Zuri MartinezIt’s crazy how one simple event can awaken one’s passion. After my sibling and I finished watching Interstellar in the cinema over a decade ago, he told me he wanted to pursue filmmaking and asked me for help finding the best art schools in Charlotte.
It was an exciting time for me as well, as I also shared the same ambition when I was younger. I just knew what to look for in an art school for his needs, but the options are just too many! So, I asked my team to narrow down the top choices, and we’re here to share them with you!
The schools we’ve chosen hone various art forms and are equipped with the necessary teachers, facilities, and equipment to do so. Keep on reading to take the first step towards your artistry!
What is the average cost of art schools in Charlotte?
Annual tuition fees for art schools in Charlotte range from $2,800 to $3,800 or more. Meanwhile, there are private art degree programs that start at $35,000 and workshops that vary between $50 to $400+ per course.
1. The North Carolina Academy of Art
Programs: Oil painting, self-portrait, figure life drawing/painting, castings
Location: 3224 Benard Ave, Studio C and D
Contact: +1 704-774-2844
Business hours:
- Monday and Wednesday: 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM
- Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Even with its limited program offering, the North Carolina Academy of Art is among our top picks because of its exceptional expertise in classical techniques.
The curriculum here mostly consists of classical drawing and oil painting classes, but they’re incredibly in-depth. These classes tackle every skill, from observation to composition and paint handling.
A single instructor helms the class:, Mark Anthony Gucciardi, whom students highlight as being extremely passionate about the arts and teaching.
He’s also the definition of quality over quantity, having received classical art training at the Florence Academy of Art. Our interviewees also shared how Mark nurtures a welcoming and supportive environment for students.
We also like how the classes at the North Carolina Academy of Art are flexible, offering part-time, full-time, and drop-in classes.
Overall, it’s an excellent option for quick classes that offer a lot of learning in both drawing and painting. However, it’s not the best option if you’re looking for a degree.
I wouldn’t miss class for anything
“I started going to the academy about 8 months ago, when I lived in Fort Mill. 2 months ago, I moved to Spartanburg and decided to drive 1.5 hours twice a week just to go to class. Even with the long drive, I wouldn’t miss class for anything.
Going to class makes my week and has encouraged me to experiment with art more. My drawings have improved so much, and I have made so many friends at the school.
The instructor, Mark, is obviously passionate about what he teaches and can show you how to take your piece to the next level. This is the best art school I’ve ever been to.”
Kaitlin Marakoff, Google Review
Mark is a wonderful instructor
“Started my journey of art at the North Carolina Academy of Art during the pandemic. Mark is a wonderful instructor, helping me to build the skills and confidence to draw and paint, as 0 experience when I started.
Also, I meet a lot of friendly classmates who share the experience of pursuing better art pieces. Recommend to everyone interested in classic art at any level!”
Sherry Xu, Google Review
2. Small Hands Big Art South Charlotte
Programs: Pottery, watercolor, cartooning, illustration, 3D sculpting, ceramic, clay
Location: 7415 Waverly Walk Ave F2A
Contact: +1 704-246-8271
Business hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Small Hands Big Art South Art Charlotte is less of a traditional art school and more of a first step towards artistry for young learners. It’s designed to hone kids’ artistry and social skills by offering fun enrichment activities, such as painting, drawing, sculpting, etc.
One of our favourite things about this school is the widely varied curriculum, which tackles media such as watercolor, clay, chalk pastel, and print.
These programs are designed with playfulness in mind. Plus, they’re paired with a welcoming environment nurtured by the passionate instructors who create a space where kids can experiment with their imagination.
Parents also shared that they chose this school for its low student-to-teacher ratio, which allows the instructors to pay closer attention to their kids. It’s also worth noting that the school uses professional-grade art supplies, and not “kiddy” tools.
We also appreciate how the school offers a variety of workshops for adults as well. Our interviewees shared that they enrolled themselves in classes like painting and ceramic designing along with their kids.
Our little guy had a blast
“We were looking for an after-school activity for our Pre-K-er that would engage his fine motor skills and stumbled upon Small Hands Big Art. After trying a drop-in class and finding that our little guy had a blast, we’ve started a 6-week session, which he continues to love.
I really appreciate that the projects often last for multiple weeks, so my son is learning to be patient and to build on his work incrementally. He’s so proud of the projects he’s working on and completing, and they’re genuinely beautiful!
We fit his finished works into our gallery walls and art displays at home. Although we’re new to the studio, other parents have commented to me that they’ve been bringing their kids for years and have never seen a repeated project, which is pretty impressive.
The teachers are engaging, and the communication with staff & admin has been incredibly solid. Would definitely recommend to others.”
Alyssa Perez, Google Review
Cannot recommend this place enough!
“My son recently started to show an interest in Art. I signed him up for a Drop Off class at Small Hands Big Art, not really knowing how he’d do on his own.
I went to pick him up (after having 2 hours of glorious alone time shopping around Waverly!), and I have never seen him so excited to show me all of the amazing things he created.
Felicia and Jennifer are AMAZING teachers, and since that first day, I’ve signed Quinn up for numerous drop-off classes and a few Family Drop-In classes that I’ve gotten to enjoy with him! I cannot recommend this place enough!”
Lindsay Cunningham, Google Review
3. Allan Fine Art Academy
Programs: Drawing, painting, fundamentals
Location: 9608B Longstone Ln.
Contact: +1 803-960-3723
Business hours:
- Monday and Tuesday: 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 12:00 AM to 7:15 AM
Our interviewees were excited to recommend Allan Fine Art Academy to us for its instructor, Nancy Allan. They shared that her passion bleeds into her classes, encouraging her students to become even more interested in the arts.
Nancy’s background is also worth noting, as she has experience with oils, watercolors, acrylics, and more. Furthermore, some of her works have won her awards nationally and gained her recognition regionally.
We also like the breadth of programs and workshops offered by Allan Fine Art Academy. For starters, she offers classes specifically designed for kids, teens, and adults.
Our interviewees also shared that they enrolled themselves in a myriad of art media classes, including watercolor painting, self-portrait drawing, etc. The schedules for these classes are also flexible, being spread throughout the school’s six-day operation.
Furthermore, previous students said that her focus on the fundamentals eventually helped them become better artists and acquire a formal art degree, which, unfortunately, isn’t offered in this school.
Highly skilled and compassionate
“Nancy Allan is a highly skilled and compassionate art teacher. This summer, my daughter had the privilege of participating in the Allan Fine art summer camp, where she learnt many skills, including charcoal, acrylics, watercolor, weaving, and clay art, and created art pieces that now adorn her room! Thank you, Ms. Nancy!”
Poonam Arora, Google Review
An excellent teacher
“Nancy Allan is an excellent art teacher for my daughter, who is very interested in art and painting. After participating in the summer camp, she learned different media of art, like charcoal art and painting. She loves to learn more about art with Nancy! Highly Recommend Nancy!”
Lei Zhu, Google Review
4. Hands Create Fine Arts Studio
Programs: Painting, drawing, oil painting, clay, printmaking, fiber arts
Location: 8040 Providence Rd #500
Contact: +1 704-814-0404
Business hours:
- Monday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Tuesday and Thursday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM
We want to include Hands Create Fine Arts Studio, as our interviewees noted how much fun they have during their classes.
For instance, the instructors create a fun learning environment that encourages exploration and experimentation. Although this doesn’t leave much room for deeper specialization, students shared that it’s a great space where they can start discovering their artistic touch.
We are also pleased to discover that the classes are extremely engaging, which is mostly attributed to the instructors. Students stated that these professionals seamlessly blend art history and a look at famous works in the curriculum, which further inspired them.
The instructors are also praised for their enthusiasm during classes. Students even shared that it made them feel FOMO when they missed classes.
Moreover, their efforts in making projects as varied as possible are admirable. Some of the projects they offer for kids, teens, and adults include oil painting, drawing, pottery, and printmaking.
The classes are fabulous
“This is a wonderful art studio for both children and adults. The classes are fabulous, and the owners, Joanne and Tim, are just kind and helpful.
If you’re interested in taking an art class at a studio that is welcoming and that isn’t intimidating, this is your place. Most highly recommended!”
Laura Harmon, Google Review
I enjoy discovering new techniques under Joann’s guidance
“Lovely art studio with a heart! I recommend it wholeheartedly, whether you are looking at workshops or attending classes. Joann and Tim are really putting their all into this studio, and it shows.
I enjoy discovering new techniques under Joann’s guidance after a long day at work or listening to guest teachers at workshops. I am grateful to have found this place as I was settling into a completely new place – it is a big part of my mind’s image of Charlotte now.
Anyway, hope to see you next semester! Please don’t outcompete me for Tuesday Adult class placements, or I will find you, and I will bite you.”
Anna Smyrnova, Google Review
5. Central Fine Arts Academy
Programs: Piano, violin, guitar, drums, voice, ukulele, sculpting, drawing, painting
Location: 9401 S Tryon St.
Contact: +1 704-274-1878
Business hours:
- Saturday: 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM
- Tuesday: 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Central Fine Arts Academy is an excellent option for parents who want their kids to excel in both music and the arts. The school primarily focuses on various music workshops, including vocal and instrumental, such as ukuleles, drums, and piano.
Parents commended the teachers during our interviews for their patience and support during lessons. Furthermore, their kids shared that they enjoy working with the teachers and that they have made real progress on their chosen instruments after a couple of sessions.
Although it isn’t a professional fine arts institution, we want to include Central Fine Arts because it’s community-centric. It’s affiliated with the local church, and it offers among the most affordable prices for both music and art workshops.
Our only wish is that they’d extend their operating hours, as they only operate twice a week. We do appreciate how they make up for this by being responsive to scheduling and the variety of classes they offer per day.
My kids had such a great experience
“My kids had such a great experience at the summer camp at Central Fine Arts! They loved the drumming, sculpting, choir, drawing, and more.
I was so impressed with the organization; the kindness of the teachers was evident, and it was clear that each one is highly skilled in their fine art practice area. Highly recommend their summer camp programming!”
Ellen Hefner, Google Review
Her teacher is very patient and nice
“Excellent program and teachers! My 8-year-old daughter takes piano lessons weekly, and she is getting better week by week. She enjoys her lessons, and her teacher is very patient and nice. Highly recommended!”
Quinn Barnette, Google Review
