What Makes Our Studio Special?

Adults need a friendly, supportive place to learn and at Slow River Studio, we offer the best art classes for adult beginners anywhere! Our curriculum, teaching methods and studio events are all designed to develop your artistic confidence and creative curiosity - in an atmosphere of contagious joy! Join us for innovative classes in drawing, oil painting, watercolor painting, abstract art, printmaking, collage and much more! We believe everyone can learn to make art with encouragement and excellent instruction. That includes you!



Gail’s Progress

Gail joined “Drawing For Curious Beginners” because she wanted to draw her beautiful golden retriever Ceilidh. Look at the progress she made in just a few months! Now think for a moment. What would you like to draw?

Mark’s Progress

Mark joined “Start Drawing” to make art with other people in an encouraging and supportive place.  He also wanted to draw more accurately and confidently. Look how his skills developed with just three months of instruction and practice!


Our Topsfield Location!

Visit our beautiful studio space at 17 Main Street in Topsfield! Just two minutes from Route 1 and convenient to all the communities across Essex County, we have two large, light-filled classrooms, an art gallery and enough room to host community events. We also have air conditioning, lots of nearby parking and nearly forty classes a week!


Testimonials

I was blown away by my experience with Slow River. Honestly, the best art classes I’ve ever taken. The instruction is excellent, and my skills have grown so fast. Jess has a way of teaching that helps you overcome any inhibitions and be in the mindset of curiosity, play and growth. Her teaching goes beyond just how to apply medium, she guides you through a process of connecting deeper with life and what is around you. I always leave feeling better after art class.
— Kristina L.
Every time I venture out for some sketching with the folks at Slow River Studio, I leave feeling refreshed, encouraged, and inspired. It is the highlight of my week. Everyone is made to feel welcome, regardless of skill or artistic experience.
— Rachel
I’ve taken two classes so far, and plan to take as many as I can. Welcoming, supportive, fun, inspiring and educational. I have never taken any art classes before this but have always loved being creative. Slow River is all about empowering anyone to try, anyone to create and express, with no judgement and no pressure. You’ll learn from the instructors but also from the others in the classes. I would recommend this to everyone - and I have! :-)
— Jen W.
Slow River Studio offers a very supportive environment for beginners - the first thing you will learn is that you don’t have to pay any attention to that voice in your head that says you’re no good - in fact, you can give it a name and tell it to go have a cuppa, because you have your artwork under control and its “assistance” is not required, thankyouverymuch!
— Susan K.
Jonti is such a warm, charming, magical human being and teacher!
— Janice W.
The evenings I get to spend at Slow River Studio feed my soul. Being with people who are experimenting, learning, and laughing together is so much fun and takes my attention to things completely separate from the stresses of life. Thanks for adding this to my life.
— Anonymous
I love this class. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would get so much from this class. Jess has a way to make you feel at ease even though you don’t know what you are doing. The atmosphere was easy going and you could feel free to ask questions. You can progress at your own pace. There is no pressure if you don’t have time to do the homework. Very relaxed atmosphere.
— Gail H.
You’re like my personal trainer helping me get those creative muscles pumping again! 😁
— Kelly
Jess is a wonderful teacher. She breaks down each task into digestible pieces and reinforces her lessons with compassion, humor and encouragement. She makes the process of learning a joy with no perfection or shame. She is a learner with us. She is a delight , a true teacher and loves her students for their individual efforts and process.
— Huntley S.
I really can’t put into words what you have given me… I think it is called joy... I have learned so much in an incredible environment with two wonderful instructors. Thank you!
— Sally M.

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