Blog 4: Where Should You Teach Art?

Paint Events vs Schools vs Art Colleges

Have you ever thought about teaching art – but weren’t sure where to begin? Whether you’re a seasoned artist looking to share your skills or just dipping your toes into teaching, where you teach makes a big difference.

In this episode of Computers to Canvas, I’m diving into three very different settings where artists often teach:

• Paint Events (think: wine & canvas nights),
• School Classrooms (workshops and art periods),
• Art Colleges (the deep end of the creative pool).

Each one has its own vibe, purpose, and teaching style and I’ve had a taste of all three. Let’s explore what makes each setting unique, what challenges they bring, and how you can decide what’s right for you.

🍷 Paint Events: The Party Approach

Paint events are like art meets happy hour. Think: casual vibes, music, laughter, and a whole lot of “Oops! I didn’t mean to paint that!”

These events are all about accessibility. As the instructor, you’re not just teaching—you’re entertaining. You’re guiding a group of people (often beginners) through a simple, feel-good painting experience. They’re not there to become Van Gogh—they’re there to relax, socialize, and maybe take a cute painting home.

What it takes as a teacher:

• High energy and a good sense of humor
• Flexibility and patience
• The ability to keep things moving while supporting everyone individually

Why it matters:
Paint events introduce art to people who might be too intimidated to ever set foot in a formal studio. It’s low-pressure creativity and for many, it’s their first brush with painting since childhood.

🖍️ School Workshops: The Structured but Semi-Casual Approach

Teaching in schools or through structured workshops is a very different ball game. Here, you’re not just filling canvases you’re shaping young minds.

Your role as a teaching artist is to guide students through real lessons in creativity, design, observation, and expression. You’re introducing elements of art and design, helping students find their voice, and often working within tight timeframes and limited supplies.

What it takes as a teacher:

• A solid understanding of lesson planning and classroom management
• Creativity in adapting lessons for different skill levels
• Emotional intelligence and the ability to nurture young creatives

Why it matters:
School-based art programs often give students their first taste of structured art education—and for some, it’s life-changing. You’re not just teaching technique; you’re helping them see art as a tool for communication and self-discovery.

🖌️ Art Colleges: The Studio Mastery Approach

This is the deep end. Teaching at an art college or university level means guiding dedicated students who have chosen art as a serious career path.

You’re no longer just an instructor—you’re a mentor, coach, and sometimes therapist. You’ll be teaching theory, critique, and helping students push boundaries as they develop a professional body of work.

What it takes as a teacher:

• Deep knowledge of both technique and art history
• The ability to give (and receive) constructive critique
• Mentorship skills, portfolio development guidance, and real-world experience

Why it matters:
You’re helping shape the next generation of professional artists. It’s a huge responsibility—and an incredibly rewarding one.

🎤 Final Thoughts: Art for Everyone, Everywhere

Whether you’re handing out aprons at a paint-and-sip, navigating a noisy classroom full of fifth-graders, or breaking down postmodernism with a group of studio majors, teaching art is never one-size-fits-all.

Each space offers something unique:

• Paint events bring joy and accessibility to people who think they “can’t do art.”
• School workshops plant the seeds of creativity and visual literacy in young learners.
• Art schools nurture mastery, mentorship, and creative careers.

And here’s the truth: all of it matters.
Art isn’t just in galleries – it’s on kitchen tables, in classrooms, and yes, even on a canvas with a glass of wine nearby.

💬 I’d Love to Hear from You

Have you ever taught art in any of these settings? What was your experience like? What made you fall in love with it – or what drove you a little bit crazy?

Send me a message on Instagram @colormecreative.ca or leave a voice note on our website. Let’s keep the conversation going!

🎧 Listen to the full episode now on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe if this helped you think more deeply about your own creative teaching path.

Until next time – keep creating, keep teaching, and remember: Every Brushstroke Matters.