Get Crafty

Creating any form of visual art — whether it be drawing, painting, or sculpting — are great ways to express your creativity. If you feel burnt out or find yourself overwhelmed from work or school, then we recommend that you immerse yourself in the artistic process since it can have a significant benefit to your health. According to a study by Harvard Medical School, taking part in any type of creative activity is an effective way to relieve stress and anxiety. Don’t have any art supplies available? Don’t worry! There are plenty of local classes around Solano County that host arts and crafts sessions. We’ve even made a list of some of the creative workshops for your convenience and have also provided the routes to get there:

GVRD Arts and Enrichment (Vallejo)

The Greater Vallejo Recreation District (GVRD) hosts a variety of events for children and adults year round. As of now, they are currently offering an Introduction to Drawing Series to those of the age 12 and over. Learn about the 8 elements of art and the 9 principles of design through their classes that will be held August 10 and September 14. The sessions will be held at the Norman C. King South Vallejo Community Center on 545 Magazine St, which is a short stroll away from a bus stop served by Route 3. Register soon because spots fill up quick! 

Opus In Oils (Vallejo)

Calling all children, teens, and seniors. Stefanie, the Opus In Oils gallery owner, welcomes all ages to take part in self-paced drawing classes that cater to individuals of all skill levels. The classes cover basic techniques, such as lighting and shading, but eventually progresses into intermediate and advanced forms of drawing. Materials are included with the registration costs and the class schedule is listed as follows:

• Wednesday 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM & 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
• Friday 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Opus In Oils is located on 623 Marin Street (a short walk from Vallejo Transit Center) and is served by Route 2 and Route 6. If you have any questions about the classes, please contact Stefanie at (707) 656-3150 or email Stefi.Hannan@yahoo.com for more information.

Once Upon A Canvas (Benicia)

As a community-ran gallery, Once Upon A Canvas showcases locally-created artwork and holds a variety of painting classes. They don’t just host classes for the community, you can book your own private ‘Painting Party’ and paint with a group of friends as well! Classes and schedules vary, but their general hours are listed as follows:

• Tuesday to Saturday 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM 
• Sunday 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

The gallery is located at the other end of downtown Benicia on 129 First Street, Suite J, so it isn’t far of a reach from a Yellow Line bus stop. Be sure to check out their website or call (707) 326-9369 for more information about the gallery.

Artcentric Pottery and Glass Fusing Studio (Benicia)

If we make our way back towards the Yellow Line bus stop from Once Upon A Canvas, we’ll eventually reach Artcentric, an art studio on 733 First Street that hosts ‘Summer Camp’ sessions to teach the youth and teenagers about various art mediums. These mediums include pottery painting, clay projects, canvas painting, glass art, crochet and sewing. The workshops are held from Tuesday to Thursday during 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM; they get booked fast so act now!

Did you know? Salvator Mundi, a painting created by Leonardo Da Vinci, was sold for a world record of $450 million dollars in 2017. That should give you some motivation to paint! 

If you’re not interested in making art then you can appreciate pieces made by local artists during the monthly Art Walk! The Vallejo Art Walk occurs the second Friday of every month from 5pm to 10pm and is located in downtown Vallejo at the intersection of Marin and Georgia Street. The location is conveniently adjacent to the Vallejo Transit Center, which means you can take 9 of our local routes to attend this free event on Friday, August 9th. Are you interested in riding to the event for free? If so, check out our previous article for more details.