There’s nothing like a creative hands-on experience. Grabbing a paintbrush, relaxing, and letting the colorful strokes tell a story.
With the rise of technology, teenagers have increasingly focused on their phones rather than on their creativity. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 50% of teens reported daily screen time of 4 hours or more.
High school junior Sophie Ghali explains, “Art is an outlet for me because I get to express how I feel and paint out my emotions, thoughts, and ideas.”
Instead of scrolling on your phone, here are five places for teens in Gwinnett County to create and practice art.
Eye Candy Art Studio
Located in Duluth and founded in 2009, Eye Candy Art Studio is a painting studio for all ages to paint pottery, canvases, or create clay impressions. They offer a variety of pottery sizes and designs, from small trays to large bowls. Completed designs are fired and available as souvenirs.
Teens can socialize and destress while painting creative art projects, as the studio does not require appointments. “It was an amazing experience to do with my friends,” 17-year-old Kaeona Kang says. “It was great to see our end products.”
Duluth Chalk Art Festival
The Duluth Chalk Art Festival in downtown Duluth during May celebrates art and community with over 10 chalk artists transforming pavement into masterpieces. Besides being an art showcase, the festival encourages people of all ages and skill levels to design their own chalk creations.
Teens can participate individually or in groups to either decorate a sidewalk square or contribute to the city’s community mural. There are a variety of activities, including a free chalk art contest, as well as art vendors for those who prefer to browse or shop.
The Hudgens Center for Art and Learning
The Hudgens Center, a Gwinnett County non-profit since 1981, offers art classes, exhibits, and workshops for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced artists, aiming to encourage art pursuit.
Some courses cover painting, drawing, and fashion design with hands-on learning for an enriching experience. Age-specific classes offer dozens of options for teens to explore new skills and meet other artists. The center often hosts free art exhibits, providing an accessible way to view the work of talented artists.
Duluth Arts Festival
Held annually in May, the Duluth Arts Festival hosts vendors in the Duluth Town Green. This unique festival, curated by art experts, celebrates artists and provides them with the best experience. Free entry and fun activities make this ideal for teenagers to enjoy over the weekend. Painters, sculptors, glass artists, live music, art demos, dance, and food trucks make it enjoyable for everyone.
Mosaic Minds Art Academy
Mosaic Minds Art Academy is a Lilburn art school offering several classes for teenagers, including an Anime Club, digital art classes, and portfolio development. Since 2017, it has been a great place for teens to meet people with similar interests and feel safe expressing themselves.
Founder and owner Summer King, 45, wanted to create a welcoming environment, saying, “You have to have something that you can do creatively to express yourself without feeling judged.”
