When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
Petersen Art Center
Why Petersen Art Center is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Petersen Art Center in Salt Lake City offers a rich and welcoming environment that makes it an ideal place to meet up with friends who share an interest in art or those looking to explore their creative side. Founded in 1993 by a father-son duo, Harold “Pete” Petersen, a renowned watercolor artist, and his son Mark Petersen, the center draws upon decades of art education and experience to engage a diverse community. The center is notable for providing accessible art classes for all ages and skill levels, including watercolor, pottery, oil painting, and more, fostering a space where anyone can feel inspired to create. The location's history as a repurposed 1990s Sugar House storefront, complete with a parking lot—a rarity in the neighborhood—adds to its charm and convenience. With more than 18,000 students having participated and over 120,000 classes offered, the Petersen Art Center is more than a studio; it is a thriving creative hub. Socially, the center encourages collaboration and interaction, providing ample opportunities for students and visitors to engage with one another while nurturing artistic growth. The approachable studio space, its community-oriented ethos, and a legacy of artistic mastery make it a unique and welcoming meeting place for friends, artists, and learners alike.
Here's what people think of Petersen Art Center
As of recent, Petersen Art Center holds a 4-star rating based on 31 reviews.
User reviews of the Petersen Art Center generally reflect a positive reception with a rating of 4.0 out of 5, based on 31 reviews. Many users praise the center for its extensive variety of classes and the expertise of its instructors, highlighting the legacy of founder Harold “Pete” Petersen as a deeply influential figure whose teaching inspired generations. Positive reviews often mention the welcoming atmosphere, the quality of instruction, and the opportunity to learn multiple art techniques in a supportive community. Students appreciate the center’s commitment to nurturing creativity across skill levels, citing the accessibility of classes and the friendly environment that encourages artistic exploration. On the other hand, some negative reviews point to occasional issues such as limited space within the studio, which in the past led to crowded classes although this was acknowledged as part of the center's early growing pains. A few critiques also reference challenges with parking or scheduling conflicts, which may affect some visitors’ convenience. Overall, the consensus is that the Petersen Art Center offers a valuable and enriching experience for aspiring and experienced artists alike, balancing some logistical downsides with a strong reputation for quality teaching and community engagement.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Lizz D.
My daughter and I currently take pottery classes and we absolutely love them! The teacher (Sarah) is amazing, all the people we've met are so nice, and it's so close! It desperately needs a remodel and an update to the plumbing in the classrooms, but we LOVE everything else!
Maya Collinwood
I always wanted to do a pottery class and finally got the stars to align a bit to be able to. I tried two classes at Peterson. I really liked both teachers and they're super nice and friendly. The problem is that they take more students than they have room for. I cannot even tell you how much time I spent trying to find my projects and how many I never found or were damaged because someone bumped it when it was soft. There's simply not enough room on the shelves so everything is so squished. There's a rough system of where things go while you're still making it, then to get fired, then you glaze it, then it gets fired again. Anywhere in there, your project can disappear. Sometimes I found something weeks later. I finally just decided to find somewhere else. I had to go back multiple times for over 6 weeks afterwards trying to find what I glazed, hoping to find it fired.
Yana Ya
I just started taking a class on hand build pottery with Ben. First of all, Ben is a fantastic teacher, and I like his no-pressure style of teaching. Second, hand building is waaaay easier than throwing and gives you waaaay more freedom for creativity! I attached the images of pieces I made after just one lesson (it's uneven on purpose 😂)
Marion Davis
Petersen Art Center is my home away from home. Love the instructors and fellow potters.
Erin B
I had been so excited to find pottery classes at a fraction of the price of other studios in the area, but I quickly learned that you get what you pay for. The classes here are disorganized, classrooms are in need of a remodel, and so is the plumbing. The instructor for the wheel thrown pottery class I signed up for is, according to the students who had been there awhile, notorious for showing up late, and even after she shows up, she does not instruct. I am sure this class would be fantastic if you already had a background in pottery and just needed somewhere to throw on a consistent basis, but for a beginner looking to get into this as a hobby, it was very disheartening. I don’t think it’s asking for too much to expect the instructor to show up on time and instruct, but again…. You get what you pay for. Petersen was nice enough to refund my class fee, but would not refund my materials fees for the pottery tools and clay which is a little ridiculous to me but I digress. If you, like me, are looking for a good beginner pottery class, I recommend checking out Iron Desert Arts or Workshop SLC instead of here.
How to reach Petersen Art Center
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Why Petersen Art Center may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Petersen Art Center with your friends?
Gathering your friends at the Petersen Art Center is an ideal way to share creative energy in an inspiring and welcoming environment. This art center is not just a place for individual expression but a vibrant community hub where groups can connect over a shared love for art. Whether you are an artist or simply looking to explore your creative side with others, the center offers the perfect blend of professional guidance and casual atmosphere that encourages fun and meaningful interaction. The legacy of founder Harold “Pete” Petersen is evident in the warm and encouraging vibe throughout the space, reminding all visitors that creativity thrives best when nurtured collectively. This is a place where friends can rally to learn from each other, inspire one another, and create lasting memories while engaging in art. The easy accessibility, spacious parking, and friendly staff further contribute to making meetups comfortable and stress-free, so you can focus fully on the experience with your group. In short, Petersen Art Center transforms a simple gathering into a vibrant, shared journey of artistic discovery.
What types of activities can groups enjoy at Petersen Art Center?
The Petersen Art Center offers a rich variety of structured and casual art activities ideal for groups looking to bond and explore creativity together. The core offering consists of weekly art classes that meet once per week for two hours, typically spanning four sessions per month. These classes cover a broad range of artistic disciplines and skill levels, catering to students from first grade through adult learners, ensuring that groups of mixed ages can find something suitable. Each class is designed not only to develop artistic techniques but also to foster personal creativity and self-esteem, making it a supportive environment for beginners and experienced artists alike. For groups, taking a class together can be a wonderful shared experience, encouraging collaboration and discussion among participants beyond just the art-making itself.
Besides classes, the center maintains a friendly community spirit that often facilitates informal gatherings and creative socials where friends can chat, sketch, paint, or simply admire each other's work. Additionally, the center's founder was a well-known watercolorist, and elements of this art form strongly inspire the teaching style and projects found here, lending groups the chance to explore a unique and respected medium together. Whether your meetup is casual or more structured, Petersen Art Center offers numerous opportunities to engage hands-on with art in a stimulating and inclusive setting.
Why is Petersen Art Center the perfect place for a group meetup?
Petersen Art Center is perfectly suited for group meetups for several compelling reasons, beginning with its dedicated focus on creative community building. Founded by Harold Petersen, a beloved artist and educator who inspired thousands, the center continues to uphold a tradition of nurturing not only artistic skills but also social bonds through shared creative practice. The staff’s welcoming and respectful approach ensures that everyone feels included, creating a space where groups can comfortably explore art without pressure or judgment.
The physical space is also thoughtfully arranged to accommodate groups comfortably. There is ample parking available just a short walk from the entrance, making it easy for everyone in your group to arrive and leave without hassle. The facility offers large classrooms that can hold multiple participants working side-by-side and spaces where finished works can be displayed, encouraging conversation and appreciation among friends. Importantly, these spaces are designed with accessibility in mind, so groups including individuals with mobility challenges can participate fully.
The ongoing nature of classes, with options to join open spots at any time, allows groups to start or continue sessions without rigid commitment schedules, enhancing convenience for busy social calendars. Moreover, because art fosters communication, reflection, and shared discovery, your meetup at Petersen Art Center will be not just enjoyable but also meaningful, creating memories and deepening friendships through collaborative creativity.
What kind of classes and programs does Petersen Art Center offer?
Petersen Art Center’s class program is extensive, designed to cater to a wide range of ages and skill levels. Classes meet once a week for two hours over a monthly cycle of four sessions, and students can enroll anytime if spaces are available. This rolling enrollment system makes it easy for groups to join together as openings arise.
The curriculum is carefully developed to balance foundational art principles with age-appropriate instruction. For example, younger children (grades 1 through 3) learn basic artistic concepts in a way that momentously supports their natural creativity and self-esteem. Older kids (grades 4–6 and grades 7–8) progress with more structured skill development. Adult classes continue this progression, accommodating beginners who want to explore new creative outlets as well as advanced artists wishing to refine their talents.
An important feature of these classes is the inclusion of all necessary materials via a small monthly fee, eliminating the stress of having to prepare or purchase supplies on your own. This makes organizing a group visit simple since attendees come ready to focus on creating rather than logistics. The center’s instructors are experienced art educators who foster a nurturing and inspiring atmosphere, encouraging each student to find their artistic voice while fostering camaraderie among classmates.
How accessible and convenient is Petersen Art Center for visitors and groups?
Accessibility and convenience are major strengths of the Petersen Art Center, especially important for groups aiming for a smooth and enjoyable meetup. The center’s location in Salt Lake City features easy-to-navigate parking just a short distance from the main entrance, including a dedicated lot next to a local ice cream shop, which makes arriving and departing with multiple people straightforward. Street parking is available but limited, so using the designated lot is recommended to avoid issues.
Inside, the venue is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators to aid visitors with mobility needs. This inclusive design ensures that no member of your group is left out, allowing everyone to participate fully in classes and activities. The center’s welcoming spirit extends beyond physical space to helpful front-of-house service—staff are responsive and ready to assist with questions or special accommodations.
Additionally, the center maintains clear and flexible scheduling, with classes and open studio times that can fit various group schedules. Its ongoing enrollment policy means you don’t have to plan months ahead, and the ability to join classes mid-session is a bonus for spontaneous or casual meetups. All these factors combine to make Petersen Art Center a highly accessible, convenient, and user-friendly choice for anyone looking to bring friends together around art.
What kind of atmosphere and community can one expect at Petersen Art Center?
At Petersen Art Center, the atmosphere is one of warm encouragement, creativity, and mutual respect, strongly influenced by the legacy of its founder, Harold Petersen. This environment is cultivated through passionate instructors who emphasize the importance of personal expression alongside artistic technique. Visitors quickly notice the welcoming vibe that motivates everyone—whether newcomer or seasoned artist—to feel valued and confident.
The art center is more than just a place to take classes or create art; it is a supportive community hub where friendships are built through shared creative experiences. Groups who meet here often find their interactions enriched by the artistic context, sparking meaningful conversations that extend beyond painting or drawing. Many returning students express that Petersen Art Center has become a favorite meeting place precisely because it balances focus with warmth, professionalism with playfulness, and instruction with freedom.
Furthermore, the diversity of classes and participants contributes to a vibrant social dynamic. People of all ages and backgrounds come together to learn, share, and inspire, creating a sense of belonging that is refreshing and rejuvenating. This makes Petersen Art Center not just a venue for art education, but a cherished social space where friends and family can deepen bonds through the joy of making art together.