Painting and craft classes in the Lake George area offer a hands-on way to spend an afternoon or evening indoors, with guided sessions in watercolor, candle making, stained glass, embroidery, and more.
Two studios in the Town of Lake George run classes throughout the year, and a fine arts museum in nearby Glens Falls adds gallery-based workshops and programs. Most classes are designed with first-timers in mind, so no art background is needed to join.
Hands-On Craft Workshops in Lake George
The Creative Jam operates out of a rustic log cabin at 6 State Route 149. Run by The Creative Jam Foundation, a nonprofit focused on making creativity accessible through community programs, the multi-use art studio hosts a rotating calendar of guided workshops led by guest instructors and makers.
Workshop topics change often, but recent listings have covered:
- Watercolor basics and art journaling
- Macramé wall hangings and beginner embroidery
- Stained glass and mosaic lamp assembly
- Guided acrylic painting, including a paint-your-pet class
- Themed painting nights that pair a canvas with a murder mystery
Seasonal projects rotate in as well, with past sessions covering cake decorating, handmade brooms, and holiday-themed wood painting. Classes are ticketed individually through the studio's online calendar, so check upcoming dates before planning a visit.
Candle Making Classes in Lake George Village and at the Outlets
At Wax 'n' Wix Candle Making Studios, guests choose the shape, color, and scent of a candle and make it themselves in a relaxed studio setting with quiet music. The business has two studios: one in Lake George Village and one at the Adirondack Outlet Mall on State Route 9, near L.L. Bean. That second location makes a class an easy add-on to a day of outlet shopping. Both studios are open all year, and appointments can be scheduled by phone or online.
Each studio also stocks handcrafted work by Adirondack artists, including quilted pieces, jewelry, greeting cards, and wood items, along with the shop's own candle collection and locally produced maple products. For more souvenir stops, browse the Lake George shopping guide.
Art Workshops and Programs in Glens Falls
South of Lake George, The Hyde Collection in Glens Falls combines a fine arts museum with a year-round schedule of lectures, concerts, workshops, and community programs. Its permanent collection holds more than 4,000 objects, with works by Botticelli, Rembrandt, Degas, Picasso, and Winslow Homer displayed in the historic Hyde House and five gallery spaces.
Indoor Craft Ideas for Rainy Days, Couples, and Families
Craft studios are a dependable backup when weather cancels lake plans, since every experience on this page takes place indoors. For more options, see the full list of rainy day activities in Lake George.
Couples looking for something beyond dinner can book a themed painting night or make matching candles as a keepsake from the trip. The Lake George Romance Guide has more date ideas for every season.
Families have options too. Wax 'n' Wix promotes candle making as an activity for the whole family, and The Hyde Collection runs family programs and kids' workshops throughout the year.
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