Mary Kate Schmermund 
Trying something new is always a good idea — especially when there are so many creative classes right here in Montclair and Essex County. Whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby, revisit an old passion, meet new people, or simply switch up your weekly routine, the area has plenty of adult classes worth checking out. From hands-on art workshops and dance studios to cooking classes, language lessons, music instruction, writing workshops, and more, there are so many ways to get creative and learn something new locally. Read on for a list of adult creative classes in Montclair and Essex County.
Arts + Crafts, Painting
Alchemy Scent Bar | 30 Church Street, Montclair
Alchemy Scent Bar is a custom scent experience in the heart of downtown Montclair. Guests can create their own custom-fragranced candles as well as home and body products from a wall of more than 100 different scents. The candles are natural soy and use pure fragrance oils, burning longer and truer to scent than others in the marketplace.
Bass Art Studio | 202 Park Street, Montclair
Bass Arts Studio is a space that provides art and creativity for kids, teens, + adults. Painting, drawing, + mixed media is an example of a class provided for youths. Summer camps are also available for kids. Introduction to Painting with Oil + Cold Wax and Mosaics, Merlot, + Mozzarella are examples of two class options for adults.
Board + Brush | 25 West Northfield Road Suite 3, Livingston
Board + Brush is a creative space that hosts crafting events and workshops for the Livingston area. DIY events can be held for gatherings like bridal showers, birthdays, children’s parties, fundraising, + more. The calendar on Board + Brush’s website shows when the studio’s events and workshops are held. Many works run PYP (Pick Your Project). There is also an inspiration gallery for those who aren’t sure where to start.
Casa De Flora Bar | 75 Washington Street, Bloomfield
Guests can turn brunch or a coffee date into a crafting session at Casa De Flora Bar. Weekend brunch is available, as well as breakfast and coffee items, but this space is more than its delicious coffee drinks. Planners can bring up to 40 friends for a Sip + Clip Event that allows guests to enjoy brunch and a floral experience.
CLAY by Indigo Road Studio | 10 Vose Avenue, South Orange
Indigo Road Studio is a space to visit in South Orange for those passionate about DIY clay projects. Owner Lindsay has a background in teaching art at many levels including high school art education. The space provides options like Try It Wheel Throwing Workshop + Throwing Larger Workshop which will focus on techniques to center larger amounts of clay and then how to use the clay efficiently through pulling tall cylinders or forming larger bowls.
Craft Club Studio | 122 South Orange Avenue, South Orange
Craft Club Studio is located in South Orange Village and is a great spot to test DIY skills. With options like needlepoint, beading, embroidery, weaving, painting, knitting, + more, it’s hard not to find something to love.
Creatif | 565 South Livingston Avenue, Livingston
This creative space in Livingston has options for planners like workshops and classes, but also is available for walk-in creators. Some classes to consider are Comic Book Drawing, Abstract Art, Still Life Painting, Anime Drawing, + more. Workshop times and spaces are available for both kids + adults.
Crystals + Candle | 195 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair
Located in Upper Montclair, Crystals + Candle hosts many different candle-making classes. At these classes, guests can choose a jar size, mix and match scents, and decorate their creations with energy-infused crystals and gemstones.
Doin’ Dishes | 50 Church Street, Montclair
Far from chores, this Church Street space provides nothing but creativity and fun with pottery painting. The selection may seem endless because crafters have choices like plates, mugs, ornaments, tiles, piggy banks, vases, + more. Patrons can call to inquire about classes like Finger Painting + Splatter Painting.
The Eclectic Chic Boutique | 547 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Let your creative side flourish with hands-on craft classes designed for adults, from private sessions to mobile workshops that bring the fun to you.
Express Yourself Studios | 1877 Springfield Avenue, Maplewood
This creative hub is located in Maplewood near the corner of Springfield Avenue + Prospect Street. Options for adult workshops available are Studio Pottery, Acrylic Painting Class, Wine Glass Painting, + more.
The Glass Gallery | 140 Chestnut Street, Nutley
If interested in creating a DIY piece that can be lovingly displayed as part of the home, plan to visit The Glass Gallery. From lamps to put on display to stained glass windows and cabinets that can become part of the home, The Glass Gallery has it covered.
Moda Studio | 1275 Bloomfield Avenue, Building 1, Unit 5, Fairfield
At Moda Studio, local creatives can take BYOB paint-and-sip karaoke classes. This studio also hosts other kinds of DIY classes, like a mommy-and-me candle-making class. The karaoke room is available to rent at any time.
Mud Clay Studio | 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair + 42 Upper Montclair Plaza, Montclair
DIY fans can get in touch with their inner child by setting up a claydate at Mud Clay Studio. Bring a minimum of six friends together for a private claydate event where crafters will get a brief introduction to hand-building with clay followed by a potter’s wheel demo, before trying the wheel. If coming alone, try one of the one-day workshops like a Wheel Workshop or a Handbuilding session. Passionate crafters should consider signing up for an eight-week intensive course or inquire about the membership program.
Montclair Art Museum | 3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair
Montclair Art Museum’s Yard School of Art offers in-person classes for adults spanning everything from art appreciation to surface design.
Wine + Design | 1 Greenwood Avenue, Suite 101, Montclair
Wine + Design provides a BYOB space for all levels of DIY inspiration. If guidance is needed, paint-and-sip events are available under the calendar section. If choosing a guided design, owner Rachel Moehl assures all crafters that “each design is sketched, tried, tested, perfected, + photographed before we offer it to the public.” For those who have the basics down, try stopping in during the Open Studio – Independent Painting times. True DIY-ers should inquire about Wine + Design’s Paintings Without Parameters, where anything can be a canvas, like home decor, glassware, + more.
The New York Sewing Center | 535 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
The New York Sewing Center brings creative classes + hands-on sewing instruction to Montclair. The studio offers sewing, design, private lessons, and workshops for beginners and experienced makers alike.
Yarnia | 127 Watchung Avenue, Montclair
Yarnia is a space that provides group classes, private classes, + virtual classes. Some of the classes available are basic levels like Knitting 101 + Crocheting 101, classes to make a specific item like Knit a Sweater, and social craft gatherings like Knit Night Live at Yarnia where people can come in with their own crafts. For those stuck on a project, Yarnia also has Help Times available for those who need assistance working with dropped stitches or misunderstood patterns.
Read More: Your Ultimate Guide to Desserts in Montclair
Dance
All 4 Dance Performing Arts Studio | 155 Roseland Avenue #7, Caldwell
All 4 Dance Performing Arts Studio offers a wide range of classes, including ballet, hip hop, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, acro, tumbling, musical theatre, and recreational + competitive dance programs.
Ballet With Hillary | 99 Willowdale Avenue, Montclair
Ballet With Hillary lets you channel your inner Misty Copeland with ballet classes designed to help dancers explore this beautiful art form.
Beyond the Boogie Dance | 604 Valley Road, Montclair
This studio features a mix of energizing in-person classes for adults, spanning everything from XTreme Hip Hop and ballet to Samba.
DanceWorks Studios | Montclair
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DanceWorks Studios offers classes for dancers of all levels, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced options, plus jazz, choreography, private lessons, and adult classes.
DANCEHAUS | 1 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
DANCEHAUS offers dance classes for youth and adults, with beginner- to advanced-level options, choreography classes, private lessons, and more.
Gisele Renee Dance Studio | 258 Park Street, Upper Montclair
Gisele Renee Dance Studio provides ballet-focused training for dancers of all ages, with classes ranging from basic and classical ballet to jazz, combination classes, and dance camp programs.
Montclair Academy of Dance and Laboratory of Music and Drama, Inc. | St. John’s Church, 55 Montclair Avenue, Montclair
Montclair Academy of Dance and Laboratory of Music and Drama, Inc. brings together dance, music, drama, and arts education, with classes spanning modern dance, pre-ballet, acting, African drumming, and performing arts.
Sharron Miller’s Academy for the Performing Arts: SMAPA | 10 Erie Street, Montclair
Sharron Miller’s Academy for the Performing Arts, also known as SMAPA, is a one-stop shop for dancers looking to hone their technique in modern, jazz, tap, ballet, and more.
Starlight Dance Center | 7 High Street, Nutley
Starlight Dance Center specializes in ballroom and Latin dance for adults, with group classes, private lessons, wedding dance instruction, weekly events, and programs for children.
Acting + Film
Montclair Film | 505 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
From podcasting to screenwriting, Montclair Film offers interactive classes for adults looking to bring their creative ideas to life.
New Jersey School of Dramatic Arts | 55 Montclair Avenue, Montclair
Explore your dramatic side with a variety of acting and improv classes designed for adults.
See More: Museums in Essex County for a Fun Day of Learning
Language
Cultural Center for Language Studies: CCLS | 60 Ferry Street Store B, Newark
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Spanish at CCLS is available through private and group classes for adults, with seven levels designed to support a range of learning goals.
French Institute Alliance Française: FIAF | 17-19 Munn Street 2nd Floor, Montclair
FIAF offers French courses for adults at multiple levels, making it easy for learners to find a class that fits their experience.
The Language Institute | 101 Eisenhower Pkwy # 408, Roseland
Languages including American Sign Language in private, semi-private, or group lessons are taught at The Language Institute.
Music
Montclair Music Studio | 104 Watchung Avenue, Upper Montclair
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MMS offers private lessons for adults interested in voice or learning a new instrument, with options spanning everything from bass to mandolin.
School of Rock | 125 Valley Road, Montclair,
This performance-based program includes private lessons and group rehearsals for adults looking to build skills and prepare for the big show.
Food + Drink
Bar Academy 101 | 450 Bloomfield Ave 2nd Floor, Verona
Cocktail lovers — you can’t go wrong with bartending, sangria making, and tasting classes or learning the skills to become an expert.
Montclair Culinary Academy | 550 Valley Road, Upper Montclair
Guests can try their hand at making something new and delicious during a hands-on cooking class.
Shake + Pour | 405 Broad Street, Bloomfield
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With a variety of bartending classes in English and Spanish, you have nothing to lose by trying a free class.
Writing
The Writers Circle | 426 Springfield Avenue, Summit
These workshops provide insight into writing across a variety of genres and navigating the publishing process.
Variety of Offerings
Montclair Public Library Adult School | 50 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
From finance and fitness to personal growth and gardening, there are plenty of classes for adults looking to expand their interests and build new skills.
The South Orange-Maplewood Adult School | 17 Parker Avenue, Maplewood
Explore a range of topics while sharpening new skills and building creative, practical, and personal growth practices.
Van Vleck House & Gardens | 21 Van Vleck Street, Montclair
Enjoy a mental reset without leaving Montclair through meditation, yoga, and gardening classes at this peaceful local getaway.
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