A Birmingham gift guide for the art lover, including galleries, supplies + classes
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Birmingham’s a gem when it comes to art. It’s the perfect spot for the artist on your gift list to flourish. While they’re busy becoming the next Monet, here are some gift ideas including where to get art locally, art supply stores and classes to help them brush up on their skills.
Where to get art locally
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If you’re looking to shop local this holiday season, but don’t know where to start, check out our local business directory with over 660 businesses.
Canary Gallery
If you’ve ever been driving down 2nd Avenue North and a yellow storefront caught your eye, that was Canary Gallery. As a home to over 23 different artists, you can find almost any style of art from landscapes to abstract and everything in between.
Their motto is “good art for good people”. Scan their website, meet their featured artists and pick a local piece that your art lover is going to cherish.
Four Corners Gallery
With such a large range of artists, you’re sure to find a piece that’ll go down as one of the best gifts your artist has received this year. If you’re not sure where to start, no worries. Four Corners Gallery also offers gift certificates from $25 to $1000.
Take a look at their unique collection from renowned artists.
Birmingham Art Museum
Did you know that the Birmingham Museum of Art had a gift shop? Their shop has art, earrings, apparel and so much more—all inspired by world-renowned artists and pieces you can find in the museum. My personal favorite is their Frida Kahlo pillow!
Shop their online store or stop by to check out their selections from a plethora of local makers.
- Location: 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
Looking for more ideas? Check out our guide to 5 Birmingham art galleries and how you can support them now.
Your artist is going to need supplies, right?
Forstall Art Center
Paints, brushes, clay—you name it. No matter the medium the artist on your list dabbles in, Forstall has all the basics you need. They also offer custom framing for when you’re done with your masterpiece.
Alabama Art Supply
Alabama Art Supply has been throwing out deals that make even Santa jealous. With all the supplies you could dream of, here are some of their deals to keep on your radar:
- Free gift wrapping on holiday sets + fast local delivery
- Get a free 9×12 canvas with purchase of a gift certificate
Lessons to brush up on those skills
Have an artsy high schooler? Dabble in charcoal at Space One Eleven’s class
Space One Eleven is a visual arts center that hosts exhibitions and teaching opportunities in Birmingham. Spring registration for their Alabama Charcoal class is now open for high school students. The class is designed to improve visual communication skills and creative thinking.
All skill levels are welcome and classes meet in person once a week.
- Location: 2409 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- When: Every Saturday from Jan. 16 to May 1 at 9AM-12PM
- Price: $395 for all sessions or $28.22 per class
- Register for Spring 2021 Alabama Charcoal Class
Online drawing class from Red Dot Gallery
Despite what you think, everyone can draw. All you need are the fundamental, visual skills to get you started. Maybe you’re not on the level of Leonardo da Vinci, but Red Dot Gallery’s virtual drawing class can get you a step closer.
They offer a one hour class for beginners, experts and everyone in between. Learn from instructor Dori DeCamillis via Zoom about the fundamentals. All you’ll need is a pencil, paper, eraser and pencil sharpener.
- When: Mondays at 6PM | Tuesdays at 3PM
- Price: $12 per class
- Book your class
Pottery-making lesson from Samford Academy of the Arts
If the artist on your list is more into pottery and ceramics, give them the gift of knowledge with Samford Academy of the Arts’ pottery class. There is more than one course to register for, but classes are limited to 6 students and masks are required.
The class will lead you through exploring methods of hand-building, carving, glazing and decorating pottery. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find a new hobby to bring into the new year.
- When: Session A Evening: Mondays at 6-8PM, January 11-March 1 | Session B Afternoon: Mondays at 12-2PM, March 8-April 26
- Price: $260 (includes supplies)
- Book your class
Paint a masterpiece at Sips n Strokes
Sips n Stokes is a casual, fun environment where customers of all backgrounds can unleash their inner Van Gogh and Bob Ross. Your instructor takes you step-by-step through the process of painting your masterpiece.
Every class is dedicated to a specific painting so everyone can follow along. Check out their calendar to see what paintings they’ll be teaching next. Of course, masks are required.
- Location: 2233 6th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233 (Downtown) | 5870 Trussville Crossings Pkwy #118, Trussville, AL 35235 (Trussville)
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
We ❤️ local and want to support you. If you own a local business, please add your information to our local business or our nonprofit directory. It's where we will look first for up-to-date and relevant information on how the Birmingham community can support you right now.
What gift are you getting the artist on your list? Let us know on social @bhamnow on Instagram + @now_bham on Twitter.
