Jackie Baker, partner-founder of Workhorse Collaborative and president of Handmade Arcade, recommends some Pittsburgh workshops where fun and learning go hand in hand.
Protohaven
214 N. Trenton Avenue
From electronics to sewing to woodworking and blacksmithing, Protohaven is the Pittsburgh area’s largest makerspace and school for design and fabrication. And if finances are a barrier, they offer an Access to Making Program that reduces costs 20% to 70% below standard for folks in need.
Assemble
4824 Penn Avenue
Assemble 21+ Nights offer food, drinks, and making. Try a new craft taught by guest experts. Got a crafty kid? Assemble also offers a free STEAM program where kids in grades 1 through 9 can have a place to go after school and make stuff.
Pittsburgh Glass Center
5472 Penn Avenue
Did you know Pittsburgh was known for glass before it was known for steel? Pittsburgh Glass Center offers classes for small groups and date nights, where visitors can make their own glassware like a flower, or a sand-blasted pint glass, or holiday item.
Legacy Arts Project
7227 Tioga Street
Parents can take an African dance community class on Wednesday nights for just $10, while their kid (ages 4 and up) attends Wondartful Wednesday for free.
The Alloy School at Kelly Strayhorn Theater
5941 Penn Avenue G
reat for both adults and families, offering “a non-competitive and creative community where professional dancers guide learning.” Classes range from Creative Play for kids aged 6 and under to West African Dance & Drum for all ages.
Story by Jackie Baker