 am to 4 pm
The Harding Fine Arts Academy is pretty much what it sounds like, making it a great fit for creatives who prefer more structured and traditional training environments.
As a tuition-free public charter school, the arts are at the core of the curriculum as students are required to complete multiple arts credits in order to graduate.
That said, they have a limited age range, serving only high school students preparing for college.
These programs cover visual arts such as photography, graphic design, and visual arts studio classes, along with performing arts like dance, drama/theatre, debate, and martial arts, as well as music courses in theory, ensemble work, and vocal/instrumental performance.
It’s also worth noting that class sizes are kept small at around 15 to 20 students. This allows teachers to give more personalized attention. The trade-off? Admissions can be competitive.
“We have found Harding to be a very good fit for our kids. The art, drama, and music programs are solid, an be academics are high quality. I would recommend Harding Fine Arts Academy for anyone seeking a quality liberal arts education for their middle or high school student.”
“This school has always been a home for me. My time spend as a student was fulfilling and now that I am back as a substitute teacher and swing dance program instructor I couldn’t be happy to help grow and change lives in that school the teachers care and they love the kids despite some of the disrespect shown by some of the students for being help accountable to standard. Highly recommend if you want tour child to actually be challenge in a place that won’t just let your child go to a building and act out of place and actually learn accountability that will follow them through life! #HardingIsHome”
4. Artsy Rose Academy
Address: 7739 W Hefner Rd
Contact:
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 am to 7:30 pm
- Saturday – 10 am to 7:30 pm
- Sunday – 1 pm to 6:30 pm
Our favorite thing about the Artsy Rose Academy is that the possibilities are endless, from homeschool art classes for the little ones to Sips and Swirls for the kids at heart.
The best part? Students can opt to enroll in just one class or attend multiple sessions, so there’s no pressure to commit to a long-term program.
We also appreciate how easy it is to browse through their website, from checking out all of their classes at a glance via the calendar to buying art kits for a relaxing, creative session at home.
All things considered, it’s important to note that they aren’t geared towards more serious artists looking to build their portfolios. Their programs are primarily focused on kids, while their adult classes lean more toward recreational activity rather than structured technique development.
Nevertheless, many students love it here and even share the fun with their friends since the academy also hosts events, making it a popular spot for birthday parties.
Plus, the classes are quite affordable, so you won’t be spending more than $40 on a session that’s inclusive of art materials. Though their camps are a tad more pricey, at around $62 per day.
“Artsy Rose Academy is truly a gem! My girls always have the best time here. We were first introduced through a birthday party, and since then we typically visit during school breaks—it’s something they genuinely look forward to.
Kimberly, the owner, is simply amazing with children. She has the sweetest personality while also running a well-oiled machine. Everything is timely and organized, and she takes care of the kids as if they’re her own. As a parent, that level of care and professionalism means everything.
I highly recommend Artsy Rose Academy to any family looking for a fun, creative, and well-run environment for their children.”
“I can’t speak highly enough of Artsy Rose Academy. I found it on a whim looking for a painting party for my daughter’s birthday. It was a bit of a drive (we’re in NE Edmond), but worth it for the adorable event space, the incredible Miss Kimberly, the unmatched service, and the attentiveness to detail. Everything from setting up the event, personally cutting the cake and passing out food, and legit teaching the kiddos about color blending and detailing in their paintings felt above and beyond. I have no doubt that their classes reflect the same attention to detail. 10 out of fiv”
5. HeARTLocke Studio
Address: 351 N Air Depot Blvd Suite J, Midwest City
Contact: +1 405-881-9711 or [email protected]
Business hours:
- Wednesday – 9:30 am to 8 pm
- Thursday – 4:30 pm to 8 pm
- Friday – 5 pm to 8 pm
- Saturday to Sunday – 1 pm to 9 pm
HeARTLocke Studio is a community favorite for a reason: they host a wide range of art classes for different age groups and levels, from digital art lessons to painting with mixed media.
Some courses run for multiple weeks, like art camps, studio access events, and even field trips, making this an ideal art school for creatives who prefer a more free-form approach.
And because they emphasize a low-pressure environment, they’re perfect for beginners, though less suited for serious portfolio-building artists.
When it comes to the costs, their programs are generally more budget-friendly, with classes about $10 to $60 and camps around $80 to $120.
While we also appreciate the flexibility to simply drop in or book longer courses, their slots and hours are limited. This can make snagging a spot a bit tricky.
Luckily, they accept walk-ins on select dates. Even then, booking can easily be done on their site.
Very creative and very helpful
“I loved the classes I took at HeARTLocke Studio. Miss Elizabeth always has a well thought out project for us which can be done in one sitting. She is very creative and very helpful in giving us guidance, while leaving us alone to explore further on our own. Here are some samples of what I did a the evening drawing and painting classes. It was great fun and close to home, too!”
Super friendly and helpful staff
“Had the best experience at HeARTLocke Studio today. Super friendly and helpful staff. We went on Ferret Friday and they’re so cuddly. The whole family had a great time. Laid back atmosphere. Pick a piece to paint and have fun. Definitely recommend!”
