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Have you ever wanted to try glass making or clay pottery? Listen up, because last week, I had the opportunity to make my own glass flower at The Hot Shop in Orange Beach, Alabama. I loved it so much that today, I want to share more about the Coastal Arts Center Orange Beach with you!
Located on beautiful Wolf Bay, this 4-acre art campus in the heart of Orange Beach, Alabama, should be on everyone’s Alabama Beaches Bucket List. In this post, I will share more about the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach, including information on the art classes they offer!
The Coastal Arts Center Orange Beach, Alabama
You may not envision art classes as part of your beach vacation. However, it’s one of those unique family activities that your kids will probably talk about for years to come when remembering your family vacations. So, let’s dig in!
When you arrive, you will spot the large white 2-story main building and the smaller art studio buildings. The Coastal Arts Center Orange Beach has a 10,000 sq. ft. waterfront coastal art gallery and gift shop in this main building. Both showcase the region’s artistic spirit through vibrant colors and coastal charm. The artwork in the art gallery, most by local Gulf Coast artists, was fun to look at, and each piece was better than the last.
Adjacent to the art gallery, the gift shop offered everything from one-of-a-kind artwork by coastal artists to locally made glassworks and so much more! The Coastal Arts Center also hosts a number of special events throughout the year.
Furthermore, the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach is pet-friendly as long as your pet is leashed, quiet, and well-mannered.
Location: The Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach, Alabama
One of the highlights of this arts center in Orange Beach is very centrally located for beach visitors!
It’s located near the intersection of 180 and 161 and right next to the Orange Beach Community Kids Park. GTs On The Bay, a popular waterfront restaurant, is located nearby and a great lunch or dinner stop before or after your visit.
To visit this Orange Beach art center, it should take under a 15-minute drive from most vacation rentals and beach houses in Gulf Shores Orange Beach.
Booking.comAddress: 26389 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Hours: Monday through Friday from 9 AM – 4 PM
Website: Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach
Classes at the Coastal Arts Center Orange Beach
While the art gallery and gift shop are fun (and free) to stroll through, I was very impressed with the Coastal Art Center’s dynamic classes.
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned artist, there’s a class to suit your wants and needs. Trust me! I had never tried glass making, and the knowledgeable instructors made it easy and memorable.
In this post, I will specifically discuss the glass-making class I took, along with photos and the clay classes. However, if you are local to the Gulf Coast, make sure to check out the Coastal Arts Student Academy, summer camps, and other classes they offer. A full list can be found here.
Pottery and Clay Classes at The Coastal Arts Center Orange Beach
The clay studio offers a variety of classes, alternating between therapeutic and hands-on pottery crafts. I would love to try this on my next visit!
Hand-building and throwing on the pottery wheel starts at $95 per hour. The “Pick-n-Paint” option allows participants to glaze pre-made pottery, with prices starting at $35 and varying based on the chosen piece.
Click here for the full pottery class schedules and to learn more about the Clay Studio.
Glass Blowing at The Hot Spot
Established in 2009, The Hot Shop, located at the Coastal Arts Center, is one of Alabama’s premier glass studios. On weekday mornings, anyone can visit The Hot Shop, where the art of glass blowing takes center stage. Watching the artisans at work, teaching classes, and creating stunning custom creations is free.
Children must be age 8 or above to participate in glass making, which may not be appropriate for younger kids. However, this is the perfect fun thing to do with teens in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. I am really excited to come back with Abby and Jake! Note that children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
They offer “Make Your Own” Glass Blowing Lessons, which I took on weekdays (excluding Wednesday) for $95. They also offer private lessons at $225 per hour. Additionally, you must have completed the “Make Your Own” class before booking private glass making lessons at the Coastal Arts Center Orange Beach.
I had a wonderful time glass blowing at the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach, Alabama. It was less intimidating than expected because the teachers were helpful and patient.
Check out this Instagram reel of me working on my glass flower!
The Hot Shop Rules
Here are some important rules and tips for The Hop Shop!
- Closed-toe shoes are required
- Ages 8+ only
- Appointments are required
- Cotton clothes are recommended
- Bring water
- Plan to return to pick up your art
- Or have your item shipped
To book your class at The Hot Shop, call 251-981-ARTS (2787). A complete list of classes is available here.
Plan Your Visit To The Coastal Arts Center Orange Beach
I hope this Alabama travel blog post has inspired you to try something new during your next visit to Gulf Shores or Orange Beach!
The art classes offered at the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach are fun, year-round activities for (almost) all ages. They are a fantastic option for anyone looking for a break from the sun for a few hours. Likewise, it’s also a great red flag day activity for when the beaches are closed.
Book your appointment for classes in advance, or just swing by and enjoy the beautiful campus and art gallery.
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PIN Visit The Coastal Arts Center Orange Beach
