Explore these local workshops and experiences
Find inspiration and discover new skills with these local workshops and experiences.
The Lowcountry is brimming with opportunities for creative exploration, and there are places all around where you can make something beautiful with your own hands. Whether you’re in Beaufort, Bluffton or Hilton Head, workshops abound, inviting you to unleash your creativity, learn new skills and take home something uniquely yours. Here’s a look at the best spots to let your artistic side shine (and maybe get a little messy in the process).
Bluffton Candles
54 Bridge Street, Bluffton
Blend your own soy candles: At Bluffton Candles, the create-your-own candle workshop is a fragrant, hands-on experience where participants craft their own custom soy candles from start to finish. Guests are guided through the process of selecting their favorite scents, blending oils and pouring their unique creations into stylish containers. The workshop encourages creativity, allowing you to mix and match fragrances to design a signature scent that reflects your personality or mood. Whether you’re new to candle-making or a seasoned DIYer, Bluffton Candles’ welcoming atmosphere makes it easy and enjoyable to craft a candle that’s truly one-of-a-kind. Sign up for the next workshop ($65) at blufftoncandles.com.
The Art League Academy
106 Cordillo Parkway, Hilton Head
Paint your pets in an impressionistic way: The Art League of Hilton Head offers an array of workshops and classes designed to inspire artists of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. Whether your passion is painting, drawing, sculpture or mixed media, the academy provides hands-on instruction across a variety of media. Led by experienced instructors, courses cover everything from watercolor and advanced acrylic techniques to more unique offerings like glass fusion, abstract art and figure drawing. Special workshops often feature guest artists, introducing fresh styles and techniques that invigorate the classroom experience. From 3:30-5:30 p.m. on Oct. 22, instructor Debi West will teach students to paint their pets in an impressionistic way. Sign up for $40 at artleaguehhi.org.
Hilton Head Pottery
21 Mathews Drive, Hilton Head Island
Take the potter’s wheel for a spin: Always wanted to try your hand at the potter’s wheel? Many Friday and some Saturday nights throughout the year are open-wheel night ($45) at Hilton Head Pottery, with no commitment to classes. Just show up at 6:30 p.m., and get down and dirty. Wine, beer and snacks are welcome. Hilton Head Pottery also offers clay classes for beginners, which provide a foundational introduction to working with clay, and intermediate classes for those looking to take their pottery to the next level. Single-day workshops are also offered. Learn more at hiltonheadpottery.com.
Willow Works
900 Port Republic Street, Beaufort
Make stained glass and more: Willow Works, Beaufort’s newest creative space, is a haven for art enthusiasts eager to enrich the Lowcountry’s thriving arts community. Offering a diverse range of hands-on classes — from stained glass and watercolor to mosaics, jewelry making, printmaking and beyond — Willow Works provides an inviting atmosphere for artists of all skill levels. Its recent stained glass workshop ($100) supplied everything needed for participants to craft a stunning stained glass sunflower while learning to cut, assemble, solder and polish their pieces. In addition to scheduled workshops, the studio offers open studio hours, where artists can drop in and work on their own projects using the provided easels, tools and workspace by appointment. Discover upcoming classes at willow-works-beaufort.square.site.
Other cool & creative experiences
Recycled art contest: Make a treasure out of trash and register for the Port Royal Sound Foundation’s Recycled Art Contest at portroyalsoundfoundation.org by Oct. 25. The theme for all artwork should relate to the Port Royal Sound – think ocean, animals, beaches, local culture and fun in the sun. The art must be at least 80 percent recyclables or trash.
Lantern Parade prep: Want to wow at the Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade (Nov. 23)? Join the free Large Lantern-Making Workshop on Oct. 18 at Lowcountry Celebration Park. Local artist Doug Lonneman will guide you through the process. Sign up via oca@hiltonheadislandsc.gov.
Custom hats: At Bluffton’s Brims on the Bluff, design a custom felt or straw hat with a professional stylist. Details at
brimsonthebluff.com.
Sweetgrass baskets: Learn the traditional Lowcountry art of sweetgrass basket-making at Coastal Discovery Museum on Oct. 12 or Oct. 26. $80 per class. Sign up at coastaldiscovery.org.
Writing workshop: Turn your life stories into print at a memoir workshop on Oct. 17 with Estelle Ford-Williamson at the Pat Conroy Literary Center.
SOBA Art School: Take adult art classes at the Society of Bluffton Artists. Kids’ classes are available too. Visit sobagallery.com for more.
Flow Gallery + Workshop: Check out an evolving schedule of workshops and events at palmettobluff.com.
Four Corners Art Gallery: Sign up for workshops at fourcornersgallerybluffton.com.
Crochet camp: Learn crochet or knitting at Adult Crochet Camp on Oct. 19 or Oct. 26 at Low Country Shrimp and Knits in Bluffton. Sign up at shrimpandknits.com.
Pottery painting: Choose from hundreds of pottery pieces to paint at The Art Cafe, an artsy studio located above Rockfish Seafood and Steaks on Hilton Head Island. Get all the details at artcafehhi.com.
DIY sugar scrub: Craft your own luxurious hand scrub at Wendala’s Sugar Scrubs Class. It’s the perfect blend of creativity and self-care. Learn more at wendalas.com.
Cooking classes: Sharpen your culinary skills with cooking classes from local favorites like Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana, Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar, Charlie’s Coastal Bistro and H3 Healthy Kitchen. Perfect for any foodie looking to level up.
