Maya RichardsonArt schools don’t usually come to mind until you actually want to learn or improve your skills. It often starts with simple curiosity—wanting to draw better or try something creative in a more structured way.
That’s how it started for us. What began as a casual idea turned into looking for places where we could get proper guidance and build real skills.
It wasn’t a serious plan at first, but the more we explored, the more it made sense. That’s what led us to check out some art schools in Columbus worth considering.
How much do art classes cost in Columbus?
The cost of art classes in Columbus varies depending on the workload, institution, and term. For instance, a community workshop may cost around $10 to $100, while bachelor’s or master’s programs are around $40,000 per school year.
1. Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD)
Address: 60 Cleveland Ave
Phone: +16142249101
Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM–5 PM
This institution is a four-year art college, offering Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Animation, Comics, Game Design, and Illustration. It has a 71.7% acceptance rate and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
In fact, the college is renowned for its Animation and Fashion Design programs, which are consistently ranked among the best in the country.
The art courses they offer here are pretty extensive. Starting from full-time degree programs all the way to non-credit painting classes and Saturday art workshops for kids in grades 1 through 12.
CCAD also doesn’t fall behind in technology. For example, their Jeffrey FabLab and Cloyd Family Animation Center provide students with access to tools such as 3D printers and stop-motion equipment.
For such a prestigious institution, it’s no wonder that the tuition fee is a big investment. Their undergraduate tuition is approximately $43,300 per school year before any financial aid kicks in.
But if you are just looking for a casual workshop, those typically run around $225 for a five-week program.
Students we spoke to described the courses here as “Intense but worth it,” citing the high workload and standards. But we do agree that it prepares you for the professional world.
Great place to hone your art capabilities
“Super friendly folks, providing classic art education in a focused and accessible location! If you are an art-focused student, looking to extend and/or expand your art or art-related career, do some digging into CCAD! Great place to hone your art capabilities, as well as expand into classic “hands-in/hands-on” types of art that not every college can provide!”
- Tim Smoot, Google Review
Great school and program
“Great school, but it’s very challenging. Most of the bad reviews come from people who dropped out. I would say that as a Graphic designer, the school sets you up to be a professional in business practice and has you work with a lot of real-world clients. Overall, great school and program. I would recommend it to anyone who is strong and wants a challenge. You won’t sleep when you’re here.”
- Aaron Bell, Google Review
2. Priscilla R. Tyson Cultural Arts Center
Address: 139 W Main St
Phone: +16146457047
Business hours:
- Monday, 1–4 PM, 7–10 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday, 9 AM–4 PM, 7–10 PM
- Friday and Saturday, 9 AM–4 PM
If you are not necessarily looking for an art degree and just want to learn or explore your creative side, this arts center is one of the go-tos in Columbus. It’s located in the historic Ohio State Arsenal Building, featuring art classes, galleries, and community programs.
They offer various classes here, including painting, sculpture making, and more. Most classes run for 7 to 8 weeks and run throughout the year. Moreover, there are also short-term workshops if you can’t commit to a two-month term.
But what we like the most is the open studio time, where they allow students to use the facilities outside class hours to work on their personal projects.
And of course, if we compare it to traditional art schools, this is way more affordable, at least according to the students. They even offer financial assistance to make the classes more accessible.
However, this also means that the competition to get a spot can be intense. In some cases, registration fills up within minutes of opening.
A community arts space that offers affordable classes
“This place is pretty incredible- right in the center of downtown, there is a community arts space that offers affordable classes to Columbus residents- ceramics, enamel work, painting, sculpture, weaving, and the like. There is a gallery on the entrance floor and a shop of handmade goods that students made. It’s in the old armory building, which is historical and unique. There is free parking and a paid lot.”
- Grant Donnelly, Google Review
I already feel far more confident than before I arrived
“I just took my very first art class since high school here; the instructor was phenomenal, the atmosphere was perfect, and I already feel far more confident than before I arrived!”
- Sierra Harper, Google Review
3. McConnell Arts Center (MAC)
Address: 777 Evening St
Phone: +16144310329
Business hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday, 10 AM–9 PM
- Friday, 10 AM–7 PM
- Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM
What we really like about the McConnell Arts Center is that it’s packed with features that you won’t find at a standard studio.
Aside from classrooms, they have a theater, a dance studio, and more. This makes them capable of regularly hosting exhibitions, performances, and community events—perfect for those who appreciate all forms of art.
For their art classes, the center offers a mix of visual and digital arts, making it more dynamic than your typical art school. They have options for both kids and adults all year-round.
You can sign up for multi-week sessions or opt for one-off workshops, where it’s usually themed—just like their “Sip & Paint” nights. And for the youngsters, their summer camps and Saturday art classes are pretty popular as well.
Their programs are different every term and typically last for 5 to 8 weeks. The price range is around $120 to $300, which we agree is pretty manageable.
If it’s not in your budget range, students advise getting the membership programs for discounts on registration fees. Not to mention, scholarships and payment plans are also available.
But as a facility with a lot of activity, people feel that the place can feel cramped sometimes.
I learn so much from my classmates as well as the instructor
“I’ve taken several ceramics classes here and have been blown away. The instruction is fantastic. The class sizes are small enough that you get plenty of individual attention. And having open studio time included in the cost of the class has been so helpful in giving me time to practice and develop my skills. The people in the class range in skill level, and everybody is so welcoming and helpful! I learn so much from my classmates as well as the instructor.”
- Katharine Schleich, Google Review
It is an amazing space with many activities
“Can not say enough good things about this place, it is an amazing space with many activities happening all the time. One of my favorites was a Minecraft building competition I went to about 7 years ago, amazing. They also have a lot of fun summer camps, and let’s not forget the number of musicals and shows that are performed here.”
- Mineland, Google Review
4. Terra Gallery & Creative Studio
Address: 6631 Dale Dr, Dublin
Phone: +16147269260
Business Hours: Monday to Sunday, 12–5 PM
As both a working studio and a professional gallery, Terra Gallery & Creative Studio blends exhibitions, classes, and custom art services in its facility.
The artists here have created art pieces that have been featured in places like The Hyatt Regency and various Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. This only means you’ll be getting classes from instructors who are recognized by high-profile corporate names.
What really stood out for us was the program lineup that features modern art styles. You will find workshops in metal art, acrylic paint pouring, and even slime-making for kids.
If you are looking to master your skill with more personalized attention, a private one-on-one session is also available. For public group workshops, the price isn’t fixed, and they usually charge per class.
The good thing is, there’s no need for long-term commitments. You can just drop in when you want.
According to students, they like that the atmosphere is welcoming and very beginner-friendly. You can basically learn and make friends at the same time.
We learned so much
“Attended a class with the owner, Jeff. The gallery itself is a great place to visit. The class was so fun, and we learned so much! Left with a beautiful piece of art.”
- Aaron James, Google Review
The paintings turned out great
“The gallery itself is amazing. I have also had a few painting classes with Jeff, and the paintings turned out great!”
- Jennifer Lopez, Google Review
5. 400 West Rich
Address: 400 W Rich St
Phone: +16147255324
Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM–5 PM
400 West Rich is a former manufacturing facility that turned into an art complex and community hub. It hosts the monthly Franklinton Fridays, which is a popular event that draws hundreds of visitors for its open studio and art exhibitions.
Unlike other schools, there isn’t a fixed curriculum here. Instead, the classes are conducted individually by the resident artists, meaning the workshops are independent and more hands-on.
They offer sessions, like Bob Ross courses, print-making, jewelry-making, and more—available for all ages and skill levels.
Aside from the art division, there are other features as well, including a restaurant and co-working space. This vibrant and lively atmosphere is what keeps visitors coming, citing that there’s something new to see or try every visit.
Not to mention the workshops are accessible, with prices ranging from $30 to $55, and most events have free entry.
Just note that during big events, it can get crowded, and the parking situation can be frustrating.
This place makes me happy every time we visit
“This place makes me happy every time we visit! We love meeting the artists! They welcome you into their spaces to see their creations. Everyone is so warm & friendly. There’s such a great variety of artists and so many unique styles. The place is always changing. Every time we stop in, we find something new. I absolutely love the building! Lots of cool architectural details. I highly recommend anyone who loves art or is looking for a special gift for a loved one to check it out. Keep an eye out for events such as Franklinton Fridays, Festivus, Franklinton PRIDE, Festival of Good, etc., etc. These are all super fun events and a great opportunity to step inside 400 West Rich & explore.”
- Sara and Tristan Walker, Google Review
This place is a treasure trove of local art
“This place is a treasure trove of local art! Don’t miss their monthly events that are open to the public. You can go around to the various studios and browse the art! It’s such a great experience to meet the artists, see their work, and get a sense of their creative vision, and if you like it enough, come home with a piece or two! I feel fortunate to live in a city with such an active and vibrant art scene and such a great facility as 400 W Rich.”
- William Pearson, Google Review
