By Bianca Spaggiari – @biancaspaggiari

Learn and put the art aside; that’s how it works, right?

Art becomes a luxury reserved for the few in the increasingly hectic whirlwind of daily life. It is a privilege to enjoy a coffee in front of a work of art, to chat with friends in the corridors of a museum, or to immerse oneself in the serenity of an exhibition hall to read a few pages of a book.

The ways of accessing art are changing, turning enjoyment into an appointment to mark on the calendar or diary. Some might suggest that hedonism has taken over, allowing art to be savoured simply by sitting in the impeccable design of a Milanese museum café or by walking through one art gallery after another, taking many photos to share on Instagram.

However, while cultural osmosis may appeal, and we like to think it works, we prefer to opt for unique and unrepeatable art classes or a very artistic and gourmode aperitivo at some of the city’s coolest venues.

If you are an art lover with a precise and rigorous gour-mood, the Milan Painting Academy is the perfect choice. Conceived as a grand renaissance workshop, this institution offers various painting courses with different durations.

The Academy’s primary goal is to enhance students’ creativity by providing space for personal expression and artistic practice. Unlike other institutions, here, the workshop hours devoted to “making” far exceed those dedicated to theory, and so it becomes easy to immerse oneself in creation, losing the sense of time passing.

What fascinates us most is the charm-filled atmosphere that permeates the Academy, enveloped by the light filtering through the large windows and the eternal inspiration from the sculptures and canvases scattered everywhere. Just as if one were in an artist’s studio.

Milano Painting Academy – Via De Sanctis, 34 – Milano

If, on the other hand, you prefer to follow the latest trends, then a course combining ceramics and tarot is precisely right for you. In recent years, pottery classes have gained an unexpected appeal. In this age of hectic and ever-tightening schedules, carving out moments to relax and embrace a slow lifestyle has become essential, and ceramics meets this need perfectly. Indeed, it requires time and patience at every single stage.

At Mani Milano Lab, an inclusive workshop designed for people of all experience levels, pottery classes become even more fascinating thanks to creative and irresistible combinations. These range from “clay & coffee” classes to “clay & drink” and even “clay & tarot” for those who wish to explore the meaning of the arcana while shaping magical objects. Often, these classes are held in some of the city’s most charming cafes, such as Ofelé, “a true pampering lounge.”

Mani Milano Lab – Via Arena 13, Milano

Does the world of ceramics fascinate you? Good, because the avenues of artistic expression are endless. If you have refined taste, Ekaterina De Andreis will enthusiastically welcome you to her workshop on Via Plinio in Milan. In this space imbued with passion and creativity, Ekaterina’s collections are the setting for various engaging initiatives.

In addition to classes devoted to ceramics, the studio regularly organizes a wide range of workshops, including the creation of breakfast sets, techniques such as Kurinuki, as well as experiences related to traditional Japanese art, such as Kintsugi, an Ikebana course, and an innovative workshop focused on Tamegroute green ceramics. In addition, many of these workshops are accompanied by multi-sensory experiences, including sound bath sessions, wine tastings, and even hikes.

Ekadea – Via Plinio 42, Milano

Held in the delightful Pom Design Lab, a small coworking space in the Porta Romana area, the Watercolor Lab is a watercolour course taught by Lucia de Marco. It is designed for both beginners and those already at a more advanced level.

For now, three meetings are scheduled in April for a limited number of places. Gou Gous, ready to get your hands on brushes in a carefully curated coworking space, sipping a cup of tea?

Watercolor Lab by Lucia de Marco – Via Lazzaro Papi 18, Milano

For the more tech-savvy Gou Gous, you cannot miss Ta-Daan and The Maptique.

Ta–Daan is an amazing online platform to collect and sell emerging artisans’ works. These artisans often offer their savoir-faire in courses and workshops in Milan and beyond.

The Maptique, on the other hand, is a digital and innovative travel guide that always offers creative experiences such as creative cooking classes, art workshops, and the now ubiquitous pottery classes in the green Brianza area, a stone’s throw from the chaos of Milan.

Ready to challenge yourself with art classes and discover your calling?

So, Gou Gous, are you ready to challenge yourself with art courses and discover your vocation? If you have other courses to recommend, please feel free to write to us. We are always happy to discover new hidden gems in Milan!