Art at the Bodega {Washington} // If you want a casual and crafty take on a class, be sure to check out Art at the Bodega. The process is simple: reserve a spot, pick from more than 25 projects, and show up to create. The craft menu includes everything from pottery decorating, Bob Ross painting classes, jewelry making, string art to glass and leather work.
Captivation Dance {Morton} // Offering classes for 18 months to ages 18+, Captivation Dance is the place to learn the correct way to bust a move. Classes vary from pointe to hip hop and everything in between. Youth competition classes are available if you’re looking for a challenge.
Clark Music Studios {Washington} // Clark Music Studios specializes in music classes to fit all skill levels, promising both experts and the adept will be able to hone their skills with a thoughtful and supportive instructional atmosphere. Get ready for marching band, learn a new talent, or start your own band.
Classical Dance Academy {Pekin} // Shake your groove thing and learn the right technique! Classical Dance Academy offers classes in tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, tumbling, and pre-dance classes for those who are just starting out. Classical Dance Academy teaches everything from technique to stage presence and composure during a live performance.
The Cookery {Morton} // For a date night or a true desire to learn how to cook better, or cook at all, The Cookery is the place to take a class. Each class is taught by a culinary instructor who guides students through the creation process. All ages and skill levels are welcome at classes like World of Wizardry, Homemade Pasta, Princess Tea Party and more.
Crafted DIY {Peoria} // The Warehouse District houses a unique space to let your creativity shine. Let the liquor get your creative juices flowing at Crafted DIY Studio + Bar. Choose a craft cocktail and one of the 20+ unique jewelry, home decor, leather, or woodworking projects and spend the night crafting. Expect lots of laughs, this gem takes “paint and sips” to a whole new level!!
Creations Dance Studio {East Peoria} // With more than 60 years in the dance business, Creations Dance Studio strives to keep classes affordable and available for everyone. Learn to boogie at any age with beginner and advanced adult classes, private lessons, technique classes and special summer dance camps.
Fiber Faire {Henry} // Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been sewing for years, Fiber Faire sewing classes will teach new skills and offer project inspiration. From apparel to embroidery to quilting, this shop accommodates beginner to advanced sewers. Join the sewing group at Fiber Faire and build a strong foundation plus get your creative juices flowing.
Fired Up {Peoria Heights} // Coax out the inner artist by painting your own pottery at this creative studio in the Heights. With a wide array of paint colors and pottery options, artists can create core memories with family and friends. The studio has a huge selection of ready to paint pottery along with excellent color selection for kids of all ages and abilities.
Flores Music {Pekin} // Flores Music offers music lessons for both children and adults, specializing in instruments such as guitar, drums, bass, and piano. Flores is also a collective of passionate musicians and guitar junkies who are dedicated to helping people find their next favorite instrument or repair their current instruments.
Fondulac District Library {East Peoria} // With classes ranging from basic workshops to stand-up, storytelling, DIY crafts, beginner music lessons, improv writing, and photography, Fondulac District Library offers a great outlet for creativity. Come with friends or jump in and meet new people—these classes and atmosphere are perfect for families with children of any age.
Generations Candle Company {Peoria Heights} // Experience crafting like never before and find your own signature scent at Generations Candle Co. located in Peoria Heights. Personalize your own hand-poured candle or another fragranced product from start to finish by creating a unique blend of fragrances from 90 choices, choosing a vessel that matches your style and designing a label for the end product. Generations Candle Co is more than just a candle shop, and encourages you to grab your loved ones and create lasting memories.
J.Draper Glass {Peoria} // Explore a unique medium through exceptional instruction, hands-on opportunities, classes, tours, and team-building glass crafting workshops at J.Draper Glass. No experience required to partake in one of these unique glass classes. It’s a great way to explore glass sculpting and glass creation to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of the art of hand blown glass.
Just Jude’s Creations {Pekin} // Offering the latest in fabric, technology, equipment and books, you can find the inspiration and quilting tools to take your creations to the next level. Just Jude’s turns quilters into life-long friends! Just Jude’s offers an array of sewing classes covering a varied array of interests and skill levels.
Leo’s Art Studio {Pekin} // Learn to paint with an acrylic painting class or get together for girl’s night and paint while you sip! Leo’s Art Studio offers an array of sessions in a variety of mediums. This is the perfect studio for beginners and an excellent space for advanced artists to share and express themselves.
Lori’s Kitchen Store {Washington} // Don your Chef’s hat and prepare to learn how to make everything your foodie heart desires. With different cooking classes each month, Lori’s Kitchen Store offers Basic Knife Skills, Southern Style Cooking, Cupcake Bliss, Crumble Cookie Copycat, and more. Roll up your sleeves and enjoy any of Lori’s tutorials—you won’t leave hungry!
Ma’s Got’a Notion {Havana} // One visit to this 1900’s retro shop and you’ll quickly be inspired to try your hand at quilting. With plenty of expertise to share, this is the right place to start your sewing journey. * No classes are being held until Jan. 2024 as it’s a big farm community*
Peddlers Way Quilt Co {Washington} // There’s plenty to learn and discover on the Historic Washington Square, and Peddlers Way Quilt Co. is a great place to start. Offering a variety of classes and events including open sew, machine applique classes, quilting classes and more, there’s plenty of opportunities to learn a new skill. Browse their selection of quilting fabrics, sewing machines, embroidery supplies and more. Plus, Peddlers Way Quilt Co. is a certified Judy Niemeyer shop, so you can shop from patterns that you won’t see at normal shops. You will have sew much fun!
Peek In Pottery {Pekin} // At this full service ceramics studio, choose from hundreds of ready-to-paint ceramics, made in house. Sign up for personalized instruction, schedule a birthday party, or create a personalized gift for someone special. This studio is a great way to give back to your community as the proceeds fund a number of nonprofit organizations.
Peoria Art Guild {Peoria} // Surround yourself with art and be inspired. Stroll through the gallery with a notebook and practice your creative writing. Register for any of the amazing classes where you can learn to paint, use a sewing machine, design jewelry, sculpt, work with mixed media and so much more! Connect with the community of artists.
Pumpkin Glass Gallery + Studio {Peoria} // Shop gorgeous, one of a kind artisan made jewelry from glass beads and freshwater pearls to sterling silver and swarovski crystals. Add jewelry making to your list of skills! Many of the classes offered include wirework, bead stitching, metalwork, glass fusing, chain maille, and the list goes on.
The Quilt Corner {Morton} // Aspiring quilters can learn everything from basic stitches to hand-dyeing techniques in these classes at The Quilt Corner. Learn the basics of quilting or build on your existing talents. Once you know your way around a needle and thread, anything is possible. These are excellent classes to meet other quilters in the area.
Touch of Glass {Pekin} // Create gorgeous, hand-crafted, fused glass items in this unique opportunity to design with glass. Keep a lookout for the class schedules to register to make paperweights, plant spikes, welcome plates, coral bowls, wind chimes, seasonal decor, and more.
The next time you want to use your creative side, check out the Discover Peoria Calendar of Events for upcoming classes and activities.