Free Art Workshops During Your Coronavirus Isolation

Hi Fellow Artists,

In this time of uncertainty, many of us are leaning on our art for stability and reassurance. I spent the entire day yesterday hiding from the news by completing a travel journal from my European road trip last fall. Thankfully, the art community is hugging us right back (from a safe virtual distance of course). I am amazed at the generosity and act of showing up from artists and companies around the world. I don't know about you, but I plan to take full advantage of these opportunities. Below are some of the free workshops and the like that I plan to participate in over this isolation period:

Sketchbook Revival

This is an annual online event run by Karen Abend that just happens to be at the exact time we need it (starts Monday, March 23rd). It is a completely online creative workshop spread over two weeks with video classes each day from different artists and free gifts. I followed it loosely last year and am excited to use my extra time to actually make along with it this year. 

SkillShare

I've loved using SkillShare in the past. Just this past January I had a great time with Peggy Dean's Gouache Florals Class. There are so many different classes on this platform, artistic, business, tech, and so so many more. Right now they are giving away a 2 month premium membership for free for those with .edu or .k12 email addresses. (PS - if you don't have one of these email addresses, you can almost always sign up for a 2 month free trial) 

Tombow Workshops

This may not be valid for long, but Tombow is giving away one of their online workshops for free with the discount code "freeworkshop" I got the beginner Dual Brush Pen Lettering workshop and am excited to finally work on my brush lettering skills. 

Brit + Co

This platform is new to me which makes this offer of completely free classes until March 31st irresistible! They seem to have a wide range of classes and I recognized some familiar artists on there - I'm starting with Line Drawing with Peggy Dean! Use use the code SELFCARE and have fun!

YouTube

This is an oldie but a goodie. YouTube is a wealth of information, one I never have time to commit to. I'm going to be breaking out my beloved compass and ruler and catching up with my favorite Islamic Geometrist, Samira Mian

ClassCentral 

Are you looking for something a little less messy and a little more academic? ClassCentral has hundreds of free classes from Roman Architecture to How to Make a Comic Book. Dive into their listings and be brought back to your school days. 

Be Active

During all these days of isolation and hours of creation, don't forget to move! There are numerous free resources to help you including my absolute favorite yoga app, Down Dog, who is completely free until April 1st for everyone and July 1st for teachers and students. Here are a few more for you: Peloton is offering 90 days free for all of it's classes (they do more than bicycling fyi), The Daily Burn has a 30 day free trial, The Golds Gym app Goldsamp is free until the end of May. Or if you want a live class, here is a huge list of studios/gyms who are livestreaming through different platforms. 

Out of difficult times can come beautiful things, but don't put too much pressure on yourself right now (I'm looking at you moms who are trying to work with this whole homeschooling thing). We have been given the opportunity to save lives simply by staying inside. So take a rest, slow down, and find an outlet you enjoy. If you are heavy with anxiety here are some specialized resources that may be helpful to you. Or maybe just have a Netflix Party with your friends. Take care of yourself, be safe and healthy, and create something that makes you happy. 


If you hear of any other free Art Workshop resources, I'd love to add them to this list. Leave a comment below!