The 7 Best Art Schools in Edmonton [2024 ]

There are plenty of art studios and schools that you can go to now if you want to hone your artistic skills. These schools offer short classes and summer courses that you can take depending on your schedule.

You can check out our list of the best art schools in Edmonton to help you find a suitable school. In addition to this list, we’ve provided some useful information that can answer most of your pressing questions about art schools… starting with cost!

In This Article

How Much Does Art School Cost in Edmonton?
The Best Art Schools in Edmonton
What Will Art School Teach You?
FAQs about Art Schools in Edmonton

Contents show

How Much Does Art School Cost in Edmonton?

Before anything, it’s important to disclose that art school is different from taking an art degree course at a university. The former requires only short courses that will teach you the basics of art; the latter will require you to complete the degree for four years.

Today, we’re talking about the former.

Anyway, no two classes are alike. Apart from the fact that you will encounter a different teacher in each class, you also get to learn new things every time.

Art classes in Edmonton cost anywhere from $15 and $500. Sometimes, the class may even cost more because they run for several weeks.

This tells you the fees can be highly variable. But here’s an idea of what these classes usually cost:

CLASS	COST
Acrylic and Oil Painting	$40 to $100 per session
Watercolor	$45 to $380 per session
Drawing	$200 to $515 for a course
Open Life Drawing	$15 per session

It’s important that you try to figure out which of these classes you want to take so you can decide the medium that you want to focus on.

Of course, you can also opt to take all these classes so you can be a versatile artist… although your budget may well come into play then!

The Best Art Schools in Edmonton

Now that you have an idea of how much art schools cost in Edmonton, you can decide which specific class you would like to take.

Here are some of the ones we found that stood out due to the feedback of their previous students.

1. Canvastone Children’s Art Studio

Canvastone Children’s Art Studio is celebrating its 15th year in business. Nestled on an acreage within the city, its serene studio space provides the perfect ambiance for young artists to explore and thrive.

With a comprehensive array of programs tailored to different age groups, including Painting, Drawing, Soapstone Carving, and Digital Art. What sets it apart is that the students take their masterpiece home in a frame, cementing their sense of accomplishment.

The studio prides itself on its intimate class sizes, maintaining a ratio of 5 students per teacher for 5-7-year-olds and 6 students for ages 8 and up with instructors positioned in the center of horseshoe-shaped tables, facilitating easier interaction with the teacher.

Canvastone’s curriculum is as diverse as it is enriching, with students delving into various techniques and mediums, from texture paste to embossing powder. Flexibility is key, with classes offered on a bi-weekly or monthly basis, accommodating the busiest of schedules.

The studio’s policy of allowing students to join or withdraw at any time reflects its dedication to accommodating individual needs.

There is a separate charge one-time fee for frames. Every artwork in the painting classes goes home in a frame carefully chosen to suit that project, saving parents time and money taking the art to get it framed elsewhere. The paintings go home ready to be put on their walls! If you quit at any time, any of the unused portion of the frame cost is returned to the parent.

Canvastone welcomes families to visit their studio to see teaching in action, fostering trust and community. They offer discounts for 3 or more of their children taking classes. The third child is half-price for the classes. Also if one child takes 3 different classes a month, the third class is half-price. Studio welcomes families to visit their studio at a time, preferably, when classes are going on, This is so that they can see the teacher teaching and the children learning.

Children may be dropped off early or picked up late, if need be, and there is no extra cost added for this. They offer summer camps from Monday to Friday from either 9:30-12:30 or 1:00-4:00.

Canvastone’s owner, Penny, has published a book, My ABC Poet Tree, sold on Amazon among other places. The thing she loves about this book is that all the artwork in it was done by 5 and 6-year-olds that she taught in her art classes. She is working on 3 more books, two of them, also using children’s artwork from Canvastone Studio.

Pros

Does not charge cancellation fees
No charge for late pick ups
Small class sizes, 5-7 years old (5 students per class) and 8 and up years old (6 students per class)
Offers painting, drawing, soapstone carving, and digital art
Accepts e-transfers, cheques, or cash on a monthly basis
Offers makeup classes at $10 for a 1 1/2 hour class
All painting and some drawings go home in a frame
There is a one-time cost for frames or piece of soapstone
Offers summer camps

Cons

Requires appointment to view the studio

Customer Reviews

“My 10 year old daughter did a soapstone carving class over the summer and loved it! It was her first time and I was so impressed with the quality of her work and the opportunity for her to try something completely different. Penny and her team were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. My daughter felt welcome and safe. I will certainly be enrolling my daughter in again and I’m sure over time we will be trying all the unique classes.” — Melinda McFarlane

“My daughter has been attending classes at Canvastone for over 6 years. We’re so happy we found this studio. The classes aren’t the usual “arts & crafts” type of lessons, your kids will learn how to paint, draw or carve beautiful pieces of art, at any age. The instructors are very talented and caring. My daughter has learned so much from her time at Canvastone and we have a house full of her amazing art work to prove it!” — Terina Taeger

2. Vteach Learning Centre Corp.

students-studying-writing-on-desk-tutorial-services

PROGRAMS	Tutoring Service Cogito Program Online Tutoring Arts & Craft Class Chess Class Coding Class Yoga Class
WEBSITE	https://vteach.ca
ADDRESS	1803 91 St SW #110, Edmonton, AB T6X 0W8, Canada
CONTACT DETAILS	+1 587-487-1422
OPERATING HOURS	Sunday: 7:30 AM–6:30 PM Monday: 4:30 PM–8:00 PM Tuesday: 4:30 PM–8:00 PM Wednesday: 7:30 AM–8:00 PM Thursday: 7:30 AM–8:00 PM Friday: 7:30 AM–8:00 PM Saturday: 7:30 AM–6:30 PM

Vteach Learning Centre Corp. has established itself as a vibrant art school in Edmonton, offering a diverse range of creative programs for students of all ages. With a commitment to nurturing artistic expression, Vteach provides various classes that cater to budding artists, from young children to adults. Their programs not only focus on fundamental art techniques but also encourage exploration and creativity, making art accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

One of the standout features of Vteach as an art school is its well-structured curriculum that emphasizes both skill development and creative expression. Students can engage in a variety of artistic mediums, including painting, drawing, and crafts, fostering a comprehensive understanding of art fundamentals. The experienced instructors at Vteach are dedicated to guiding students through the creative process, providing valuable feedback and support that enhances their artistic journey. This personalized attention helps students build confidence and find their unique artistic voices.

Another advantage of Vteach’s art programs is the inclusive and inspiring atmosphere they create. The school promotes a sense of community among students, encouraging collaboration and peer support during projects. The engaging environment, complete with access to various art supplies and materials, allows students to experiment freely and develop their creativity without the fear of judgment. Many parents and students have reported a significant increase in their artistic skills and self-expression due to the nurturing environment at Vteach.

In conclusion, Vteach Learning Centre Corp. offers an enriching experience for aspiring artists through its diverse art programs and supportive teaching staff. The school’s focus on skill development and fostering creativity makes it a valuable choice for anyone looking to explore their artistic talents. With a welcoming atmosphere and a commitment to student success, Vteach stands out as a premier art school in the community.

Pros

Comprehensive curriculum focusing on skill development and creativity
Experienced instructors providing personalized guidance
Inclusive and inspiring learning environment
Opportunities for collaboration and peer support
Significant improvement in artistic skills reported by students

Cons

Additional costs for materials and supplies may add to expenses

Customer Reviews

Here are some reviews from their clients:

“Using Vteach for meeting our child’s after-school tutoring needs has been a really wise, cost-effective and pleasurable decisions this year. The teachers on this online platform are of high caliber and they also foster a great student-teacher bonding. The platform is quite user friendly with flexible scheduling and budgetary options to cater to one’s requirements irrespective of location. Highly recommend this virtual learning experience to all.”

“I am grateful to V Teach Learning Center for helping my son improve his grades. Their dedicated staff provided personalized attention and support, which boosted his confidence and academic performance.”

3. Hanul Art School

PROGRAMS	HOTS Online Tutoring, Little Artist, CreArt, Bridge Art, Fine Art, Baby Artist, Adult Fine Art, Story Art, Active Math, Creative Writing, Coding
WEBSITE	https://www.hanulartschool.com/
ADDRESS	228 91st, Edmonton, AB T6X 1W8
CONTACT DETAILS	Phone: (780) 757-2787 Email: [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Tuesdays to Fridays: 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM Saturdays: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Hanul Art School specializes in teaching kids 5 to 18 years old. They take pride in offering classes that allow students to learn step-by-step.

Apart from offering art classes, they also have programs in math, writing, and coding. This way, you can let your child explore these options and find a field that they enjoy the most.

Their regular art program is a weekly class that runs from September to June. When the program ends, there is an annual gallery exhibit and an art competition that students can participate in.

Students who join this class are exposed to the different styles of art, such as painting, drawing, sketching, and crafting. The class also teaches them how to use different media like pencil, charcoal, watercolor, oil pastel, acrylic, and many more.

One especially neat class that stands out from Hanul Art School is their Baby Artist class. The class accepts toddlers as young as 2.5 years old as a way to help their brain function better and develop social interaction through fun play.

Adults, on the other hand, can join their Adult Fine Art class, which they offer to students from 17 years old and above. Even if it is your first time to join an art class, they will welcome you as long as you are truly interested in it.

Overall, we like the range of ages they cater to here. It’s a particularly good choice for those who want to do family art lessons or something like that.

Pros

Offers free trial class
Class capacity is 8 students, which is pretty good
Offers Baby Artist class for 2.5 to 4 years old
Offers online art tutoring service

Cons

Pricing is not available on website
Month-to-month payment is via direct deposit only

Customer Reviews

This is what the parents of previous students had to say about Hanul Art School:

“My kid really love this place. The school is well organized and the best teachers in the school. My son love their coding program as well.” – Jenna Corner

“My kids really like the place. They are teaching how to draw and how to concentrate on objects and people. I could know why many children like Hanul art school.” – Kenneth Shimon

“My children loves this place. They are very excited about going to art school every week. I really like this place because of the instructors being nice and kind to children, (They are very good at dealing with kids.)

The lessons are creative and they use various material like acrylic paint, water pain, soft pastels, crayons etc. Also, I have sending my kids to the summer camp which kids can create their own story book. My kids this summer program!!!!! They waits this program whole year!!!!!” – N. Chang

4. The ARTRA Art School

PROGRAMS	Winter Courses, Fall Courses, Summer Courses, Spring Courses
WEBSITE	http://www.artraartschool.com/
ADDRESS	15011A – 118 Ave, Edmonton, AB T5V 1H9
CONTACT DETAILS	Phone: (780) 443-2462 Email: [email protected]

The ARTRA Art School welcomes people of all ages. They have programs for beginners, intermediates, and advanced artists.

One particularly good thing about this art school is that it offers several courses throughout the year. There are a good number of classes that you can join, depending on the one you are most interested in.

For example, if you’re interested in painting food using watercolor, they have a class that teaches you how to paint sunny side-up eggs. And if you’re a Star Trek fan, you can join their watercolor class that will teach you how to draw Spock or Captain Kirk.

You can also take a class that will teach you how to make full-color portraits using ball point pens. While most of their classes are for one session only, the ARTRA Art School also has programs that run as long as eight weeks.

There are so many different classes available that you’d want to join them all. We certainly appreciated the variety of options and found most to be attractive!

Pros

Nice variety of class options
Full info on classes and pricing disclosed on website
Classes are available on YouTube

Cons

Cash and cheque payments only
Make up classes are not allowed

Customer Reviews

These are the reviews that students have left behind for this art school:

“Frank is a great instructor. With everything provided your job is to just show up and just learn.” – Arzoo Duggal

“Best art studio I’ve found in Edmonton. Frank is an amazing teacher. These are some of the projects that I finished after my first class with Frank in 2011.” – Cynthia Geria Ganga

“Frank Haddock is the best art teacher and this is the best place to go for workshops and extended art classes in Edmonton. He has an engaging manner that makes his classes fun too. Prices are very reasonable too. You’ll be surprised at how well you learn and can paint in a short period of time, especially if you’re a beginner.” – Christine Yanish

“The children took art classes with Frank Haddock and they took their drawings to a new level. Frank has excellent rapport with his students. Highly recommended!” – Thanh R.

“I enjoyed the friendly classes. The classes are small so there was lots of individual attention. The instructors were very knowledgeable.” – David Arnold

5. Pro’s Art School

If you’re interested in an art class that will teach you classical art forms, Pro’s Art School is a recommended choice. Through owner and artist Gene Proko’s art classes, you will learn naturalism, classical realism, gesture and impressionism.

Think of this art school as the right choice for anyone who’s serious about art and learning oil painting. Occasionally, guest instructors from different parts of the world are invited to teach.

Their classes are composed of three levels. In the Level 1 class, you get to learn how to paint monochromatic subjects and learn the basics about art.

When you decide to proceed to the Level 2 class, you will be taught how to build your composition and play with shadows. And finally, the Level 3 class will guide you through more in depth lessons to master your craft.

While we actually quite like this structured, professional approach to teaching art, it has to be said that it’s not for everyone. Those who prefer looser, more free-flowing art classes should probably look elsewhere.

That being said, it bears noting that the actual experience of being in their classes is more laid-back than some may expect. It’s structured, yes, but still relaxed, in our experience.

Pros

Relaxed learning setup
Learn from international artists

Cons

Pricing information not available on website
No information on available payment methods

6. Masters Art Academy

PROGRAMS	Children Classes, Adult Classes, Online Programs, School Programs
WEBSITE	https://mastersartacademy.weebly.com/
ADDRESS	16415 – 83 Ave, Edmonton, AB T5S 1J7
CONTACT DETAILS	Email: [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Mondays: 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM Thursdays: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM Fridays: 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM Saturdays: 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Masters Art Academy is one of the best art schools in Edmonton for several reasons. Probably the most important one is that it is a non-profit educational organization that offers flexible classes for every level.

They also accept students from all cultures and teach them how to be better artists. A news program has even named them as one of the most successful children’s art programs throughout North America.

This art school not only offers classes for adults: they also have programs that are suitable for children across different ages. Adults get to learn beginner-level and advanced oil painting and drawing.

In addition to these beginner and advanced classes, they also offer classical studies. Not only will you be taught how to paint like the masters did during classical times, you will also learn the foundation behind such pieces.

Our only gripe is that they have relatively fewer classes and hours than other options. Sometimes, you may not find a class that fits your schedule, as a result.

Pros

Pricing information is available on their website
Offers discounts
Accepts cash, cheque, and e-transfer

Cons

Limited hours
Limited classes

Customer Reviews

Here’s what former students had to say about this particular art school:

“Svetlana is a fabulous artist and teacher. She truly has passion and dedication to her work! My daughter has been her student for 5 years and has grown tremendously under her guidance.” – Carolyn Mcdaniel

“Thanks Mrs. Kanyo for providing such an enriching art environment for our son! He has made great strides under your tutelage and has learned so much since joining your studio’s art classes. We look forward to his growth and to the success of Alberta Arts Academy in furthering all of your students’ art inspirations and fine arts potential. HIGHLY recommended for the traditional European art methods taught and the professionalism and opportunities for growth provided to students of all ages and levels.” – Seleen B

“I’ve taken classes with Masters Art Academy under Svetlana Kanyo, I am grateful to have an international recognized artist sharing the secrets of professional art – oil painting. She’s inspired me to paint using the Old Masters style through fine lines as the highest form of visually recording the human experience.The environment is very friendly and I would recommend this school to everyone with passion for painting realism.” – Svet Cvet

“Excellent art school. My daughter has been taking the art classes with Svetlana Kanyo at this art school for a number of years and we are very happy with the results. I would very much recommend this art school to people who are interested in introducing and teaching their kids various art techniques.” – Iryna Pyasta

“I highly recommend taking painting classes from Svetlana Kanyo!

I’ve been taking classes from Svetlana for about 4 years, and I’m amazed that she continues to teach me new techniques. She is always looking for interesting ways to challenge her students and keep classes fun and interesting. In addition to teaching, she continually looks for opportunities for students to show their work , which helps to build their confidence.

Because of her support and encouragement, I’m now painting commissions, and I’ve participated in some art shows. If you’ve ever thought about giving your children art classes, or taking them yourself, I know you would be happy with the quality of instruction at Alberta Arts Academy.” – Norma Kruger

7. Native Studio Art

PROGRAMS	Acrylic – Basic Painting, Acrylic – Monochromatic Landscape Painting, Acrylic – Basic Portraiture Painting, Drawing, Watercolor Painting, Pastels, Printing, Mask Making, Plaster Sculpture Making, Beading, Decorative Art, Drum Making, Moccasin Making, Embroidery, Footwear, Small Indigenous Art Forms
WEBSITE	https://nativestudioart.net/
ADDRESS	11828 66 St, Edmonton, AB T5B 1J3
CONTACT DETAILS	Phone: (780) 717-9534 Email: [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday – Friday: 9AM – 4:30PM On site instruction one-to-one and On-line

As its name implies, Native Studio Art is an art school run by an Indigenous Artist. Since it is a home-based business, classes are taught online to students.

They offer a variety of art lessons, from acrylics and watercolor painting to mask and plaster sculpture making. This goes to show that art isn’t just one avenue for students to express their creativity.

Unlike other art schools, Native Studio Art also allows students to customize their online learning. They offer a weekly online live learning experience, which usually lasts months.

When you are ready to get started, you will first go through an E-Artist Assessment. Basically, you just have to answer a few questions that were designed to assess your skills, interests and talents.

The assessment will pave the way for you to receive a customized 4-week plan based on your interests. This way, you won’t have to take a class that you’re not interested in.

The art studio has a lot of strengths, in our opinion, from that process for lesson customization to the deftness with which the owner handles online teaching.

Not only that, but they also offer classes in the studio, not just online! Whether you’re in a group or on your own, all you have to do is reach out to them and they’ll customise what they can for you.

But the biggest draw here is still the opportunity to learn First Nations art styles and crafts from a true indigenous artist. You couldn’t ask for more authenticity in your native art tuition than that!

Pros

Native art lessons from a Tsilhqot’in artist
Accepts e-transfer and PayPal payments
Offers individualized learning
Offers 10% discount
Offers free one-hour coaching and mentoring

Cons

Materials and supplies not included in art class

Customer Reviews

This is what former students have to say about their experience with this art school:

“I have been trying to do art on my own, just for my own pleasure. But taking classes with Barbara has really got me energized, motivated and feeling competent in what I’m doing. No more frustration at not being able to do what I want, I am inspired and motivated by Barbara and her super easy to understand teaching style. I can’t believe how easy it is when you have a good teacher!” – Janina Banina

“I recently took a Moccassin making class at the Native Art Studio with Barbara’s Derrick as my instructor and owner of the studio. I found the class very fun and informative. Barbara is a very interesting and warm person and enjoyed the step by step instructions that she gave me in the 4 – 2 hour sessions that I attended. Also I now have Moccassin patterns she provided so I can make them on my own at home. I highly recommend the Native Art Studio and Barbara!!” – Dawn Fraser

“This is a great place to start your journey into the arts. Barbara gives personally tailored classes and guides you to find your passion and creativity. She’ll inspire you to find your voice. Her classes are very well prepared and her intuition will give you exactly the challenge or gentle guidance you need. I never thought I could get to where I’m now within this short time.” – Mariam Djalili

“I have taken both beading and painting classes with her and each time I learn more than just about the art, I learn the lessons, I learn the history, I learn about people she teaches you with such a well rounded platform it is phenomenal. Beading I learned patience and precision, I learnt to be confident in myelf and to trust my opinion as I try out new techniques and trends it is such a good experience.

With painting (as a perfectionist) I learnt to just let it flow, this is not something you go back and keep fixing it’s about creating beauty with what you see in front of you. She taught us alot of different techniques with the brushes, how to make the colors stand out, she taught us about shading, about overlapping paints, and how to stop critically analyzing our work but to see it for what it holds. Acceptance, she will make you fall in love with your work, as you should ?” – Lisa Gladue

What Will Art School Teach You?

You’re probably wondering this. It’s a fair question to ask before signing up for an art class.

While there are people who are born with the ability to draw, it’s still important to nurture that talent. And the best way you can do this is by practicing.

This is what art school hopes to accomplish with each student. Whether you are someone who is naturally talented or with a desire to learn, the lessons will give you a chance to hone your skills by practicing the way more experienced artists did and do.

Not only that, art school will guide you through the important aspects of being a talented artist. Here are some of the things you can learn when you attend one of the best art schools in Edmonton:

Color Foundation & Theory

One of the most important things you will learn in art school is color theory. You will learn the right way to mix colors, tints, and shades, which can be an indispensable lesson as an artist.

You will also learn how to play with light and shadows, so you can bring your piece to life.

Composition

You will also learn the importance of composition. This gives your drawings and paintings that edge they need over boring or mediocre pieces.

To be a good artist, you need to master the rules of proportions and how you can use them in your art. This will help you control the flow of the eye over your pieces, balance your work, and more.

Materials

Another thing you learn in art school is how to discover the tools and materials designed for you. The best way you can do that is by gaining exposure to the different materials that are available.

Art school will expose you to various materials and why they work with certain styles. Without this knowledge, you will have to go through these things on your own.

FAQs about Art Schools in Edmonton

How long do art classes last?

It depends on the school you choose. There are art schools that offer courses that you can take in one afternoon and there are some that offer classes that last for weeks or months.

What type of painting is recommended for a beginner?

Since acrylic paint is considered easy to work with, it is typically the medium used to teach beginners. Another option is to use watercolor paint since it is convenient and easy to clean up.

Is painting an expensive hobby?

When you are just starting out as an artist, painting will be an expensive hobby since you will need to buy all the supplies. But as you continue your craft, you will no longer need to replenish your supplies as often as you’ll likely learn how to use them more wisely.

How do I become a better artist?

The best and proven way you can be a great artist is to keep drawing every day. When you continually practice your craft, you get to refine your skills.

Those are the top art schools in Edmonton that we included in our list. Feel free to send us a message if you have a recommended school that we did not mention.

While you’re at it, make sure to check out our best Edmonton art gallery list to get inspired by the works of professional artists! Drawing inspiration from others’ creativity is one of the best ways to get started, after all.

We make it easy to find Toronto's best

Categories

The 7 Best Art Schools in Edmonton

How Much Does Art School Cost in Edmonton?