Art Classes
· Charlottesville, VA
Published in partnership with McGuffey Art Center
Book online anytime
McGuffey Art Center is one of the oldest artist-cooperatives in the country, established in 1975 and located one block from downtown Charlottesville. Housing 45+ resident artists and 100+ association members, the center offers classes and workshops taught by working artists, rotating gallery exhibitions, and community events. The cooperative model ensures instruction from experienced, practicing artists who are invested in the local creative community.
Best for: Art enthusiasts seeking instruction from working artists, students interested in contemporary art practice, community members wanting to support local arts
Service area: Charlottesville, VA and surrounding areas
Historic Artist Cooperative: Established in 1975, McGuffey is one of the oldest artist-cooperatives in the country, offering authentic instruction from 45+ resident working artists.
Rotating Gallery Exhibitions: Multiple galleries showcase contemporary work by member and visiting artists, with regular artist talks and community events.
Community-Driven Model: Classes and workshops are taught by the resident and associate artists themselves, ensuring instruction grounded in current artistic practice.
“Very cool artists and art at this center. Only drawback - the building is old ( and awesome) but its doors are solid wood and kept closed. Artists who are there have...' Come in' signs on their studio door. Somewhat intimatidating. Unlike other art centers that have partial glass windows and glass doors to allow visitors to peek in and see the art work and the doors are kept open. Which is very welcoming. Different vibe here. But cool art when you dare venture into one of those rooms.”
— Pam Spelker, Google Review
“Great place to visit when you love artworks and happen to be in downtown Charlottesville. Parking a bit tough on busy day, outside of the Center there was pretty nice courtyard. It is by walking distance to the downtown mall, couple studios for different residents artists. Worth a visit :).”
— Novi Beerens, Google Review
“Great opportunity to meet real people who make real art. Art that is accessible to a philistine like me, because the artists at McGuffey are excellent teachers as well. I've learned about glass-blowing from Chip Hall and have seen photographic artist Scott Smith manipulate light & shadow using the simplest tools to produce the most elegant images. Having a multi-generational mix of learners in the building, makes for a contagious enthusiasm about a subject that doesn't come easily to many of us. This place is a real gem. Try it on First Fridays when the locals come to rub elbows and share vino in a convivial atmosphere of artistic indulgence!”
— Local Photography Services, Google Review
“A lovely place to stop in Cville! Plenty of beautiful studios and a lot of art to check out.”
— Robert Locklear, Google Review
“A great space both for viewing finished art and art in process, and for talking informally with artists. Three full floors of really varied and creative works in multiple media.”
— M Smith, Google Review
Book online: Book Online Now →
Phone: (434) 295-7973
Address: 201 2nd St NW, Charlottesville, VA 22902 (Get directions)
Website: mcguffeyartcenter.com/