Lea GagnonPaint your way through these places for the best art classes in Montreal
We used to think art classes were just for kids with messy hands or retirees with time to spare, but Montreal completely proved us wrong.
This city has a way of pulling you into its creative energy, whether you’re exploring scenic walks in Montreal or diving into a hands-on workshop.
It makes you realise that art isn’t just for the ‘naturally talented.’ It’s also for people like us – those looking for an escape from the daily grind and maybe even an excuse to channel an inner Bob Ross.
So, if you’re ready to trade your screen time for some creative energy, these places are the perfect starting point. Who knows? You might just surprise yourself.
MonStudio.Art
Media credit to: monstudio.art
Location: 12450 Rue Olivier
Contact: +1 514-578-2014
Operating hours:
- Monday & Wednesday – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM
Pricing: $
MonStudio.Art has something for everyone – oil painting that welcomes all ages, creative workshops tailored for kids, and BYOB paint nights.
The oil painting workshop takes place every Saturday at 1 PM and Tuesday at 5 PM. These sessions provide a space to explore oil painting techniques while developing your skills at your own pace.
At the heart of MonStudio.Art is Zari Kazandjian, the founder. She’s known for her patience and genuine care for her students’ progress.
| Pro Tip: Want the inside scoop on the latest happenings? Get on their newsletter list! |
Art Chaos: Bar & SpinArt
Media credit to: artchaosmtl
Location: 31 St Viateur St. E
Contact: +1 514-316-5208
Operating hours:
- Thursday to Friday – 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Pricing: $
Art Chaos: Bar & SpinArt is unlike any other art studio in Montreal. Instead of brushes, you create spin art by splashing and flinging paint onto a spinning canvas.
Every piece is wild, unpredictable, and unique. Plus, no artistic experience is needed to join the fun.
And here’s the kicker: it’s also a bar! You can sip drinks, enjoy tasty bites, and unleash creativity in a relaxed atmosphere.
They’ve also got different packages like the Classic. It includes a 60-minute session for up to four people with all materials and a spin station.
| Pro Tip: Dress casually! Wear something you don’t mind getting paint on because it’s going to get delightfully messy. |
Mosaic Art Studio
Media credit to: montreal.mosaicartstudio.ca
Location: 5317 Sherbrooke St W
Contact: +1 819-328-1150
Operating hours:
- Wednesday – 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Thursday – 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM
- Friday – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: $
Mosaic Art Studio focuses on the traditional art of Turkish mosaic lamp making. In these workshops, you’ll design and create your own lamp using hand-cut glass and beads.
The workshops typically last 2.5 to 3 hours and are open to everyone, regardless of prior experience.
It’s more than just an art class – it’s an immersive cultural experience. You’re surrounded by Turkish culture, with authentic decorations and traditional tea or coffee.
In addition to workshops, Mosaic Art Studio hosts various events. These include team-building sessions, private celebrations, and specially designed programs for kids.
| Pro Tip: Wear comfortable clothes that can get messy. You’ll be handling small glass pieces and adhesive. |
École d’art Hélène La Haye
Media credit to: hlahayepeintre
Location: 5570 R. Cartier #202A
Contact: +1 514-567-8255
Operating hours:
- Monday – 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Tuesday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Wednesday – 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Saturday – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Pricing: $$
École d’art Hélène La Haye was founded by Hélène La Haye, a painter with over 30 years of experience.
In this place, you can forget rigid rules and stuffy techniques. This is where you come to play and discover your artistic voice without limitations.
They offer classes for everyone – adults, teens, and kids. It’s a great spot for anyone on their art journey. You can enrol on courses like ‘Exploration Créative’ and ‘Expression Visuelle.’
You’ll work with materials like ink, alcohol, and salt. Besides that, you’ll paint with spatulas instead of brushes. You can also get hands-on with pastels – a medium perfect for bold expression.
| Pro Tip: Sign up for the ‘Atelier d’un jour en Peinture et Dessin Créatifs.’ It’s a one-day workshop where you can dive deep into these unconventional techniques. |
FIGURA | Life Drawing Montreal
Media credit to: figuramtl
Location: 48 Notre-Dame St W #201
Contact: +1 514-974-5552
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Monday – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Pricing: $$
FIGURA offers life drawing sessions with professional models. These sessions are 2 to 3 hours long and include a variety of dynamic poses.
You’ll work with short, quick poses and longer, more sustained ones. This gives you the chance to capture the human form in detail.
This setup is perfect for honing your skills, no matter your level. It’s also designed to boost your speed and technique.
On top of that, FIGURA has a strong sense of community. You’ll be surrounded by other artists, all learning and growing together.
They even sell drawing materials on-site, so you don’t have to worry about lugging your supplies around.
| Pro Tip: Try their rapid-fire gesture drawing sessions. These include 1 to 5-minute poses designed to improve your speed and intuition. |
École de Dessin et Peinture Mélissa Breault
Media credit to: melissabreault_art_studio
Location: 2000 Northcliffe Ave
Contact: +1 514-668-1593
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Pricing: $$
École de Dessin et Peinture Mélissa Breault was founded by Mélissa Breault, a professional artist. This esteemed school places a strong emphasis on personalised instruction.
Class sizes are small, with a maximum of 6 to 7 students. This thoughtful approach ensures ample individual attention.
The school offers a variety of courses, too. These include linear drawing, tonal drawing, colour theory with soft pastels, and anatomy. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, there’s something for you.
Their philosophy is simple: mastering the basics is key to creative growth. They give you the foundational skills to express yourself freely.
| Pro Tip: Begin with their foundational drawing courses to develop a strong understanding of form and composition. This will provide a solid base for you to build upon before moving on to painting. |
Zoya Art Studio
Media credit to: tavangarart
Location: 1280 Rue St Marc
Contact: +1 514-261-1224
Operating hours:
- Wednesday – 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
- Thursday – 10:30 AM to 8:15 PM
Pricing: $$$
Zoya Art Studio is Canada’s largest bilingual independent art school and has been around for over 70 years.
They offer more than 300 art classes a year. Options include painting and jewellery making, with something for every creative soul, regardless of age.
Aside from that, all classes are led by professional working artists. They also offer online courses if you prefer learning from home.
| Pro Tip: Hit up those artist talks and workshops at the McClure Gallery. It’s the best way to really immerse yourself in the Zoya Art Studio experience. |
Academy Fine Arts De Montreal
Media credit to: academ.mtl
Location: 6524 Rue St-Hubert
Contact: +1 514-508-5119
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Pricing: $$$
If you’re serious about honing your craft, this place is for you. Academy Fine Arts De Montreal is all about classical training, the kind that forms the foundation for many great artists.
They offer a solid curriculum packed with classical techniques. For beginners, there’s an introductory course to get you started. You can also join specialised workshops to dig deep into specific areas.
They even keep their class sizes small. This means you get way more one-on-one time with the instructors, all of whom are experienced artists themselves.
| Pro Tip: Don’t miss their open studio sessions with live models. It’s an invaluable opportunity to practice your skills and get a real feel for figure drawing. |
