When asking yourself about something to do near me in Denver with a group of friends or family, consider
Art Students League of Denver
Why Art Students League of Denver is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Art Students League of Denver (ASLD) is a vibrant and welcoming nonprofit arts community located in the historic Sherman School building in the West Washington Park area. Since its establishment in 1987, ASLD has grown from a small group of artists to engaging over 900 students monthly with more than 200 distinguished artists teaching a broad range of fine art courses. The League's unique teaching philosophy encourages artistic exploration without rigid curricula, providing an inspiring environment where creativity flourishes. The historic setting, featuring the Richardson Romanesque architecture of the Sherman School built in 1893, along with its charming annex and beautifully maintained Artful Gardens, creates a serene and inspiring place to gather. With a wide variety of classes catering to all skill levels, it serves as an ideal meeting place for friends and fellow artists to collaborate, learn, and share their passion for art. ASLD also hosts community art markets and events, making it a vibrant cultural hub in Denver. Whether you're an experienced artist or a beginner, the Art Students League of Denver offers a supportive space to cultivate creativity and connect with a thriving artistic community.
Here's what people think of Art Students League of Denver
As of recent, Art Students League of Denver holds a 4.4-star rating based on 48 reviews.
User reviews of the Art Students League of Denver consistently highlight the supportive and enriching environment fostered by both instructors and staff. Many reviewers appreciate the high level of competency among the teaching artists, noting that the League employs working artists who bring real-world experience and passion to their classes. Positive feedback frequently mentions the flexibility allowed for instructors to design their own courses and schedules, alongside competitive pay and a collaborative workplace culture. Students and staff alike enjoy the opportunity for continuous learning and creative exchange. On the other hand, although there are fewer negative comments, some users have noted that the nonprofit nature and diverse offerings might sometimes lead to limitations in formal accreditation or structured curriculum, which may not suit everyone’s learning preferences. Overall, the reviews paint a picture of ASLD as a dynamic, artist-centered institution highly valued for its community spirit, excellent instruction, and commitment to making art education accessible and engaging. The positive experiences far outweigh the negatives, making it a recommended destination for artists and art enthusiasts in Denver.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Melissa RC
I am a member and have taken classes here. I love the institution itself and have enjoyed the classes and instructors but the refund policy and customer service leaves much to be desired. I recently had to withdraw attendance for a class and notified the league 5 days away from the start date due to unforeseen work travel that would unfortunately cause me to miss 50% of the class. Full refund is given if withdrawal is given within 7 days. Long story short I was told no refund would be given. I asked if I could have one of my friends attend in my place- no one responded to my email. A few days after the start of class I get a letter kindly thanking me for my generous donation to the school and here is my receipt for tax purposes. Why not give me a credit to take another class? Or let me reschedule for the fall semester? I didn’t “donate” this money to the school. You forcibly kept it and called it a donation. You also rudely didn’t bother to respond to my message about transferring the class seat to my friend and then kept the money. Take classes but keep your fingers crossed you don’t have any last minute issues that may hamper your attendance. They’ll keep your money and then sell your seat to someone else to get double the tuition.
Sophie Voorhees
Went to go check out the school on August 2nd. An older thin hispanic woman with a little dog came out of 231 Logan (the apt building behind the school), chased us down screaming profanities and wondering why we were taking pics of the building and what we were doing there. Scared- we left. Might want to address that.
Jamie Lynn
I've really enjoyed the two pottery classes I've taken here, looking forward to starting my 3rd pottery class in a few weeks! I started with zero knowledge on how to throw clay and have made a lot of progress with these classes. I've seen some other reviews saying there is a lack of instruction. The classes start with an intro of "this is how to do it" and then there is a lot of self lead time. The self lead time is important because truly you just have to practice repeatedly to get the hang of it. It is important to note though that if you want help on your specific project, all you have to do is ask and the instructor will happily provide more guidance.
Miranda Tanner
Wonderful space, teachers & class variety. The pottery exhibit is fabulous! Hurry before all the best ones are gone. Check it out…
Meret Götschel
The building is beautiful, the people are kind, and I’ve learned so much since I started taking ceramics classes here almost 2 ago years. The instructors all bring their unique teaching style and skill set to the table and both the teachers and the staff have been very helpful. Highly recommend this place!
How to reach Art Students League of Denver
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Why Art Students League of Denver may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at the Art Students League of Denver with your friends?
Gathering your friends at the Art Students League of Denver (ASLD) offers an exceptional blend of creativity, community, and inspiration that makes it an ideal place to connect and engage. This vibrant art institution, nestled in the historic Sherman School building, serves not only as a learning hub but also as a welcoming space for people to explore artistic expression together. Whether you share a passion for painting, drawing, sculpture, or mixed media, ASLD provides an atmosphere where ideas flourish and friendships deepen through shared creative experiences. The energy of being surrounded by like-minded art enthusiasts encourages collaboration and sparks new projects, making it much more than just a typical meetup spot. Plus, the beautifully maintained gardens and architectural charm of the century-old building give your gathering aesthetic appeal and a unique cultural backdrop. Meeting here with friends means immersing yourselves in a place steeped in history, creativity, and the spirit of artistic exploration, offering memories and connections far richer than usual social outings.
What activities can you enjoy at the Art Students League of Denver?
The Art Students League of Denver boasts a diverse range of activities tailored to every artistic interest, making it perfect for groups seeking a creative outing. One of the most engaging opportunities is their extensive offering of fine arts classes taught by over 200 noted artists. These classes cover various mediums such as drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, digital art, and sculpture. Groups can register together for workshops or drop-in sessions that suit their skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Besides formal classes, ASLD opens its studios during specific hours, allowing members to work independently or collaboratively in a professional setting equipped with quality tools and materials. This open studio option is beneficial for friends who want a more flexible, self-directed creative session. Moreover, the ASLD hosts regular exhibitions where visitors can appreciate contemporary artwork created by students and instructors, providing a stimulating cultural experience to accompany your visit. Whether your group prefers hands-on art making or art observation, the league accommodates all these interests intricately.
Why is the Art Students League of Denver perfect for a group meetup?
The Art Students League of Denver excels as a venue for group meetups due to its unique combination of creative resources, welcoming environment, and historic ambiance. The facility includes ten fully equipped studios, offering ample space for groups to spread out, work, and inspire each other without feeling cramped. The historic Sherman School building itself, with its Richardson Romanesque architecture and warm, inviting spaces such as the Annex and Artful Gardens, offers a comfortable and inspiring setting for socializing and creativity alike. Additionally, because the league operates as a nonprofit arts organization, it fosters a community-oriented atmosphere where all visitors feel valued and connected. The ability to blend learning, creating, and socializing makes it uniquely suited for groups that want to bond over something meaningful and productive. The availability of expert instruction further elevates the group experience, as friends can learn new techniques together and grow their skills. The league’s flexible hours accommodate various schedules, making it easy to plan gatherings that fit everyone’s availability.
What should you know before visiting or registering for activities at ASLD?
Before visiting the Art Students League of Denver, it’s helpful to understand their operating hours, registration process, and membership benefits. Registration for classes opens one month before the start of each three-month session, typically on the first Tuesday at 10 a.m., with ceramics classes registering a day later. It’s crucial to check class locations as ASLD offers sessions in multiple venues, including their main branch at 200 Grant Street and a newer branch in Englewood. The main Denver location is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and weekends 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Knowing these hours aids in planning your meetup effectively. Additionally, access to open studios is a membership benefit, and different studios have specific policies, so reviewing these ahead of time ensures smooth creative sessions. Importantly, the ASLD maintains a clean studio policy and safety guidelines to ensure a healthy and pleasant environment for all participants. Understanding these policies encourages respectful use of shared spaces and equipment, making the experience better for everyone involved.
What makes the Art Students League of Denver a historical and cultural landmark in the community?
The Art Students League of Denver is housed in the historic Sherman School, an architectural gem dating back to 1893. Designed by Henry Dozier, the building’s Richardson Romanesque style—with its sandstone base and arched portico entries—stands as a testament to Denver’s rich educational heritage. The school’s transformation into ASLD’s home base over thirty years ago has preserved its grandeur while infusing it with contemporary energy through vibrant arts programming. Additionally, the annex building, originally a kindergarten space with cozy fireplaces, now serves as multipurpose studios that maintain a warm and inviting character. The Artful Gardens surrounding the campus, planted with native Rocky Mountain perennials and maintained by dedicated volunteers, enhance the beauty and serenity of the location, providing visitors with peaceful outdoor spaces for reflection or informal meetups. This fusion of history, community effort, and artistic dedication makes ASLD not only a creative hub but also a cultural landmark cherished by Denver’s arts and wider communities.
How does the Art Students League of Denver support and inspire creative growth?
At its core, the Art Students League of Denver exists to foster artistic development through quality education, community engagement, and inspiring environments. Operating as a nonprofit supported by donations, grants, and tuition, ASLD prioritizes accessibility and excellence in arts education. With a roster of over 200 nationally recognized artists as instructors, the league offers diverse expertise to students at all levels. Classes are designed to challenge and nurture skill growth, while open studios allow for personal experimentation and creative freedom. Moreover, ASLD emphasizes health and safety through their Safe Art guidelines, ensuring that creative work is sustainable and hazard-free. The organization’s commitment to clean, well-maintained studios ensures artists can focus fully on their practice. By building a supportive community of artists, educators, volunteers, and enthusiasts, ASLD creates an environment where creativity thrives and learners feel continually inspired to push their boundaries.
What unique experiences can small groups plan at ASLD for special occasions?
Small groups looking to celebrate birthdays, reunions, or simply enjoy a day out can tailor their experience at the Art Students League of Denver to make their event both unique and memorable. Booking a private group class or workshop with a professional instructor allows attendees to learn new artistic techniques together while creating keepsakes. Whether it's a painting party, a beginner’s ceramics session, or a hands-on printmaking workshop, these tailored experiences provide both fun and creative challenge. The historic location and surrounding gardens offer beautiful settings for socializing before or after the activities, adding atmosphere to any celebration. Additionally, groups can organize informal studio time during open studio hours to collaborate on projects or simply enjoy the creative ambiance. The flexibility and range of offerings make ASLD a versatile venue for group experiences that are creative, educational, and socially enriching all at once. This makes it an excellent alternative to traditional venues for those seeking something more meaningful and artistic.
Why do participants keep returning to the Art Students League of Denver?
The high rating of 4.4 out of 5 from nearly 50 reviews reflects the community’s positive experience with the Art Students League of Denver. Participants return because ASLD combines excellent instruction, a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, and well-maintained facilities that consistently meet the needs of artists. The diverse range of classes and studio options ensures there is always something new to explore, keeping long-term members engaged and inspired. The strong sense of community fosters friendships, mentorship, and collaboration, which many find invaluable beyond the realm of technical learning. Additionally, the organization’s respect for cleanliness, safety, and historical preservation creates a welcoming and safe environment that supports both casual hobbyists and serious artists. These factors contribute to why many people return, often bringing friends along to share in the artistic journey, strengthening the league’s reputation as a premier destination for creative gatherings in Denver.